What-a Weekend!

This has been a great weekend. It's been absolutely packed, but so wonderful. I'm very thankful to have a couple days to unwind from such a whirlwind of a work-week. Saturday I started out at work- it ended up being a decent day, and definitely went much faster than some Saturday work days. After work I came home, and Kristopher and I got ready to head to Grand Rapids. We've been so busy the past few weeks that we haven't seen the family at all since Christmas Eve!  So it was a much overdue visit...

Kris' beloved Grandpa has been in the hospital all week. We found the hospital in downtown Grand Rapids just fine, parked in the parking structure, and wandered around the hospital for 20 minutes until we found his room. Ha! The layout was insane- so many different elevators leading to different towers... We were a mess! We spent a little bit of time chatting, and Kris had used the video camera to do a tour of the house for his Grandpa, since he's been in rather poor health we're figuring he will probably not make it out to Okemos again to see our home. We wanted him to see Keegan's room, and all of the decorating we've done in the house since we moved in. Funny, though: Grandpa was most excited to see Henry and Tyler (our dogs) on the video!

Finding our way out of the hospital was just the start to our problems that leg of the trip... Ha! Another 20 minutes and two parking structures later we were in our car and "headed" to my in-law's house. It should probably only take about 15 minutes or so to get there... But both of our GPS's dinked out at JUST the right time. We drove around and around- on the FREEWAYS- and would get off at an exit, and then think we were going the wrong way, and turn around, only to find out we were originally going the right way. What a disaster! Kris was laughing, I was crying, and I just wanted to go to bed!!! HA!

We FINALLY got to Kris' parents' house 45 minutes later, and were able to spend some time catching up with them, and Kris' step sister (and neice and nephew!) and step brother. It was so good to see everyone. We had a great dinner! Greek chicken, greek potatoes, and greek pasta. Mmmm! I just want to make a big bowl of Greek Pasta for this week and live off of that!!! It's Penne Pasta, Feta Cheese, Greek Olives, Red Onion and Greek Dressing all mixed together. My stomach is growling as I type!!!

We were able to get up and at 'em early enough to attend the service at Riverview today. It was great- but boy, I was exhausted from the day before, and was feeling a little sore so unfortunately I didn't get as much out of it as I should have. We ate at Mongolian BBQ (Delish!) and then came home and took a nice long nap. I haven't actually napped (just for fun, I mean- it doesn't count when you're sick ;) in so long, and it was FABULOUS! I'm thinking I should make that my new hobby for the next 12 weeks before Keegan arrives!

Now we're relaxing and watching the Grammy's, gearing up for this week. Fortunately we decided to take Friday off since we have an important doctor's appointment for Keegan... short week's always go by faster! Plus, I get to do my citizenly duty and report for jury duty tomorrow morning... I swear, I get called to Jury Duty more than anyone I know! I'm only 24 and have already been summoned THREE times! I must come across as unbiased ;)

I hope everyone had as enjoyable of a weekend as I did. Let's make it a good week!

Hello, Third Trimester!

Today marks the first day of our third and FINAL trimester of this pregnancy!!! I am getting to ready to meet this handsome boy face to face. I already adore him, but can't wait to get to know him better outside of the womb! :) Next Saturday (the 19th), Kris and I are going to celebrate Valentines Day by going and getting another 3D Ultrasound at Baby Envision in Brighton. We went there at 17 and 1/2 weeks- because I was SO impatient I couldn't wait any longer to know if that little mover inside me was a boy or girl. They were so sweet there, so I can't wait to go back and see Keegan now that he's getting more chubbs on him! 

I celebrated the start to this third trimester with a visit to the doctor this morning- always fun! Luckily since I had accumulated so much overtime this week and because I had a special work event to attend for an hour and a half this afternoon, plus, I'm working on Saturday- I was able to stay home from work today! That's always makes for a fun day! :)

So here's my update:

I'm 28 weeks!

 

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

 

Size of baby: Keegan weighs about 2 1/2lbs and is about 15 inches long (according to Babycenter.com)

 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: AH! I went to the doctor's office and was in shock. She said that it shows me at a 22lb weight gain!!! MY scale shows 18-19lb gain, but I'm sure their's is more accurate... so 22lb's it is! :(

 

Maternity Clothes: Mostly all maternity...

 

Gender: Sweet Baby Boy- Keegan Michael :)

 

Movement: He's crazy. Kris likes to wake him up right before we go to bed. He still doesn't get that having a 15 inch baby kicking inside of you CAN keep you up at night ;)

 

Sleep: I have trouble falling asleep. I'm in a lot of pain- like joint pain and pelvic pain, so unfortunately it hurts everytime I have to move. Plus I have such bad acid reflux that it is waking me up in the night... SICK!!! Ha!

 

What I miss: HA! Not walking like I have saddle sore!

 

Cravings: Chocolate Pudding, Orange Juice, Sushi, Waffles

 

Symptoms: Sleepiness, sore joints, sore boobs, acid reflux, and as of this week I have such a horrible pain in my pubic bone- like someone kicked me! Ouch. I now have to wear a maternity support belt... Ha, maybe those 22 lbs and all this pain means Keegs will be a big healthy boy!

 

Best Moment this week: Hmm... I don't have a specific moment. It's been a super busy work week, so I haven't had much time to pick out a best moment!

 

Welp, we also celebrated tonight with a good Polish classic: Pierogies! Mmm! Must be the little Polish baby in my belly just begging for some yummy food. I went grocery shopping today and couldn't walk past the Mrs. T's pierogies (my mom-in-law makes fantastic home made pierogies... I'm not really Polish, so I think it's okay for me to use frozen ;).

 

Just to make your mouth water....

 

 

Carmelized Onions and Spinich/Feta/Potato Pierogies... Mmmm!

HAHA, why am I shocked when I see a 22lb weight gain already?! Ha!

In the darkness, Gods light shines...

There are so many terrible things that happen in this world. I have been closely following this event the past couple of days and I do not remember the last time that my heartstrings have been pulled so hard. Earlier this week, a couple in Jackson, Michigan got in a car accident and the pregnant wife was killed. After some surgery they were able to deliver the baby girl, who was born not breathing. They were able to recesitate her, however, she showed no improvement and ended up passing last night.

Here is the link to Chad Cole's blog (it followed their whole pregnancy- up until present day):

http://sadandchara.blogspot.com/

I will say, it's a horrific and heartbreaking situation, but I am referencing it for two reasons:

1) To ask everyone who reads this to pray for Chad Cole. I've never met the man, but I can only imagine his pain- to have gone from being an excited, expectant parent to suddenly being overwhelmed with feelings of lonlieness and helplessness.

2) To point out how incredible it is to see a man going through such suffering, but using that suffering to bring glory to God. The grace of God somehow reflects through this entire, awful situation.

It is almost like a modern day story of Job. But let's all remember what happened to Job in the long run: he continued to point to the Lord, and worship Him even in the middle of the worst hardships a man could face... but in the end, the Lord blessed him tenfold. I pray that will happen for this sweet man as well.

Maybe it's the fact that our son (Lord-willing) will be born so soon- but, this is such a touching story. It puts so much into perspective for me. It's amazing how right when we need a reminder of how well we have it, and how precious life is, God sends the perfect lesson our way to readjust our lenses.

Busy weekend, Busy week!

This has been a phenomenal weekend. I don't remember the last time I had SUCH a busy weekend- like, literally rushing from place to place from Friday after work until today (Sunday) at 4:00! Whew! I'm whooped but I have to say- I actually loved it. Normally I don't do well with rushing, but for some reason this weekend I handled it okay!

My favorite part of this weekend: today we had our Lifegroup over after church for some lunch and some sermon notes... Okay, nothing new, but my favorite part was that our friends baby boy, Greyson, was such a lovey-bear and a snuggle-bug and let me hold him and play with him all afternoon! There's nothing like a smiley, laughing baby boy to get you excited to have a son. That soft baby hair, and the smell- OH, the smell of a sweet baby! I. Am. Pumped. (to say the least)...

We had to leave small group early the last time we met because we were meeting my mom at our house- so we missed out on some big news, which instead got passed to us today: Greyson (and Quinn's) parents are going to (Lord-willing) leave to join the traveling nurses! I was shocked- especially because it feels like we're just getting to know them! So, Nate and Neena- just know that not only will WE miss you, but our whole small group will be lacking without you guys here! You are great examples of parents to small children...

After a busy, busy weekend, I am anticipating a busy, busy week. HOPEFULLY that means that the week will fly by as quickly as this weekend did?! Ha! A girl can dream, right?!

Let me end with something completely off subject... can I just say that I got another great deal this week... Reebok Easy Tones on the clearance rack at DSW (and if you know me well, I probably already told you how much I got 'em for... but I am going to pretend to be modest about my good deal and not announce it on the blog)! They've inspired me to start working out again... and by working out I mean, walking on the treadmill for 15-25 minutes... But they make everything so much harder! I would recommend them to anyone (but only if you get them for the steal that I did ;).

Please note: I got such a steal on these shoe's because they're whiter than all get-out... but us beggars can't be choosers, now, can we?!



Anyway, got to go... the Super Bowl starts in 23 minutes... HA!! Who am I kidding?! I'm sure we'll be watching E! all night instead... ;)

"Oooh baby, just you shut your mouth!"

Ha! That's one of my favorite lyrics of all time, and everytime I hear it, I think of the movie, "The Wedding Singer." Such a fantastic movie. Anyways, it's just such an applicable lyric, and I don't think I know of any person that couldn't benefit from mulling over that line a little more- myself included!

This week I've encountered multiple occasions where I should just bite my tongue, or chose a more appropriate way to handle a conversation. I have to say, it's easy to become defensive of your behavior or the things you say, because in this country we're SO programmed to our "right to free speech," but I think we frequently take that out of context. Do we really have the right to voice our opinions wherever and however we want? Absolutely not.

I remember a teacher in high school saying that he and his college friends used to challenge each other to play the "Ephesians 4:29 Game."

 And what a challenge that would be...

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for the building up of others, according to their needs- that it may benefit those who listen."

So that's my focus for the weekend...

I'm thinking that will not come easy- but "I shall try." (NOTE: Can you believe all of my 1990's movie quotes in this blog post- reference: "Ever After"?!)

27 Weeks!

Wow! I cannot believe we're already in our last week in the second trimester. Big Boy is gettin' so big, and is going to be here before we know it!!! SO exciting! So here's a little update:

I'm 27 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 27 Weeks

Size of baby: Keegan weighs about 2 pounds and is about 14 inches long! I told you he's a Big Boy! (according to BabyCenter.com:)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Okay, let's talk about that. I found out that I was weighing myself wrong the past couple weeks. I finally realized that I was taking away a couple of pounds- confusing the weight on my scale vs. the doctor's office scale... and it doesn't make sense when I describe it. But now my honesty has to come out... 18 lb's so far. WHEW!

Maternity Clothes: Mostly all maternity... I miss my regular jeans, but I have to say, maternity clothes are comfortable!!! :)

Gender: Sweet Baby Boy- Keegan Michael :)

Movement: This morning I'm sure I felt what was an arm bone. I feel like he's going to be a very tall boy because his daddy is so tall, and since we've been able to feel those long little legs kicking on the OUTSIDE of my stomach since 17 weeks... And I have to be honest, that bone, whether it was an arm or a leg kind freaked me out this morning! :)

Sleep: Still having some trouble falling asleep- and I do get up a couple times a night to use the ladies room and to re-adjust my pillows... and THANK YOU to my dear friend, Amy,  who suggested I start sticking a pillow between my legs. It's a life saver! :)

What I miss: Not being so sore all the time, and maybe having a little Lemongrass Mint Mojito with dinner ;)

Cravings: Sushi, Thai, Chocolate Pudding. HA. Sick combo.  But so good!

Symptoms: Sleepiness, sore joints, sore boobs! HA! Of course some other things too that are no one's business!

Best Moment this week: Talking baby shower with all my family members- I think it'll be a really good time!!!! :) ALSO, finding out today that Keegan will be having another little boy playmate around: Roan Keane White!!! Congratulations, Sean and Mikenna!!! :) That makes FOUR- count 'em FOUR baby boys in our LifeGroup (small group at our church, Riverview)... They'll all be within a year and a half of each other! SO MUCH FUN! Greyson, Gavin, Keegan and Roan!

Half Day-Snow Day!

Everyone's referring to today as "Snowmageddon." I have to say, I am extremely blessed today. I am scheduled for a half day today already- from 12:00 to 3:00 and since work has not been cancelled for us at the bank, I'm fortunate to have such a short shift scheduled... I woke up this morning to 11.2" of snow (according to our local news), and to my HUSBAND! On his morning conference call his sales center manager advised them to all stay in if they were able to. So there he was, working on homework. And I am so happy! Not just because it's a nice surprise to wake up to him on a work day, but also because if he wasn't here, I am not sure how I would get to work... Our driveway has two foot snow drifts, and our roads are totally blocked in. Anyone who knows my house knows that we're in a new development, with hardly any homes yet- so we're not very high on the list of side streets to be plowed. So now my sweet husband has been outside this morning shovelling, and is now taking our Jeep (which I'll be taking today since it has 4 wheel drive) to the gas station to fill the tank. What a guy!

I figured instead of posting pictures of how much snow we have, instead, I'll be posting some past pictures of some incredible vacations that we've been able to take together... Some wonderful memories, with a great man, in some amazing places!

Here's one picture that I took on Maui on the road to Hana:

What a spectacular sight! That was one of my FAVORITE days of my life!

And here we are on one of Maui's black sand beaches:

This next one is the last one I'll show from Maui, but sheesh- what I wouldn't do to get back there! :)

This just shows how blue the water is... We went snorkling here... To my friends who have just MOVED to Maui (cough-Betty and Ginny- cough-cough): I am SO jealous of you! Relish every moment of it! And to my sister and brother in law who are getting ready to leave for Maui- soak it all in! Drink a Mai Tai and think of me while you're doing that! :)

The next vacation spot I'll highlight is a place that I've been travelling to since I was a baby. It's probably not ALL that great to other people- but the beach is spectacular, it's quiet, and so peaceful: Sanibel Island, Florida!

Growing up we always stayed at Sanibel Island Beach Club II- but my husband and I tried a new place just down the beach from Beach Club II this past October- and I have to say for the cost savings, it really was a comparable stay! :)

We stayed at Sandalfoot Condominiums:

And this was the view from our balcony.

Our favorite restaurants in the world are on Sanibel Island:

The Bubble Room! What a fun place... and the best desserts on earth! :) I think we each had about 3 ginormous pieces the whole week we were there in October.

This was us on the beach on Captiva (the island that Sanibel is connected to) watching the sunset...

What sweet, warm memories!

Everyone stay safe, and enjoy your snow day if you have one!!! :)