6 weeks.

Baby,

Things here are going great! We had our first doctor appointment yesterday and we’ll have our first ultrasound in 2 weeks. I am feeling okay overall, but have most of the pregnancy symptoms. This mama of yours is tired all the time and I have full blown morning sickness! I keep remembering that you’ll be coming at the end of all of this, which makes it more manageable.

Your daddy is a really good man. I am so in love with him- more than ever. He has been doing a lot for us- like running out to get my Sprite, encourage me to eat, eat, eat, and buying me special vitamins in your honor. He always says “good morning” and “good night” to you! We just think of you and talk about you all the time. We are so, so blessed.

The next few weeks are going to be busy for our little family. I graduate next week and the week after we’ll be traveling to Israel together! I look forward to the day that I’ll get to tell you about the time you went to the Holy Land in mama’s belly.

By the way, you’re the size of a black bean now. You’re growing at such a fast pace- I am so proud! Stay safe in there, okay? I’ll take care of you.

I love you so much,

Momma

my mind.

Sorry things have been a little boring over here on the blog. My mind has been elsewhere. For instance:

-Last Friday I got my cap & gown & hood. It looks like a Harry Potter robe, with pointy sleeves and everything.

-Yesterday was my last day of school. Ever. & I forgot about that fact until I got home.

-Tonight is my fancy celebration dinner with the school & organization representatives.

-Tomorrow is my exit interview/oral defense of my thesis. This is the one event that I have dreaded since day one. I am anxious, but also excited. Tomorrow at 2- send me your thoughts, prayers & wishes! After I pass this, I am officially in the clear for graduation.

-This weekend I have a little retreat with my school friends.

-Next Friday I graduate. & next Saturday I party.

-Then, in 16 days, we're off to Israel.

Ah, to enjoy the today and embrace all that it offers. That is my prayer.

chick.

Look at that little chick. I love the shoulder pads, the lace bib, the lovely floral print, and the security bracelet. Ah, Easter dresses!

Enjoy your Easter weekend! I am hoping for little gum balls in mini egg crates (anyone else love this chew-for-five-seconds-and-lose-its-flavor gum?!), chocolate eggs, and lots of sparkling apple cider. Mmm.

Love love love.

our list.

Last night Danny & I spent the evening in the company of our uncle, aunt, and cousins. I was with our Aunt in the kitchen, preparing dinner and dessert when we got on the topic of meal planning.

My favorite!

She showed me her secret tool. You know, for those days when the inspiration is running dry and you have no idea what to cook for dinner.

It was so simple. A list in the cupboard with all of her family's favorite meals. That's it.

Why hadn't I thought of that?!

So, for now, here is my list. I am sure it will grow, but I feel like I am off to a good start.

Our Favorite Meals

all in one place

Italian

Lasagna

Ricotta casserole

Pizza

Fettuccine alfredo

Eggplant parmesan

Meatball subs

Spaghetti

Bowtie in cream sauce

Ravioli

Thin spaghetti w/ shrimp & asparagus

Stromboli

Mexican

Tacos

Red beef enchiladas

Green chicken enchiladas

Tostadas

Chicken quesadillas

Chili relleno

Carne asada

Beef burritos

Salad

Chicken caesar

Mexican

Chinese chicken

Cobb

Strawberry spinach

Chinese

Stir fry

Orange chicken

Lettuce wraps

Kabobs

Broccoli beef

Soups

Tortilla

Broccoli cheese

Potato cheese

Chili

Tomato

Other

Quiche

Pulled pork sandwiches

Beef stroganoff

Cheeseburgers

Meatloaf

Kielbasa

Pork chops

Chicken & rice casserole

Roasted Chicken

Tell me- what would be on your list?!

it's official.

To our baby,

It’s official. You’re in there!

Last night your daddy and I spent time lying in bed, praying for the possibility of you and the outcome of the test. It was a beautiful evening and we took our time enjoying the last rays of sun pouring through our bedroom windows. After taking the test, we waited the three minutes that felt like hours. Then, when it was time, we held hands and walked into the bedroom to check on the results.

Two lines.

We hugged and cried. I think I said, “Do you think it’s really true?!” and “How did this happen?!” (For the record, I do know how it happened…) Your daddy said, “We’re fertile!” That is so like him- he is always making me laugh. I feel lucky to be experiencing all of this with my best friend. You truly have the best daddy out there.

We’re glad we found out when we did, because I have a doctor’s appointment this morning. I have been sick for the past three weeks, and now it is especially important that I get better. You know, for the both of us!

Your daddy and I could not be more ecstatic that you are growing in there. We’re going on a special date this weekend to celebrate. You are our little secret!

Grow, baby, grow!

I love you already,
Momma

equip.

Here is the latest issue of Euip Magazine, which I contribute to on a quarterly basis. This is an incredible resource for youth workers! Enjoy & happy weekend!

Open publication - Free publishing - More all things new

are you there, baby? it's me, momma.

Dear Baby,

This week your daddy and I suspected you might be growing inside of me! Of course, all of our conversations, thoughts, and prayers have revolved around the possibility of you. This morning on the way to work I bought a test to see if you’re really in there. Your daddy and I are planning on taking the test tonight after dinner. I looked online to see when you would arrive. My due date would be around December 19^th. You will love December- it is such a magical season. The only thing that would make it more magical is having you here with us. The website also said that you will start having a heartbeat on the 21^st day. The thought of your heart beating deep inside my tummy right now made me well up with tears.

If you’re there, I hope you know how much your Daddy and I love you already.

xo,

Momma

9.95.

My new Anthropologie sweater. I am still so thrilled, I just have to share.

It was too good to be true. (But it is true! It is!)

before + after.

Here's a glimpse at our freshly painted walls!

(before.)

(after.)

-This room is still a work in progress, but this was a great start. We've still got to decorate the walls. And little by little, we hope to incorporate different furniture pieces. While the white ikea specials were great for Danny's bachelor room, it can use a little updating.

-Danny won the color wars. I was leaning toward the greens, and he was more for the rusts. Boy, am I glad he won. Am truly happy with the room. The sun pours in starting at 6 am until 7 pm and it couldn't make for a more inviting color.

-We are seriously lacking storage space in this little home of ours. Where, oh where, is a boot lover supposed to store the goods?!?

-We are really lucky to have such a wonderful landlord. He encouraged us make the house our home, and we have definitely accepted the challenge. However, I feel sorry for the next renters who despise our warm walls... It will truly be a venture to paint over!

-Have I mentioned Denver's love for this room? As the only carpeted room in the house, he finds it most comfortable. Anytime we can't find our pup, we go to this room and find him curled up in the corner. Am glad he likes the color as much as we do.

2 weeks.

Allow me to catch you up on the past two weeks:

I ate, drank, and swallowed a vast array of forms of Vitamin C.

I roasted my first chicken.

I popped my first blood vessel in my eye from coughing. (Seriously gross.)

I explained to person after person that I do not have pink eye. And no, it's not contagious.

I finished my "thesis" for my degree. Seriously friends, it's getting close.

I spent an embarrassing amount of time in my pajamas.

I killed a plant.

I drank a lot of tea.

I drank more cough syrup than in all my years combined.

I napped daily. & without guilt.

We painted our 3rd bedroom.

We addressed and shipped invitations for a little graduation celebration.

(best tea mug.)

(dead.)

(Vitamin C.)

remember me?

Hey, remember me?

Well, here I am.

I have been so sick I haven't even mustered up the energy to come on here and let you know I'd be taking a break for a bit. After a wrong diagnosis, my "flu" turned into almost-pneumonia. I am still coughing like crazy a week later. This thing has completely knocked me off my feet.

Anyway, I promise I'll be back soon. I've got a lot to share!

xo.

me