This morning I woke up incredibly sad, it's the last morning of my last trip home for months.
I had the incredible privilege of growing up in the same blue house for the first 18+ years of my life. I was very brave and switched bedrooms three times but other than that I never moved anywhere. So, during my college years, camp summers, and married years this place is still very much where I refer to when I say "home."
I know all of the cutesy sayings that ladies sew on samplers, "Home is where the heart is" or "Where ever you may be is home" are touching, but for me, this blue house is very much home. At 32 weeks, this is my last doctor approved trip and after the discomfort and pain after Friday's drive here I understand why. Annabeth will be here in 2 months and then I am sure we will need quite a bit of adjustment before we're able to just drive down for a visit to Evansville.
I love this house, not just because my family is here, but because I know all the places where the floor creeks, which stairs to skip in the middle of the night and I love the yard, the memory ground for so many childhood dreams and games.
My new hope is that Mark and I will be able to give Annabeth some place like this. A place that is positive and safe. A place that even at 3 years out of college and 2 years married feels like the only place she'll want to be on a bad or sad day.
I am thankful that Mama, Dad, and Lu have planned lots of visits up north for the fall and winter so that we may see them. But today, with the sun streaming in the sunroom windows of my blue house, I wish I could stay just a little longer...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Healthy Birth Class #1
Last Monday we began our Healthy Birth classes at St. Francis. I admit I had put off registering, they recommend doing so in the 4th month, but it had just seemed so far away. Well, her due date is 8 weeks from today so it was about time to learn how to make that all happen!!
Our class has 12 couples, all very nice. It was interesting every couple has learned the gender of their baby and most have been calling them by name for months now - just like us with Annabeth! :)
Last Monday was introductions, time for the partners to share concerns/questions, and time for us mommies to talk about the "uncomfortable stuff." God bless those women who feel as funny and hormonal as I do! Monday was also the beginning of labor videos, all of which I missed due to my "morning sickness" because yes, even now, I am throwing up all day and night. Good thing Mark has a strong stomach and was able to stay through the whole class.
Initial Thoughts:
1. I am thankful to the custodians of St. Francis for keeping the restrooms REALLY clean!!
2. All of the staff seems just as helpful and knowledgeable as we had been told.
3. I am really!!! thankful the class meets three more times. I am beginning to get so nervous!
Our class has 12 couples, all very nice. It was interesting every couple has learned the gender of their baby and most have been calling them by name for months now - just like us with Annabeth! :)
Last Monday was introductions, time for the partners to share concerns/questions, and time for us mommies to talk about the "uncomfortable stuff." God bless those women who feel as funny and hormonal as I do! Monday was also the beginning of labor videos, all of which I missed due to my "morning sickness" because yes, even now, I am throwing up all day and night. Good thing Mark has a strong stomach and was able to stay through the whole class.
Initial Thoughts:
1. I am thankful to the custodians of St. Francis for keeping the restrooms REALLY clean!!
2. All of the staff seems just as helpful and knowledgeable as we had been told.
3. I am really!!! thankful the class meets three more times. I am beginning to get so nervous!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Servant Sunday
This year CUMC began a prayer shawl ministry and earlier this month we prayed as a congregation over the newest batch. We didn't realize at the time but one of them was for us. Today our little family (along with all of the Fire, Military, and Police families in the church) received our own prayer shawl as part of Servant Sunday.
So, a thank you, to the skillful hands who made our Sheriff's Yellow blanket/shawl. We are grateful for your prayers and your beautiful handiwork. We are thankful for your sacrifice of time to make our gift.
Thank you to the families we stood with in front of our church. Families who also give up days and nights together, who plan weekends based on an on-call schedule, and who sacrifice holidays and special times with loved ones to protect and serve strangers.
Most of all, thank you to God, for protecting Mark and the thousands who put their lives on the line every day. As I looked at the other families, I said a special prayer for the parents and spouses who stood alone today, receiving their shawl on behalf of a loved one who was in harm's way this morning. I thank God for his constant watch and protection over Mark, our coworkers, and all of the men and women who value the lives and protection of others above their own. Thank you on this Servant Sunday.
So, a thank you, to the skillful hands who made our Sheriff's Yellow blanket/shawl. We are grateful for your prayers and your beautiful handiwork. We are thankful for your sacrifice of time to make our gift.
Thank you to the families we stood with in front of our church. Families who also give up days and nights together, who plan weekends based on an on-call schedule, and who sacrifice holidays and special times with loved ones to protect and serve strangers.
Most of all, thank you to God, for protecting Mark and the thousands who put their lives on the line every day. As I looked at the other families, I said a special prayer for the parents and spouses who stood alone today, receiving their shawl on behalf of a loved one who was in harm's way this morning. I thank God for his constant watch and protection over Mark, our coworkers, and all of the men and women who value the lives and protection of others above their own. Thank you on this Servant Sunday.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
"Your Baby Asian!!"
I have noticed, especially lately, that every parent has a few "go-to" stories about each of their children. You know the ones...the cute little anecdotes that can be pulled out at a moment's notice and that other's can mouth along to. This is Annabeth's...
Mark and I love sushi. I mean LOVE sushi! I have been an avid fan for years and finally got Mark to try it during our engagement and he's hooked as well. I love eating at Japanese restaurants I love the music, the tea, the little sushi plates, and the food! Needless to say, despite my nausea and vomiting sushi has always sounded good and stayed down. In turn, Annabeth has eaten mostly sushi during her life in my belly.
One of our favorite places is Tokyo Buffet (on Emerson and County Line): a Chinese buffet, sushi bar, and now a fruit bar with chocolate fountain! It's wonderful and thanks to their coupon in the paper each week we can both eat for less than $25. During my pregnancy, I've discovered that they also do takeout sushi by the pound. For weeks I went there two to three times a week. Sometimes with Mark sometimes alone with the great takeout option. Finally on about week five of this cycle my favorite lady there exclaims,
"Your baby love the sushi. Your baby Asian!!"
So you see, God does answer prayers. For many years I have dreamed and prayed for an Asian daughter, and God has given me a little sushi lover! He is so good!!
Mark and I love sushi. I mean LOVE sushi! I have been an avid fan for years and finally got Mark to try it during our engagement and he's hooked as well. I love eating at Japanese restaurants I love the music, the tea, the little sushi plates, and the food! Needless to say, despite my nausea and vomiting sushi has always sounded good and stayed down. In turn, Annabeth has eaten mostly sushi during her life in my belly.
One of our favorite places is Tokyo Buffet (on Emerson and County Line): a Chinese buffet, sushi bar, and now a fruit bar with chocolate fountain! It's wonderful and thanks to their coupon in the paper each week we can both eat for less than $25. During my pregnancy, I've discovered that they also do takeout sushi by the pound. For weeks I went there two to three times a week. Sometimes with Mark sometimes alone with the great takeout option. Finally on about week five of this cycle my favorite lady there exclaims,
"Your baby love the sushi. Your baby Asian!!"
So you see, God does answer prayers. For many years I have dreamed and prayed for an Asian daughter, and God has given me a little sushi lover! He is so good!!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
6th Appointment Update
This past Thursday Annabeth and I went to see Dr. Franklin. Still no weight gain BUT for the first month NO WEIGHT LOSS!! A wonderful thing to see the same number again this month!
Blood pressure is still wonderful. No swelling or vein issues. No further restrictions on activity or lifting.
I am feeling : Big! Some days I feel like I wake up and have grown over night. I also finally feel like I "look" pregnant. After 25 long weeks, it's crazy to think that in 15 weeks or less she'll be here! It's all so long and so short at the same time.
Annabeth is feeling: sassy! When Dr. Franklin put the cold heartbeat moniter gel on my belly this week, Annabeth kicked her! She's a lady who knows what she wants!
Blood pressure is still wonderful. No swelling or vein issues. No further restrictions on activity or lifting.
I am feeling : Big! Some days I feel like I wake up and have grown over night. I also finally feel like I "look" pregnant. After 25 long weeks, it's crazy to think that in 15 weeks or less she'll be here! It's all so long and so short at the same time.
Annabeth is feeling: sassy! When Dr. Franklin put the cold heartbeat moniter gel on my belly this week, Annabeth kicked her! She's a lady who knows what she wants!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
My Great Adventure
Before getting married, I always said I wanted to "wait to have a child." Never could I specify what I was waiting for or how long I was to wait I always just thought I needed to hear and see many things before a child entered my home. Even as Mark and I married and decided to trust God with the timing of our child, I worried that I would miss my great adventure.
I have heard so many beautiful sounds in my life: waves crashing at the ocean, orchestras all over the country, call to the post at the Kentucky Derby, "That's Good for Another Cards First Down!", camp songs sung around a hundred campfires, songs that defined various life moments, etc
And...
I have seen so many beautiful places/things: castles in Europe, the Ocean at sunrise and sunset, a panda bear, the view from the bottom and top of a mountain, New York City at night, perfect sandy white island beaches, San Fransisco in the morning with a fresh, hot Italian pastry in my hand, etc
BUT
March 31, 2011 I heard the most beautiful sound on earth, my baby's heartbeat and May 21, 2011 I saw the most beautiful sight on earth, my daughter's face.
In that one single, Saturday morning moment I realized that she is my great adventure. Annabeth Sage will be my life journey, my greatest accomplishment, my passion. I am not going to miss anything but instead will experience everything: the joy of being not only a daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, but also a wife and Annabeth's Mommy.
I love my life and God for giving me all that is good and wonderful in it.
I have heard so many beautiful sounds in my life: waves crashing at the ocean, orchestras all over the country, call to the post at the Kentucky Derby, "That's Good for Another Cards First Down!", camp songs sung around a hundred campfires, songs that defined various life moments, etc
And...
I have seen so many beautiful places/things: castles in Europe, the Ocean at sunrise and sunset, a panda bear, the view from the bottom and top of a mountain, New York City at night, perfect sandy white island beaches, San Fransisco in the morning with a fresh, hot Italian pastry in my hand, etc
BUT
March 31, 2011 I heard the most beautiful sound on earth, my baby's heartbeat and May 21, 2011 I saw the most beautiful sight on earth, my daughter's face.
In that one single, Saturday morning moment I realized that she is my great adventure. Annabeth Sage will be my life journey, my greatest accomplishment, my passion. I am not going to miss anything but instead will experience everything: the joy of being not only a daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, but also a wife and Annabeth's Mommy.
I love my life and God for giving me all that is good and wonderful in it.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
"Kick me Anna!"
"Kick me Anna!" had become Mark's favorite phrase. I started feeling her move about two weeks ago but not enough to feel her on the outside. Ever since then, Mark has been poking my belly trying to get her to move. I kept explaining that even when I feel her kick, if I put my hand over that spot, she stops. Well, turns out she was just waiting to kick his hand first. Monday night she kicked her biggest kick ever, right after he put his hand on my belly. He's obsessed now. I don't think my stomach will be mine again for 18.5 more weeks - it belongs to Annabeth's kicks and Mark's pokes. I love it because I love them. I love them both so much more than I ever dreamt was possible. God is SO good.
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