Eight Months

We had another appointment this past week and everything is going well. Payton is continuing to grow and we are looking forward to our travels to Illinois this next week. Lots of wrapping of gifts to do before then and lots of cookies to bake. I have to make five dozen cookies tomorrow. I love this time of year, but I can't wait until we get to Illinois and I can relax a little.

Baby Payton at 7 1/2 months

This is our most recent picture of Payton. We had to have another sonogram done because there were some questions as to his size. He is doing just fine and is right on target. He is looking even bigger and his features are more defined. Payton was being really difficult about getting some good shots of his face because he was sleeping, but we finally got one. I think that he really looks like his daddy. Jonathan's mom got to go with us for this ultrasound, which was really cool.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Remember what this holiday is really about...giving thanks to God for all he has done, and will do, for us.

Picture of Me at 7 Months Pregnant

Seven Months

We are officially seven months along! We are now to our every two weeks for appointments, so the time should go by quickly. We will also being starting all the classes that all new parents take. I had Jonathan take some pictures of me the other day, but I have yet to put them on the computer. Payton is very active and gives me constant reminders that he is around. Thanksgiving is coming next week and we are once again spending it in Texas. Christmas plans are to go to Illinois, which is really exciting! I am really looking forward to the holidays. I would appreciate everyone's prayers for my grandmother, as she is undergoing some very major medical treatments for the next couple weeks. (Pray for my grandpa and mom too, as they are her caregivers and it is very draining.)

Disappointed

I'm disappointed this evening...re-runs on every channel! Ugh! I was hoping for some great laughs tonight, but alas, I will have to wait until next week. Not to mention....we came home to ants. Creepy crawly things all over our kitchen floor. Jonathan had to secure some ant traps and I vacuumed up all the little horrible creatures I could. Tomorrow is another day...and our first little baby shower! So exciting! I just had a thought, Payton will probably love little bugs, like ants!

6 months

We have finally reached our 6 month appointment! Payton is doing well and so we are well on our way. After our appointment next month, we will be going every two weeks. The countdown is on. Kinda scary as we really don't have anything for him yet, but I'm excited to meet him. His kicks are continuing to be very strong and I'm pretty sure he will be a soccer player. Jon is in the middle of his fall semester of school and is doing well in his classes. I'm continuing to work full time, but would love to go to part-time. On the side, I have been doing a complete cleaning out of all of our stuff, trying to make room for the baby. Also, I have been scapbooking and trying to get caught up with all my pictures. Staying busy as most people do...

Hanging On

Today is one of those days that you just have to hang on and get yanked through. Nothing terrible happened, but I just felt blah about the whole day. Most of my days have been filled with joy lately, that I day without just seems so.....

We've been watching Lost on DVD and we're enjoying it. The whole situation just seems so weird because I can't quite figure out what is going on for sure. Everyone seems to have their theories.

Payton is still growing and from what I can tell, will be a very strong little man. Once a week or so, the extra weight of carrying a baby throws my back out. Jon has had to help me get up and get around as just standing makes me cry. Tomorrow, I will be back at my strengthening exercises. And, Lord willing, I will be at our ladies' Bible study in which we are going through a wonderful Beth Moore series.

Getting Bigger

My co-worker took this picture of me this week at work. I feel like I am getting pretty huge. I need to exercise a little more so that I don't put weight on too quickly. I guess I haven't put on weight all over, so mostly I just am popping out in front. Jonathan and I are planning on going to the gym tomorrow and I'm doing yoga on Sunday. Weird craving of the day: Foot by the Foot

Baby Payton!

It's a Boy!

This is a picture of our little boy either swallowing or yawning.

This is a 4D picture of Payton. We were also able to get the ultrasound on DVD.
Please continue your prayers for us as Payton continues to grow.

Dazzling Dallas

Jonathan and I had a wonderful trip to Dallas. It is not too far away, but just far enough to give us a little vacation. We went to a FC Dallas soccer game. They played Houston and won 1-0. I don't think I had been to a game since my baby sister played. Back then, I'm sure I was a little soccered out. As many of you know, soccer is played in all sorts of weather, so I watched many games in the rain and cold wind. This game was really nice though. The weather was perfect, not the normal Texas scorcher. Traffic enforcement after the game was great for such a little town. We were able to get out in just a couple minutes and with really only one stop.

Sunday, we went to the Dallas Farmer's Market. We got some great peaches and corn that we had for dinner tonight. We then went to the Galleria Mall and went on a little shopping trip. Jonathan is a great shopping partner. We even sat in the massage chairs at Brookstone for a little bit. Our trip was topped off with a trip to West, TX where we had to visit the Little Czech Bakery. They have fab kolaches and fresh bread. That was pretty much our trip in a nutshell. Sad to have to go back to the daily grind, but I am looking forward to being in Idaho this next weekend!

Movin' and Groovin'

Well, the baby has made its first noticeable movements. Last night, as I was laying in bed, I felt a little flutter. I felt it again this morning, but with all the moving around I do at work, I didn't stay still long enough to feel anything during the day. It is very encouraging to finally get more of a physical evidence of the baby's presence. Jonathan and I are looking forward to our trip to Dallas this weekend. We just needed a weekend to get off by ourselves and relax. I am really looking forward to staying in an awesome hotel, no cleaning on my part required. As a way to help Jon relax, we are going to a Dallas soccer game. Yeah for a three day vacation!

Where I've Been

create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Guessing the Gender

So far, I have had 2 people say that the baby will be a girl and 2 people say a boy. I thought I would open up the floor for any other guesses. I figure that everyone has a 50/50 chance. It is pretty exciting and we are counting down the days. I will have Jonathan take a picture of my tummy soon, for more accurate guessing.

Another Baby Appointment

We had another appointment today. Everything looks really good. I am finally gaining weight, which the doctor was happy about. We got to hear the baby again. This time, not only did we get to hear the heartbeat, but we could hear the baby being very active. Next month, we will get to see the baby again and find out if the baby is a boy or girl. We are really excited about that. My energy level is improving and I will be able to workout lightly. Thank you all for your continued prayers.

Family Reunion

We recently had a family reunion and here are some pictures from that:


Nathan playing and singing

Katie and Jared

Cindy and Lisa singing a duet

Jonathan and Dad

Steve, Beverly and Momo

Momo, Laurie, and Elizabeth at our family dinner

Me, Jonathan, Cindy, and Doug at Chuy's

Baby Update

Sorry that it has been so long since I have updated the blog with news of our baby. Our last appointment went really well. We got to hear the heartbeat, which was around 170 (very healthy). I have finally been cleared to do light to moderate exercise. I have been walking when I can, but with the weather being so insanely hot, it has been difficult. Today, I started doing Prenatal Yoga. I think that I will really enjoy doing this exercise program as it is challenging and relaxing. There is even a guide to massage for Jonathan to help. I am showing, so more people have been asking me about the pregnancy around work. We go back to the doctor in a couple weeks for our third appointment. Only a few more weeks before we find out if the baby will be a boy or a girl! Oh, and I am also happy to report that I have had no morning sickness for the last two weeks!

Still Waiting

We have our next doctor's appointment on Wednesday. The heartbeat should be strong enough now to hear with out the sonogram. The baby is still letting us know that they are in there, but I think the morning sickness should start to get better within the next couple weeks. The funny thing is, I'm showing now, almost as much as another girl at work was at 22 weeks. I have a feeling that I will be carrying the baby right out front, like my mom did with us. So far, I still haven't gained weight. I'm sure that more than enough will come in the next few months. Right now I am avoiding the cooking chicken smell coming from the kitchen.....

Cravings

I now truly understand cravings and morning sickness. Cravings are stronger than that female 'need' for a pint of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream. Last night, I had to have a chili dog. Contrast that to this morning when I had to choke down a bland breakfast bar and a couple crackers. And, as most women who have been pregnant know, morning sickness can strike anytime of the day. Currently, my food aversions are anything with tomatoes and chocolate. Strange, as I love chocolate with an undying passion. Or, what I thought was undying. This too shall pass. I try to think of the cravings and sickness as God's little reminder that I have a great responsibility to this little life.

First Baby Picture- 9 weeks

This is the first picture where you can really see our baby. Please keep us in your prayers as God molds and shapes this new life.

Happy July 4th

I'm so thankful for our freedom in this country. I can't imagine not having rights. Especially rights to pray, worship, and believe in God. I think of the children my parent's church has brought over from Russia, some who have never heard God's name. How blessed we are!

Less than Free

There is nothing that is free....Everything comes at a price. That was the theme of a movie I watched recently. How true it is. Take Clinique for instance. They have the semi-annual free gift....WITH PURCHASE! Love their make-up, but it costs a ton. Technically, work should end up being free. Think about this for a second...You should be making what you are putting out in effort, right? Well, those of us that work our tails off, don't really get paid enough for all that we do. The company is out money for all those slackers out there that really make more than they should. I still haven't mastered how to work just enough....
Nothing is free, except for one thing. Salvation. Doesn't cost us a thing. Yes, it did cost Jesus his life, but he willingly gave that up. Now, why wouldn't everyone want the only thing in life that is actually free?

Weddings

There are so many people getting married right now! My cousin got married a couple weeks ago; my friend, Dawn, is getting married this weekend; Jon's cousin is getting married in a couple weeks. Yikes! I was beginning to think that most of our friends were already married, only to have more pop up. Nothing like finding friends....just kidding. To all those that have yet to tie that infamous knot:

1. Marriage is the best!
2. Marriage can be the worst. Pick the man/women that God has for you and lay you marriage at His feet. Imperfect people can't make this union work, but God can. Everyone disagrees, but make sure you mend those fences.
3. Enjoy your spouse and compliment the things they do well.
4. Encourage them in their walk with the Lord and with their goals and dreams.
5. Set aside time for yourselves (together and individually). Have friends of the same sex that you can do stuff with. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. But, get away with your spouse. Jon and I have enjoyed time in Dallas and San Antonio and have grown closer during these times.

Two and a half years has not made me an expert, by any means. Count on the counsel of your parents and other godly couples. Forget February, June is the month for love!

More Monday Madness

1. I have a picture of .....Coke Blak....on my computer desktop.
2. There are ....three... pictures hanging on my living room walls.
3. My big goal for this week is to ...rest....
4. I plan to visit ....five.... blogs this week.
5. The weather we're having right now is ...too hot....
6. I really should ...eat better.... more often.

More Kami Pics

I promised some more pics of our bunny. Kami has so much fun running around our apartment, chewing on anything she can. She has a bigger cage on the way. This cage will be on wheels and up higher, so I don't have to get down on the ground all the time. Her favorite food is carrots. She will run across the room if she sees that I have them in my hand. Anyway, thought I would share pics of the cutest bunny in the world!

Online Fellowship?

I heard an interesting story today on my way to pick up my husband from work. It was about a church that has started an online church. My question is, "How biblical is this?" Seriously, I know that we are to gather to learn more about the Bible, but what about the fellowship of believers. I have the same problem with TV church. Granted, these are great tools to reach people who wouldn't enter a church building, but where does it end? More and more of the kids I grew up with no longer find solace inside the church. Aren't we supposed to 'not forsake the assembling of ourselves'?

X-Men III and My Adventurous Side

We went to X-Men III and it was fab! Normally, this isn't my type of movie, but I loved the first two in the series that I can only imagine that I will like this one equally or more. This strays from my love of classic movies and love (girly) movies (Much Ado About Nothing, being one of my favorites). I imagine that part of me longs for action and adventure. I have been known to enjoy heights and roller coasters. My older sister does not share in my love for roller coasters, much to my amusement at times. For some reason, this sense of adventure has waned as I have gained full time employment and grown-up responsibilities. Or, maybe I want to see X-Men because Hugh Jackman is in it....

Arms Falling Off

I think my arms are falling off. Literally, they are about to pop out of socket at the shoulder. We have been shifting files this week at work. It sounds like not such a big deal, but trust me, it is. I am developing these man muscles on my arms and will soon been on the pro arm wrestling circuit. We hope to be done tomorrow....so hopefully no more sore muscles. Good thing too, I am starting to scare Jonathan with my guns. I'm looking forward to the long weekend and a trip to San Antonio......

Common Commonalities

TV seasons are coming to an end. The school year is coming to an end. I was taking a look back through some of the pictures on our computer and came across this picture of me in our old apartment in our first year of marriage. It is crazy to think that we have been married this long, it seems like we were just dating yesterday. I cherish every moment. Look how long my hair was! I got it chopped off and can't wait for it to grow back. I think that my favorite blogs are ones with pictures. They just seem so empty without pics. Wish I could have some of that cake right about now!

Happy Mother's Day

I would just like to say Happy Mother's Day. Especially to my mom, who has been there for me in ways no one else could. And, to my grandmothers, including Momo, who have been great examples of God's grace and godly wisdom. My mother-in-law has welcomed me into the family with open arms. If it weren't for wonderful mothers, where would we be?

Idaho Pics!

My cousins, Jamie and Charlie

My Grandpa and Grandma at their 50th!

My sista and her boy

Becca and me!

Sorry

Sorry for the long stretch of no posts. We were in Idaho for the past week! I will post pictures soon of our trip. We were celebrating my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. There were many people celebrating with us, upwards to 250 guests. Look for pictures tomorrow!

Review

The concert on Friday was fantastic! We were probably some of the oldest people there, which was a little weird. The first act was a newcomer, Josh Hoge. He only performed a few songs, but I liked what I heard. He was able to give away a few sample CD's of three of his songs. We have been listening to it and think that he could really have some hits. The only complaint I had about his performance was his gestures. He was a little distracting with his 'spirit fingers'. I think that his on stage character will improve with time and experience.
Next, Mat Kearney performed, but with only one other accompanist. It was a nice change from the loud band. Jon and I have been listening to his music this year and really enjoyed hearing the songs we knew. His little rap sequences were very original and he even made up lines about Austin. The crowd was enraptured with his music.
We didn't stay for Matt Wertz, but he did help out a couple times with the other musicians. For all my friends in Boise, look for Mat Kearney to be there next week. Please give these up and coming artists your attention and support for their awesome talents.

Concert Tonight

We're going to go see Mat Kearney's concert tonight downtown. It should be pretty cool. For those of you that haven't heard of him you can check him out at www.MatKearney.com. His music is great! He just has one of those voices and does some really awesome things musically. Matt Wertz is opening for him. I have only heard a couple of his songs, but I like what I've heard so far. So, if you are looking for someone new to listen to, check these guys out!

Oh, and congrats to my friends, Becky and Adam, on their new arrival on Tuesday. A cute baby girl!

First Serious Thoughts

I want to share a few thoughts I have had the last couple days. I saw a bumper sticker the other day stating, "Proud member of the religious left wing." I thought to myself, " What religion is this guy that he can be left wing? Obviously not a Christian." If this guy is a Christian, what a terrible witness. I don't see how you can be left wing and a Christian believing and holding true to the Word of God. If anything, I would consider myself 'religiously centered'. I believe that God holds us to a high standard politically and the vote in a way that would honor Him. Most people consider me to be very conservative. I guess I am for the most part. I pray for all presidents and leaders to be guided by God and to make wise decisions. I agree with most of what republicans believe, but sometimes the cheesiness of any politician will get to me. I don't want to go down a road of raking politicians over the coals because they are people just like you and me. Overall, I just want people to think about what corner you want to stand in. As for me, I'm want to be in God's.

Bunny

For those of you that don't know, I have a bunny. We got her a couple months ago and she is just like a member of our family. Kami, our bunny, loves to hop around our apartment and kick up her heals. Her new favorite thing is hiding under the couch. She is even litter box trained. Hopefully we can get a better picture of her soon. Kami is a little camera shy, even though she will do anything for a carrot.

Soup

It is as muggy as soup!

Record Temps

It is official! We hit 100 degrees today! Way too hot for April! Ugh!

Friday

It is Friday! I love Fridays! For some reason, Friday is almost everyone's favorite day. Maybe it has to do with not having to face work for a whole two days. I have always felt bad for those that have to work on the weekends. They have to work when the rest of us get to play. This weekend, I am looking forward to relaxing and getting rid of whatever crud has settled itself into my lungs.

I know in most parts of the country, spring is about to sprout. But, here in Texas, we are about 90 degrees today and that feels like summer to me. I would love to spend the weekend outside sitting in the grass.....oh wait, the fire ants. Texans do not ever go into the grass because the Texas-sized fire ants.

Back to spring....the weather is wonderful. Jonathan even went swimming in our pool yesterday. Summer is on the way....

Riverwalk

The Alamo

Looking into the bright sun on the Riverwalk

Mom and Dad

My parents visited us this weekend and we had a blast. We went to San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo. Then, on Monday, we went to Fredericksburg. It is a neat little German town that is known for the wild flowers and peaches. It is too early for peaches, but we went to Wild Seed Farm where the bluebonnets and poppies were blooming. It was beautiful! We also went to many of the little shops along Main Street. If you ever get a chance to visit the area, these would be a great places to go.

Tonight

How many clothes could I possibly fold in one evening? The answer: way too much. I am under so much cotton at the current moment, I don't know if I can dig myself out. I don't know why I let it pile up on me at times...I never enjoy the result.
Why do we do things that we know we result badly? Eating something so rich and greasy, ending in a bellyache. The comparisons are endless. Maybe we think that somehow the result will not be the same as it always is. Or, that we can somehow handle the result in a better way. No matter what, all I know is that all these clothes....could have soaked up the rain we got today.

Jonathan and Daylyn

Jon and I in Idaho last Labor Day

Longhorns!

Congrats to the Longhorns on their win last night!
(Photo of a longhorn statue in a local park when my sister visited)

Beep, beep

Beep, beep, beep....rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....that is the sound of the night around our apartment. Construction crews have decided that the night time is the right time to use their backhoes. We have a major tollway going up around us which has been very interesting to watch, but also irritating to listen too. The road was barely started when we moved here, but has grown up quickly. It is almost scary to think of driving way up in the air. Right now, there is a port-a-potty on the highest part of the road. Can you imagine with that trip? Yikes! Our goal at this point is to find the best ear plugs to block out all the noise.

First Time

Well, I am behing the times, so it seems....I finally have a blog. Jonathan and I will both post here. He also has his own blog, so he will probably not post as often. I not much of a writer, but I thought this may help my creativity and be an outlet for the ups and downs of life. My goal is to be faithful to updating my blog.