Happy New Year!!

2009 certainly had its ups and downs, but what sticks out the most... 2009 gave us life. And we cannot wait to meet that tiny little life in 2010.

We hope you have a wonderful and safe New Year's!

Good Bye 2009 | Welcome 2010!

Post Christmas

First of all... I hope each and every one of you had a fantastic Christmas. Nathan and I certainly enjoyed our time in Morgantown. While it was not the same, not being with my parents, we still had a wonderful Christmas with Nathan's family. I was also able to visit with both of my brothers which was really nice. Our time in Morgantown was not without a little bit of drama here and there, but I cannot express how great it was to be somewhere that felt like home with family. Just being in that safe, familiar place with people you love and who love you is just priceless. And while we certainly enjoyed being spoiled (for the last year!!) we could have taken away all of the gifts, and still been so happy and grateful.

We made it home late, late, late last night, safe and sound, after another long trip... snow... through Ohio and Michigan. Yuck. But the most important thing is being home safe. Which by the way, Nathan is taking care of me so well... always making sure I'm not going to fall or slip. I'm really starting to see what an awesome, protective father he is going to be to our sweet child come spring.

I know I have said this before, but it took a good year before we really began to feel at home in Bowling Green. We are going on 18 months in Midland and its feeling less and less like home. While being in Michigan, we have really been blessed with a few great friends, two great doctors, Nathan's first job and POY title, and a pregnancy... I am also beginning to associate it with stress, isolation, and frustration. I'm praying that this simply means, our time in Michigan is nearing an end. While I would certainly miss the beautiful friendships I have made here, I know in my heart without a doubt... God has no intentions of us planting roots here. And as we near the halfway point in my pregnancy (that is so hard to believe!) I am becoming more and more anxious to get to the place where we can plant our roots.

On to a brighter topic... the pregnancy is moving forward beautifully. I have felt very faint movements for a couple weeks now, but last Wed... the movements were strong enough to get my attention!!! I was sitting in the car listening to classical music on the radio, waiting for Nathan, and I felt the flutter... it was so exciting! It really overwhelmed me with emotion, to tears. Since then, it feels more like a goldfish swimming around my belly. Its such a wonderful feeling! I love being pregnant. I was afraid I'd be rushing the pregnancy, anxiously counting down. But I have really just been enjoying this time somewhat patiently. I'm sure I'll reach a point, where I'll be anxious to finally meet my baby, but for now... I'm simply enjoying being pregnant.

That should be it for now. Please continue to pray for our family and what the future... near future... may hold.

Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior and spending time with family. I may have already said this, but being pregnant has really caused me to do a lot of reflecting on when Mary was pregnant with Jesus. How much pure faith Mary must have had. Its enough to be responsible for the life of a tiny, helpless baby, but to be responsible for nurturing God's son? To know that in your tummy was something so pure and holy. I just cannot imagine the faith and strength she must have had knowing she was the mother of God's one and only son. Whatever is in your heart this Christmas season, I hope it sticks through out the coming New Year.

And on this Christmas Eve, I am officially 17 weeks pregnant. And while I have been feeling slight, faint movements, I felt the official "flutter" yesterday. I was sitting in the car, waiting for Nathan, and listening to classical music, when the movement were strong enough to actually get my attention! It was very exciting. And as I thought about it, I began to think, "Oh I wonder how Baby will respond to this situation or that event..." It completely overwhelmed me in the most wonderful way and brought me to tears. I love being pregnant (in case you didn't know!!) and I am truly cherishing each and every minute and milestone.

And Congratulations to Catherine and Dave on their arrival of their baby girl on this beautiful Christmas Eve Day. She was due five days after Christmas, which made for a wonderful, surprise Christmas gift.

Christmas Survey

A friend had the following survey on her blog, and I thought it was a fun, festive blog post... so I copied it. Thanks Catherine.

Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? If I had to choose between the two, I'd choose hot chocolate, but really my favorite hot drink is either a Chai Latte or Hot Apple Cider.

Does Santa wrap the presents or leave them under the tree? Santa does both. Santa comes and delivers gifts during the night and we find them wrapped, under the Christmas tree. Santa also fills the stockings!

Colored lights on a tree or white? We use colored lights on our, always real tree, although I do think that trees with white lights also look classy. The theme for our tree has always been... eclectic.

Do you hang mistletoe? Yes. This year the mistletoe is hanging in our bedroom doorway. It has a bell attached to the bottom and hangs down a little low. I can clear it, but Nathan always hits his head on it when he gets up to go to the bathroom during the night.

When do you put your decorations up? The day after Thanksgiving and not a day sooner.

What is your favorite holiday dish? My favorite Christmas dish is definitely the plate of cookies left for Santa. While we haven't left cookies for Santa for several years now... next year... I will be looking forward to them!

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Heck no. When Nathan's family was in from Hungary at Christmas, Norbert wanted to open all the gifts on Christmas Eve. He did, but Nathan absolutely refused. So in our house... I guarantee there will not be a single Christmas gift opened until Christmas morning.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? After we cut it down, drag it inside, struggle to get it set up straight in the stand, and tilt our heads questioning its size or shape, we begin with colored lights. Then go to town randomly adding the miscellaneous collection of ornaments we have acquired. Some from our childhood, some homemade, some are antiques, some are new, and some were gifts. Almost every single ornament on our tree has some sort of meaning or memory attached.

Snow: Love it or Hate it? Love it. There is not a single thing, more magical than a white Christmas. Plus, I think snow makes the winter beautiful instead of dead and gray. Snow is a must.

Can you ice skate? Yes I can. In middle school, early high school, I spent almost every Friday evening at the ice rink. I still have my own skates. Last year, after Christmas, we went ice skating at in Chicago and had an absolutely magical time. I love ice skating... although this year... I will not be partaking.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? There are so many. Leaving cookies and carrots for Santa, the 11:00 Christmas Eve service at church, annual Christmas breakfast of jelly bellys, or maybe a tradition Nathan and I started of topping our tree with a Santa hat.

Candy Canes: Yum or Yuck? Yum. I can't eat more than one or two during the season, but still a must have.

Favorite Christmas Show? I'm going to have to go with Home Alone. Of course I like all the others, but I think Home Alone is the one I most enjoy watching.

Favorite Christmas Song? Last year, it was Baby Its Cold Outside, but I have since reevaluated since the song is kind of sleezy. Its about a man, pressuring a young girl into staying later than she is supposed and tries to talk her into having another drink. If she said her mother will start to worry... then she's obviously young and shouldn't be hanging out with this dirty older man. So I'm not sure my favorite song, but I do love any song sung by Johnny Mathis.

That was fun.

Today was kind of a rough day. Well, more of a rough afternoon. Nothing that cannot be fixed, but enough to cause some tears and anxiety. It has nothing to do with the baby; baby is still great. But stress, of course, is not good for the baby. So please say a prayer for us. We need a break, a change. Things could certainly be much worse, and we are grateful for all that we have been given (especially this baby!!) But as I said, its enough to cause a lot of anxiety.

And on a side note, I have noticed my vision has been a bit off. I usually have excellent vision and shock Nathan with tiny things I can read. But, the last few days I have noticed some subtle changes. Like the oven clock is now blurry to me from in the living room, which is pretty much the same room. And even words on the computer screen or ipod are a bit on the fuzzy side. I read that because of hormones, fluid retention, metabolism, and blood circulation changes in your eyesight can occur during pregnancy. But it can also be a sign of a couple other things like preeclampsia. So I'm going to give my midwife a call tomorrow just to be cautious and let her know what I'm experiencing. I'm sure its nothing, but you know what they say...

PICTURES!!! YAY!!!

Nathan and I had a great time taking pictures in our basement this afternoon! We truly had a lot of fun. We have been meaning to take pregnancy pictures for a while now so we'd have a better visual timeline, but we finally did. Looking at the pictures, my tummy looks so weird to me. It makes me think, "Wow. I'm actually pregnant." I am a little self conscience because I don't know what my tummy should look like right now, but this is what it does look like. And the fact that I have not gained anyway tells me that I'm doing what I should eating wise. Enjoy.

*I am almost 16 weeks*






This is when Nathan knows its time to quit.

Baby Made Me Laugh!

Today's appointment was wonderful! The other midwife, Denise, seemed really great. We started off checking my weight. I thought for sure with Thanksgiving thrown in there and my growing belly I would have gained 5 or 10 lbs. Then I'd be in trouble for gaining 1/3 or 2/3 of my total weight gain goal. That was definitely my biggest concern. However, I have gained 0 lbs! And yes, that is good. As long as I am not trying to lose weight and I get the nutrition I need, then minimal weight gain is good. That was a huge relief! Now I just have to do the same thing for the next four weeks only with Christmas thrown in the mix...

Of course we chatted about a few things, then checked for the baby's heartbeat. That was the fun part! Last time, we found baby's heartbeat right away. Denise started moving the doppler probe around my belly. She'd pick up a heartbeat, then it'd be gone. Then we'd get a loud thump sound. She'd move it around again, pick up a heartbeat again, then it'd be gone. Another thump. Apparently Baby has a sense of humor and was playing games with Denise. Each thump was the baby kicking at the probe, then Baby would move away from the probe. She chased that baby all over my belly, and finally was able to get a consistent heartbeat, which by the way was still strong. I tried not to laugh, but I couldn't help it. She even called Baby a little stinker and guessed Baby is a boy based on his activity. It was such a special moment. That was the first moment my child has ever made me laugh. Baby has made me smile and brought tears of joy, but this was the first time Baby's actions made me laugh. How awesome is that?

My next appointment is for an ultrasound in four weeks, then I'll see Lynda again two days later. And every appointment so far has fallen on Nathan's Monday off which has been perfect! Its really important to both of us that Nathan get to share in these very special milestones. And while we should be able to find out the gender in four weeks, we are keeping it a surprise. So don't ask... we won't know!

Pregnancy First

I had a first yesterday. My first pregnancy fall. Let me first say, we're fine. Nathan was shooting the Coleman, MI Christmas parade and asked if I wanted to go. I like parades so I thought, hmm that could be fun. So I bundled up in three layers of pants, two layers of shirts and my warm winter coat. Plus thick socks, hat, scarf, mittens, and a blanket. I thought for sure I'd be warm enough. Well... the thing about going on assignments with Nathan is that he has to be there early and stay until the very end. Being there early, I thought I'd get some exercise and walk up and down main street a couple times. I walked maybe two blocks and ended up on my bottom. It was getting dark and I couldn't really see the sheet of ice in front of me. Down I went. BUT when I fall, I'm surprisingly graceful about it. I went down slowly and ended up doing kind of half split with one leg straight in front and the other leg bent to the side. It did not hurt. I got myself up and regrouped. Had I thought for even a second that I fell hard, I would have called Nathan back to get me and we would have called the doctor. But it was truly a very gentle fall so I was not worried about it hurting the baby.

However, after the parade when I was freezing and somewhat miserable, I told Nathan about my fall and he was not happy. He felt guilty for leaving me and banned me from leaving the house by myself until spring. And while this was not a serious fall, it does worry us a little bit. Its winter, I'm clumsy, and being pregnant only adds to that. Even people who aren't clumsy or who are being careful can still fall victim to a patch of hidden ice on a clear sidewalk. I'm not sure what the solution is other than to move. But I will be holding Nathan's arm whenever possible and will have to just be extra careful when I am by myself. I told Nathan I should just start wearing ice skates; I do just fine when I am supposed to be on ice.

In other pregnancy related news, I have my next appointment tomorrow. I'll see the other midwife in the practice and I cannot wait. I'm definitely ready to hear the baby's heart beat again! My appetite is still down and I'm finding that I get full much quicker. I have been getting some mild headaches a couple times a week. I am also finding that my maternity pants are starting to fit a bit better. There is still a lot of room to grow, but they're definitely staying up more so than before. And I am officially out of regular pants. The pants that I bought a size too big are now not even comfortable using the rubber band trick. But in a nut shell, I LOVE BEING PREGNANT! Sometimes I think, wow I still have a half of a year to go, but then I think, wow I still get to be pregnant for another half of a year.

Baby Update

I am now 15 weeks. Only 25 left to go. Sometimes it seems like its going by quickly, but then I realize that we still have half a year left. But I am certainly not rushing it. I am enjoying every single moment of this pregnancy. For so long, it truly seemed like a distant dream, and now its reality. And I couldn't be more grateful for how normal and uneventful this pregnancy has been. I pray daily that it remains a wonderful and 'normal' pregnancy.

Here is what "they" say is going on at 15 weeks inside my belly.

"Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces. She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds."

*The above refers to the baby as a she... which makes me laugh since I still think its a boy. When I refer to it as a boy, Nathan always corrects me and says, "Or she!"

On average, women usually don't feel their baby move until between 16-22 weeks. However, as I have learned and said before, every woman is different. Two nights ago, Nathan and I were laying in bed playing with my stomach (LOL) and I felt something. I'm not going to say it was the baby moving, but it was something in my lower stomach that didn't feel like gas or indigestion or anything else normal. It actually felt like a wave motion or someone touching the inside of my belly from right to left. I figured after I was certain what I was feeling, I could decided whether or not it could have actually been the baby. Well since then, I've really been trying to pay close attention and try get in tune with the baby. And sure enough, I'm about 98% sure I've felt the baby a couple times! I told Nathan it is a sensation similar to when your stomach growls, kind of a faint bubbly feeling. And every time I've felt it, its been when I've been laying on my back, quietly while shining a light on my stomach. I was a bit uncertain at first, but I'm starting to recognize the consistency of the feeling. I'm definitely looking forward to the movements becoming stronger. And I really cannot wait until Nathan can also start feeling the baby's movements.

I'm really starting to feel like I'm able to bond with the baby more these days. Today I spent some time in the nursery rocker reading some Beatrix Potter to the baby. It was such a special, quiet moment. And I know that each week will bring more and more opportunities for bonding.

As far as pregnancy 'symptoms' I'm still sneezing four or five times a day. Go figure. And I've had a mildly stuffy nose for a while now, which I read is normal and has to do with, you guessed it, hormones. I have also had a couple mild headaches here and there. My appetite is way down compared to a few weeks ago. And I'm not getting up in the middle of the night to hit the bathroom. I still have to go before I wake up for the day, but I can usually make it through the bulk of the night.

My belly is definitely growing, however it still just looks like a fat belly as opposed to a pregnant belly. But that's Ok. I still love it! My next appointment with Lynda is on Monday, and I cannot wait... really its been hard going four whole weeks without a peak or a listen or some kind of update. And I'll be curious to see how I've done weight wise over the past four weeks. Granted, Thanksgiving was thrown in there, but hopefully I still did well. I know I could be weighing myself at home, but I don't want the focus to be solely on numbers unless Lynda advises me to begin weighing at home between visits.

And on a side note, Midland saw its first winter storm today. It started snowing last night around 11 and by morning we had maybe 5 inches. It was absolutely beautiful! And my wonderful hubby made sure to clear the driveway and sidewalk of the heavy, wet snow. This winter, we are definitely going to have to make sure we keep up with driveway. Otherwise the ice and snow will build up and become incredibly dangerous. And I was also reminded that I have a beautiful excuse to get out of shoveling snow myself this year!

If you are interested in seeing what baby's up to at 15-20 weeks, click here.

Prayer Request:

Please continue to remember my friend's family. Yesterday, the mother, too passed on. That means my friend's brother not only lost his two young children, but his wife as well. How you go on after that, I don't know. Not only does this family need peace, but strength as well.

I laid in bed last night and could not stop thinking about this family. My heart is truly broken for them.

Prayer Request:

I have a dear friend in KY who's family has faced a very tragic loss and will undoubtedly need lots of prayer. My friend's brother and his family were in a car accident. Their two children did not survive and the mother is in critical condition. I cannot even begin to imagine what this family is going through right now. Please remember this family in your prayers. They will need a peace that only God can offer.

Police, Pool Hall, Pregnancy

We have been fairly happy in the duplex we are currently renting. We've been here almost a year and have really made it feel like home. However, it is still a duplex meaning we have neighbors. These neighbors are not unfriendly or friendly. We've tried to wave and be kind, but there were never many exchanges at all between us. Last night they apparently had a party. This was the second party where their blaring rap music, obnoxious 'guests', and pool playing could be heard. We truly felt like we were living next to a pool hall. The first time, while I did experience my first bought of pregnancy rage, we managed to deal with it. But last night... I once again reached my limit. The music was not sent me over the edge to where I finally called the police at 3 am. It was once their cigarette smoke made it into our home. Now first of all, there is not supposed to be any smoking here. And this was the second time we smelled cigarette smoke. Only last night, the smell about knocked us over when we opened up the basement door. That's right... in our own home, which we pay prime rent for, we were being forced to breathe in their second hand smoke. It truly smelled like their were 20 people smoking in our basement. That was my breaking point. I truly think it was the protective maternal instinct that kicked in to overdrive. I bust my butt to make sure what I eat, breathe, and absorb through my skin is good for my baby. And I was not about to let my stupid, inconsiderate neighbors decide that for me.

While the police could not enforce the smoking, they were happy to break the party up for us. Two cops showed up within about five minutes and things quickly quieted down. And while I could faintly smell the smoke in our bedroom, the party was shut down soon enough that it at least dissipated out of the bedroom. Then today, I called our landlord and made him away of the situation. He too had a big problem with what had taken place and said he'd be speaking with our neighbors immediately.

I don't pay my rent every month to live next to a loud, smokey, pool hall. If I wanted to live in that environment, then I would and pay half of what our current rent is. If they want to party, that is certainly their business, but when you live in a duplex or apartment, you need to either take it to a bar or to someone's house. Hopefully this will be the last situation of this nature. And believe me, next time, now that they should no better, I won't wait until 3 am to call the police.

One Size Does NOT Fit All Medical Care

First of all, thank you for your prayers for Mark. Last I heard, he was doing well.

Secondly, I have had an uber productive day! I did a lot of organizing, throwing away of papers, and cleaning toilets. This afternoon and evening I spent most of my time working on some research.

Let me first say, that this is a very personal decision. The following is simply my opinion, and I make no judgement on others and their choices. With that, I have been researching vaccinations. I feel as though our medical care has become one size fits all. And I have a big problem with that. So I went through the CDC's vaccination recommendations, researched each illness and vaccination, and evaluated the risk factors that we are currently aware of for our child.

Here is a good example. The hepatitis B vaccination. The Hep B vaccination is recommended to be given a birth, another given at either 1 or 2 months, and another at 24 weeks. There is also a combo vaccine where they will get an additional dose at 4 months. Now let's look at Hepatitis B. It is passed through blood, semen, or other body fluids. Usually contracted from sexual content, sharing needles, accidental needle prick, from mother to child at birth. I was vaccinated for Hepatitis B in high school, so unless my baby comes out using intravenous drugs, then I'm not sure how they would contract Hepatitis B as an infant or toddler. Now that is for my baby. I know there are many babies born to mothers who are drugs users and could easily come in contact with Hepatitis B. Those babies most certainly do need to be protected. But the risk level for my baby is quite slim. This is one vaccination that will be put off for a while.

Another example is the Rotavirus. The greatest complication of rotavirus is severe diarrhea which can lead to severe dehydration, of course untreated could very well lead to death. Luckily we have access to emergency care. As soon as I'd notice by baby having diarrhea, I'd be on the watch for early signs of dehydration. If that happened, we'd be in the ER and fluids would be given through an IV if necessary. I don't see where this would merit a vaccine in my child. Some children, however, who are in daycare are at greater risk of contracting Rotavirus and severe diarrhea or dehydration may not be noticed as quickly.

I'm not going to share the schedule I have decided upon since it is specific to our child. But I will say that we are nixing a few and delaying a few. We will also be opting out of the Vitamin K shots routinely given at birth. I will be supplementing myself and passing on lower and more gradual levels of vitamin K through nursing.

My only purpose in this post is to encourage people to look at their own situations and risk factors and not accept one size fits all medical care for themselves or for their children.

Most of you probably remember Mark, the little guy I took care of in BG. Apparently he has H1N1. Please say a prayer for him. We know how dangerous this can be for young children. His mom said, "We took the vaccine..." So I don't know if that means his mom and dad got the vaccine or if the whole family took the vaccine. But regardless, please pray for my little Markie Doodle.

Can I just tell you how awesome it is to be emailing with my nieces? Tiffany and Haylee are both growing up so fast! They are both turning into such bright young ladies. They were just over a year old when Nathan and I started dating back in 1999. And now... we email each other?! I love it!

Grandparents

This post comes after I read a friend's Thanksgiving post where she mentioned her grandmother's china. And I began thinking about my own grandmother's china.

My grandma's china was Homer Laughlin Virginia Rose. The dishes are considered antiques and I'd like to add, made in the USA. Most people associate china with formal dinners, holiday dinners, or dishes stacked neatly in a cupboard. But Grandma Rothrock did not reserve her china for special occassions. She used it every single day of the week. Not because she was a formal person or had a formal house, just the opposite. She was a somewhat simple, in a good way, woman and my grandparents lived in a nice small house. She loved flowers and worked hard. As did all of my grandparents. I think my grandma used the Virginia Rose dishes everyday because she loved them. She had lots of china and dishes stashed in their attic. But she chose these dishes to use. Even their cat was fed on a small Virginia Rose plate. And every day, she'd stand at the sink, usually perspiring from the kitchen that was still hot from some delicious meal and from the hot water she had her hands submerged in, and would gently wash those dishes. I always knew that I wanted those to someday be my dishes. Not because of a price tag, but because it was something my grandma loved.

When I think about those dishes today, I feel a connection to my grandma. Seeing those dishes takes me back to my childhood and the many wonderful memories I have of my Grandma Rothrock. She was also the first grandparent I lost, meaning the one I had the least amount of time with. I wish they were all still here, especially... {OK pregnancy emotions really kicking in here} at this time in my life. I still have one remaining grandfather who lives in FL, but FL is a long way from Michigan. I do hope he will someday be able to meet our child.

I was truly blessed with four, wonderful, amazing grandparents. We always lived about 5 hours from my grandparents, so I feel like my time with them was always special. But at the same time, I took them for granted. I wish I had, had more time with them as an adult. But they each taught me a lot about hard work, love, and family. My grandpa in FL (actually my mom's step father as her father passed away too young, but my grandpa my entire life), last time I was down to visit, shared his first wife's troubles and scares in childbearing. He began to tear up. I felt a connection with my grandpa in our shared struggles.

As our child is still growing in the safety of my womb, I pray that he or she will have many, many wonderful years with his or her grandparents and get to know them deeply. We often contemplate using family names for our children. But we loved each one so dearly, there is no way we could choose just one or two names to use. So we'll give our child a name of their own, but make sure they know how special and dear their grandparents and great-grandparents are and were.