Random Thoughts

I am not ashamed of it - I'm an American Idol watcher. All season long, I thought Blake Lewis was, in a word, COOL. I have been home all week and have seen the Idol finalists on many shows. I just saw Blake Lewis sing the Maroon 5 song, "She Will be Loved" and add a lyric from a U2 song. That was really cool and a huge surprise. I also really liked Melinda Doolittle and Lakesha Jones. Those two ladies are so talented but so humble. I'm anxious to see what kind of album Melinda puts out. She has sang (or should I say sung?) backup for many gospel artists and I would love to see her do a gospel album. This is why I'm glad she didn't have to sign a record deal through American Idol. Michael and I really liked Elliot Yamin from last season. We have bought a couple of his songs off of iTunes and really like his sound. I often wonder if all of these people that try out and are actually good, are prepared for the life that they will have after Idol. I'm glad I don't have to live a life in the spotlight!

It is summer time for me!! I am so glad because I was running out of energy and strength to work each day. I've been sitting and thinking a lot. I am amazed how God has worked in every aspect of my life. I am thankful for my family - husband, immediate, extended, and in-laws. I am thankful for my health, even now. I am thankful for this baby growing inside of me. I am thankful to have a job that gives me 3 months off! I am thankful for the physical things like our house and cars. I am thankful for our church. I am thankful for the rain - remember, we've been praying for rain like this for years!

We bought a new camera! My old camera was still working, but for some reason, was not being recognized by any computers. It is hard to get those digital pictures out w/o a computer! So, seeing how we needed a camera for two reasons Monday, and we're going to have a cute little baby to snap pictures of soon, we bought another one. So now I may even post belly pictures...uh, well, maybe. I'll also be posting more pictures of just life now. Tomorrow, Michael and I are taking my niece and nephews to Chuck E Cheese. This event should produce some good pictures and I'll be sure to post those.

I'm a little worried about something. Ever since I became pregnant, I feel like I'm losing more and more hair. My hair was already thin to begin with, so this is not good. I have heard that your hair can become thicker or change texture while being pregnant. Do you know if your hair can become thinner? If you know anything, please let me know!

Michael is studying for the CPA exam. He has been really good at spending 3-4 hours each night studying. I sit with him sometimes. He started listening to this professor going over each page in this gigantic textbook. It was so boring! I fell asleep in about ten minutes while listening last night. I really don't see how Michael does it. He should be finished by the middle of December. Perfect timing! He'll have diaper duty after that!

Yes, I Know I Look Pale

I have to tell you, the first 2 weeks or so of knowing I was pregnant was fun! I felt good, I was excited, we were able to share our news with the family. It was really great. I've been sick for over a month now. I basically feel sick the entire day and night. I have no energy. Fortunately, I have only truly been sick one time. There are a few bright spots to this and here they are:
1. A sick mommy usually means a healthy baby.
2. I have a coworker that spent days in the hospital and had an IV in her for weeks. I'm sooo not that bad off.
3. It should be over in a few weeks.
I know when I'm at my worst, yet people like to tell me what kind of coloring I have in my face. I'm either pale, green, or hey-your coloring looks good today! I also just love (please note the sarcasm) when someone says that it may never go away while I'm pregnant. Don't people know that hope is what humans strive on the most?!? A huge component of faith is hope. Teachers would quit if there was not the hope of summer break. Single ladies can face a new day with the hope of finding that special someone. Even chemo patients fight with the hope that their cancer is gone. So, do not destroy my hope!
I have 3 more days of school. I will then be able to stay in bed or on the couch and let the days pass until I feel like I can eat again!

Family of Three

Michael and I are pregnant!!!

We're having Baby Hall a week or so before Christmas this year. Here is a picture of our little one:

I haven't figured out how to rotate the picture w/o compromising the quality. When it comes to sonograms, you need all the quality you can get! I hope he/she is smiling for the picture!

So, I'm in the middle of my "morning" sickness. The doctor has given me some medication for it, so we'll see if that helps. I'm also pretty tired, so I may not blog for another few weeks.

Michael and I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to raise a child. We're anxious to see what this child will be like! It will be so wonderful to see the little tyke grow, discover it's gender, feel it move, etc.

If you have any cool things you do with your children or know of any special things (daily or for a special event), I'm interested to know what you do.

We thank you for any prayers you send up on our behalf!