1st Day of School

I am back home after teaching my 6th first day of school. This day is fun for me. I love that the students are on their best behavior and that you get to set the tone. I know that some teachers get very nervous about this day and have trouble sleeping the night before. Not me. I don't understand why I don't get nervous, but I'm glad I do not.

My favorite part of the day is going over all of the students' names. I knew all of their names by the time they left class today, so that is good. I won't remember them tomorrow. Once my rosters are left alone, I will give them assigned seats and that will help me out tremendously! Since I teach 80-90% Hispanic kids, I really try hard to pronounce their names with the correct Spanish. For instance, Martin is "Marteen." I found out today that I had been mispronouncing Ruiz my entire life. At least this student said that it is pronounced "Reez." Unfortunately, there are some students that I will never get their last names correct. If I'm having trouble with their first name, they will usually give me a nickname I can call them. I really try hard not to get to that point. I told them today that their names are part of their identity, and I hate discovering in April that I have mispronounced their name for almost the whole year.

I only met my advisory class and 6th and 7th periods today. Tomorrow, I get to meet the rest. I have an awesome young lady that is my aide this year. So far, she has done more than I was expecting, so that is great! She is a hard worker and a people-pleaser...perfect for a teacher's aide!

I thought about all of the parents out there that took their child to school for the first time today. I hope you didn't cry too much! I can't imagine how it will be to take Audrey to her first day of school. How scary! Let me know how you handled your child's first day of school.

Another Belly Shot

So this picture is taken at home by me. I had to use the bathroom mirror to get a somewhat good shot of my growing belly. I am about 22 1/2 weeks. I'm wondering if my belly-button will pop out. I hear that some just stay flat while others become an outie. I'm well aware that this might be TMI, but I have to write enough here so that those who really don't want to see my belly won't be subjected to it! :) If you are courageous enough to comment on whether your belly-button popped out during pregnancy, then by all means let me know!

Random Thoughts

• The name we have chosen for our daughter is Audrey Grace.
• I am hoping that this weekend is a fun and slow one. It is my last free time before school starts.
• I am not dreading this school year like I usually do. I guess 3 months of work isn't as daunting as 9 months.
• What is daunting is the job of "Parent."
• I wish tropical storm Erin would bring more rain and cooler weather.
• I have THE best husband. There is no way I could have done better. I'm one lucky (blessed) gal.
• I just loved holding my new niece, Meredith. I'm glad Audrey will have Macie and Meredith as close girl cousins.
• The only thing I would change about our church is its location. It's a breeze to get to on Sundays, but Wednesday nights are a nightmare.
• Michael says at least every week that Farmers Branch is the eye in the storm of traffic. FB is as peaceful as can be, but venture out in any direction and you'll be in very slow traffic.
• I try not to think about traffic when I imagine going into labor.
• Audrey will be born in the same hospital Michael was born in. Yes, Michael is a Texan originally...I'm not delivering in Colorado!

BIG NEWS!!!

We were thrilled today to find out we are having a girl! Even more thrilling is that the baby is as healthy as can be! What a relief that is! She is growing just right and has all of her small little organs. The technician gave her an A+ for cooperating today. Below is a picture of her leg. Isn't that something? She looks like she belongs to a Perkins with a long leg like that!

I also discovered that I have gained 15 pounds in the last month!! When you count in what I lost while being sick, I'm right on schedule. I guess I'll have to skip on a few of my daily Blue Bell Cookies n' Cream dessert!

I got to spend the afternoon with my mom to celebrate her birthday - which is Friday. I think she's pretty happy with the gift of another granddaughter.

For those of you concerned about the baby pool - the gender isn't worth any points to keep it fair as the game continues. If you just can't stand that you're guess is wrong, it can be changed. If you registered when you guessed, you can do it yourself. If not, you can leave a comment or email me and I will change it for you. Also, there has been no change in the due date.

Thank you for all your prayers so far. This all has been such a blessing!

Welcome to the World, Meredith Mae!

Michael's sister, Melissa, had a baby girl early this morning. So now the family is Mike, Melissa, Matthew and Meredith. Enough M's for ya? I'm going to stumble over my tongue when I visit them...which will be soon! The picture is from a text message on my cell phone. Thanks to the kids in the youth group, I was able to transfer the picture to my computer. Kids are so smart! Mom and baby are doing very well. Meredith is 7 lbs, 13 oz and is 21 inches long. Don't you just love babies!?!?

Light bulbs...ARGGH!!

I don't like light bulbs. Well, obviously, I like light bulbs that work and give you light on demand. Lately, that convenience just hasn't happened for us. Last Sunday, Michael installed a new ceiling fan in our den. We checked the box to make sure we knew which bulbs to buy for this, our new fan. (BTW, a part of our old fan broke off and scuffed the floors Michael just put in! I literally cried when this happened. He put in so much work on those floors and then this happens! Awful. But all is not lost. Michael was able to disguise the scuff pretty well.) Back to the bulbs. The bulbs we bought did not fit! So, Michael made a trip back to Home Depot and bought another kind. One did not work. Michael returns to HD and buys two cases this time. He comes back and another bulb does not work! Luckily, he bought extra and did not have to make what would have been his 5th trip to HD that day.

Then there is this thing with our hallway light. At night, if there is no light to turn on in our hallway, it is like walking a mile in a dark, narrow cave to get to our bedroom. (I sometimes exaggerate like my oldest brother.) When we noticed our hallway light was out, we immediately replaced the bulb. No problems for one week. Then, *poof*, the light goes out again! We replace the bulb once again and we have light. THE NEXT MORNING, the light does not work. Later, that same night, the light works! Then, moments later, goes out.

My immediate thought is that we have something chewing on our wires in our attic. I didn't want to think about it, so we've lived w/o light for a few weeks in the hallway. The funny thing was that we would occasionally get light for about a tenth of a second when we flipped the switch. Michael replaced the bulb tonight and everything works again!

I'm beginning to wonder if I need to write I letter to light bulb companies and explain that the consumer expects the bulb to work and last as long as they advertise.

****This post was written for Blake who wanted a more manly post.

Hannah, Mother of Samuel

Hannah may be one of my new favorite women in the Bible. Her faith is incredible! I'm impressed by Hannah's actions before and after her pregnancy, so this post will be a little different then the previous ones.

First of all, Hannah is married to Elkanah. Despite having two wives (I can't imagine living this way today!), Elkanah is a faithful follower of God. (Praise God for all of the great husbands out there!) He makes yearly trips to Shiloh to make sacrifices to God. He gives meat to his wife, Peninnah, and her children, and double to Hannah. You see, Hannah can't have children.

Peninnah treats Hannah horribly. For years, Peninnah makes fun of Hannah for being barren. It goes to such extremes that Hannah cries and stops eating. Can you imagine dealing with this woman? Elkanah tries to console her. Although he is sweet to her, he just can't help her right now. She turns to God for help. She prays and prays hard for a son. So hard in fact, that Elkanah thinks she's drunk! In her prayer, she says she will give her son over to God for life. After she prays, she eats something and is happy and confident.

Hannah becomes pregnant! She has a son she named Samuel. I don't know how long women nursed their children during this time, but as soon as she stopped nursing Samuel, she turned him over to live with Eli, the high priest.

Now wouldn't you want to flaunt this baby in front of Peninnah? Wouldn't you want to just thank God and go about your life, raising the son you so desperately wanted? Hannah is so selfless and thankful that she keeps her promise and leaves Samuel with Eli. She wants to see him grow up in the Lord. What an amazing faith!

Jochebed, Mother of Moses

I'm writing about my thoughts on different women in the Bible and what their pregnancies may have been like. My subject this time is the mother of Moses. She is living in Egypt, where the Pharaoh has ordered all baby boys to be thrown in the Nile river.

I am not as anxious as many mothers are about discovering the gender of our baby, but this situation would cause anyone to have high blood pressure. To think that if you have a boy, the baby will most likely be murdered immediately would have to bring such a dark cloud over the pregnancy. She must have prayed so very hard for a baby girl. (And we complain today that sonograms are not 100%. How petty!)

The thing that is such a surprise to me is that she didn't have a plan on what to do if it was a boy until she saw that "he was a fine child." That may mean that he was a quiet baby or that he just looked really cute. To me, every mother would think her baby was a "fine child." It was at this point she decided to hide him to save his life.

You know the rest of the story. I can't imagine the stress every pregnant woman must have gone through during this time. Also, what a hard time to bring a child into the world. What pride she must have felt (if she was still living) when her son(s) delivered the Israelites. Way to go Mom!!

Baby Pool

At the top right of this page, you will see a banner for our baby pool. We still have some time before the baby comes, so you might want to wait to put in your guess. I wanted you to know that your guess is welcomed. The gender is worth zero points, as we'll find out soon. It wouldn't be fair to you early guessers if the gender was worth a lot! Have fun!

35 Years and Counting

Happy anniversary to Mom and Dad!

(This is the latest pic I have with them in it. I'll have to fix that!)

My Thoughts on Eve

Since becoming pregnant, I have thought a lot about women in the Bible. I will share with you some of my thoughts, beginning with Eve.

Eve was the first to ever be pregnant. Now, I have my doctor, mom, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends to talk about my pregnancy with. My questions get answered. Take a moment and think about what Eve had to feel through this pregnancy. Remember she was also pregnant with TWINS!

• If she had morning sickness (she was the one that sinned and brought pain to childbirth, so I bet she also had morning sickness), you know she had to wonder why she can't get over her sickness.
• All of the sudden she is tired. She doesn't know what to tell Adam. She just wants to sleep!
• Suddenly, everything Adam does is annoying. Where is her sweet Adam?
• What is happening to her body??? Everything is growing and is sore! You've got to bet she's wondering why.
• What is all of this movement she feels? What could possibly be inside her?? (You know Cain and Abel had to be moving a lot!)
• Once she figures out that there are humans growing in her...imagine her jaw dropping. How will these humans leave her body?? Now, she remembers God saying that there will be pain in childbirth. She knows it is going to hurt however it happens!

I just can't imagine being alone in all of this. Thanks to everyone that has answered my questions or has given me advice. I appreciate you!!

Lunch with College Roomies!

Lori, Shannon, and I were able to get together for lunch earlier this week. It is so fun to get together with these girls! We were not complete since Meredith wasn't with us. I guess we'll have to wait for homecoming for all four of us to be together. Lori's daughter is Faith and Shannon's daughter is Mallory. Shannon is about a week or two ahead of me in her pregnancy. I am so happy that we got together despite their hectic schedules.

18 Week Belly

I'm finally having a good week health-wise. :) :) :) Here are some shots of my growing belly. The baby is the size of a large sweet potato! I'm feeling movement a lot!

My Wonderful Husband

Michael is such a hard worker. Not only is he taking care of me during this pregnancy, he's working late (until 9 last night), studying for an exam, and he's updating our home. The wood floors only need a couple of finishing details and our tile will be grouted soon. Here are some pictures of his hard work.

The Waiting Game

If your checking this today to find out what we're having...you'll have to wait another month. Sorry! As you may know, my doctor had been on maternity leave and we had a misunderstanding on when this oh-so-special sonogram was going to take place. I'll be 21 weeks when we find out. I know my mom is really disappointed, but we're relieved in a way. I was concerned that it might be too early (even though it has been possible to tell for about 2 weeks now) and we would either not be able to tell or be given incorrect information. I can't imagine having clothes and a nursery all ready for one sex and then bringing home a baby of the other sex! So we'll wait.

Even though I am not gaining any weight, the baby is growing and seems to be doing well. When we listened to the heartbeat today, we were able to hear the thuds of movement. That was cool. I feel flutterings sometimes, but I don't know if these flutterings are stomach grumblings are the actual baby. I'm looking forward to that first strong kick. I'm sure I will want the little guy/gal to take a rest when I try to sleep, but it will be exciting to feel the rascal.

I've kept it no secret that I am struggling with vomiting and nausea. I am sorry if you're tired of reading about it, but the good news is that I'm on different nausea medicine and may not feel bad anymore! I may sleep all day because of the medication, but hey, that's what summer vacation is for!

Tag

Tag

I've been tagged by Shannon. Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. I just can't be creative in any way but I can answer questions.
FYI: I may be moving back to my house after staying with my parents the last few weeks. Michael did a great job putting in the wood floors and I think the glue smell is finally gone. Thanks to Mom and Dad for putting up with us. Also, we'll find out the gender of Baby Hall Monday!

First Memory: It seems that I remember a lot from a night that my older brother, Brett, spotted a fire in an apartment on the way home from church. Mom informed me this week that I was about three years old. I remember the apartment complex, the street, us turning around to see it, and going to the nearest fire station to report it (pre-cellphone days). If y'all know Brett, this story will not surprise you.


First Real Kiss: I always struggle with this question. I think I kissed a boy in first grade, but I have no clue what his name is! I guess my first "kiss while on a date" came in college. I'm ashamed of it and will only tell my closest friends who this boy is.

First Concert: A true Church of Christ girl. I am pretty sure my first "concert" was Acappella. I just loved Duane Adams!

First Love: Michael was/is my first love!

First crush: Ha! The only reason why I know this is because my family says so. I must have had a crush on Michael Felker in 4 year old kindergarten.

First thing you think in the morning: Lately I've been asking myself, "Am I feeling sick?"

First book you remember loving: I loved the Babysitter's Club books. I later matured into Nancy Drew. I also loved those books that allowed you to choose different endings. Those were cool.

First pet: A white and gray cat named Bell. I loved her. Family hated her. She found a new family soon after we had her.

First question you'll ask in Heaven: I don't think we'll be asking questions.

First thing you think of when you hear the word vacation: Too sick to go. :(

First best friend: Laurie Lee.

Last time you dressed up: I dressed up to go to Senator Bob Hunter's retirement dinner party. I got ready in 20 minutes for that thing! Hair hot-rolled and evening gown to boot!

Last thing you ate: Some chocolate covered graham cracker cookies.

Last CD you bought: Probably a Sister Hazel CD. I want their latest too!

Last book you read: Greg Laurie's Are We Living in the Last Days? Short read and very interesting.

Last time you cried: This morning I was telling my mom how guilty I felt because I know I'm not eating how I should for the baby, but I just can't keep food down.

Last movie you saw: I fell asleep during the documentary called Maxed Out last night. Before, I watched Deja Vu in its entirety and loved it.

Last time you told someone you loved them: I told Michael about 5 minutes ago when he called.

Last really funny thing you did: That's tough. I've done some really funny things with my nieces and 2 year old cousins lately. Mostly just weird noises to make them laugh.

Last thing you watched on TV: Maxed Out before falling asleep.

Last Halloween costume: I guess I'm with Shannon. I think the last time I went trick or treating was sophomore year in college. I was a saloon girl.

Last Concert attended: I saw Casting Crowns not too long ago.

I tag Dad, Meredith, and Becky. Do if you like!

Britain's Got Talent

Quick Update: Michael is laying wood floors in our house and I'm staying with the 'rents. We've been here since Thursday or so and plan to stay through the week. It's nice to have your mommy around when you are sick. I'm desperately hoping to be over my sickness any day now. My mom showed me the next two videos. Be prepared to be blown away and have a tissue ready. The second video is of the man who won Britain's Got Talent Sunday night.


If the videos do not come up for you, you can see them here.

Baby Video

This is funny!

Reader Beware - Belly Shots

This past Thursday, my mom took a couple of belly shots at 12 weeks. I'm a lot smaller than I thought I would be at this point, but I have lost weight this trimester. It's amazing to me that I have to buy new clothes, yet I've lost weight. I guess the baby truly takes over your body. Not only does the baby affect my hormones, smell, appetite, sleep, hair, and everything else, it also takes care of itself and makes sure it gets what it needs and grows. Truly a miracle. Speaking of my appetite, Michael had the brilliant idea to buy me some popsicles. I didn't know I much I would want these! He bought the Breyer's frozen fruit bars. This is the only thing I have truly enjoyed eating in months!! I highly recommend them!

Okay, I got the pictures to work. I'm not sure how I feel about putting these pictures up. I guess it is part of being pregnant. It will be neat to look back and see how I've grown.

Another Good Appointment

This morning, Michael and I went in for another prenatal appointment. This time, I had a different doctor since my doctor is on maternity leave. I got a call this morning asking if I could come right then because this doctor will be doing a C-section at the time of my appointment. So Michael and I went looking pretty rough. Michael had not shaven (his beard grows super fast) and my hair was wet, but we made it! I arrived at the office and there was much confusion. Here were the things that caused the confusion: 1. I filled out paper work that should not have been sent to me 2. My 4 different names always bring confusion (I go by my middle name and they still have my maiden name on file) 3. I was not seeing my usual doctor 4. I was early for my appointment. At one point I was asked if I was here for the C-section! They were relieved when I said no, seeing how I don't look 9 months pregnant!

The real exciting part was to hear the baby's heartbeat. I am so thankful we were able to hear it. It is reassuring to know that the baby is continuing to live and grow inside of me. I liked the doctor that I had today as well. She was very sweet and took the time to answer my questions, even though I'm sure she had an eye on the clock! She also made me feel better about my battle with the prenatal pills that I can't swallow anymore. She liked what I was already doing about that. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks, I'll be able to keep my food down without any problems and can swallow pills again.

We may be able to find out the gender at my next appointment. We'll keep you posted!