photo worthy?

It is exciting to think that I am a couple of days shy of half way through my pregnancy. All along I have heard from people how "tiny" my belly is. Despite what others have said, I went to put on one of my "big" t-shirts last night and found that it was surprisingly small. I was slightly impressed with the bump and decided to have Mark take a photo to show our baby girl's progress. Don't mind my face in the photo as it was the end of a long day and I was exhausted.

This past week I feel like I have developed a slew of new symptoms and since this is all new to me and most of you will be able to relate just humor me. The most notable change is my no longer wanting to bend over to pick something up off of the floor. I used to not let the dogs eat any food that dropped on the floor and I would instead bend over to pick it up. This week I decided that they are helping me out if they eat what falls on the floor when I am cooking so I don't have to bend down to get it! It is not that I can't bend, but it just isn't the best feeling. I am also learning that squatting is a lot more comfortable than bending. This will be good for my butt which I fear is taking on a new shape of its own!

Pink or blue?

Friday was a very exciting day for Mark and I. My appointment was at 11, but of course the ultra sound technician was running late. We waited a bit and then were placed in the room. Sitting there Mark and I were so nervous and excited all at once. All along boy votes were casted by family and friends and even though everyone is just guessing it is very convincing. So, naturally we sat there waiting to confirm every one's assumptions. The technician seemed to look at everything except what we were aching to know. It seemed like forever went by...although we were loving every minute of seeing the spine,the hands, the feet...but we really wanted to cut to the chase! Finally, at the very end she said she had looked a few minutes ago (we obviously were clueless) and she could not tell. She gave it another shot and then said, "I think I know...yep I know." All I could think was spit it out! She then went on to say do you see those three lines? And of course we said yes, but thought, "What the heck does that mean?" And for those of you with babies you may know...the three little lines means girl! She then continued on writing "girl" all over the images of the tiny ultrasound screen. There it was in writing- she is a girl! After listening to our family and friends for so long I was honestly surprised it is not a boy. My response to the technician? "Really?" We are overjoyed! I couldn't have been happier either way, but now my 7 month niece will have a new best friend! Amazingly I did not cry when I found out the news, but I am so excited that I can now refer to the baby as her...I hated using it and have apologized to HER for any times a may have used HE in the last 18 weeks! There is so much love in our hearts for this little girl. I can't wait to meet her in November!

Anticipation of big news

We are going to find out what we are having in just over a week. I am so excited to learn a little more about the identity of our little one. As the date gets closer I get more excited for the news. I am sure all of you moms have heard that the heart rate of the baby can predict the sex as well. I hear girls hearts are faster and boys a bit slower. What I don't know is where the line is drawn of fast verse slow. Any insight? How about guesses? Since I hope the baby will cooperate and we will know the sex very soon feel free to cast your vote / opinion as to if it is a boy or a girl!

no news and big news

Hey all,

It has been some time for a few reasons. One, I am still looking for work and have had an interesting run at the job market recently. I have had such positive leads that I have thought, "how could it not work out," only for the jobs to not work out. So, the search continues. I have a phone interview tomorrow, but we will see. The job market is just one tough place right now.

My job search had a wrench thrown into right away with a big exciting surprise! Mark and I are expecting our first baby in November! We are thrilled. Although the baby was "planned" I am sure it is always somewhat a surprise when the miracle occurs. We are over the moon excited, but I am also a bit nervous about not being able to find work now. I hate to mix these two topics since work is so blah and a baby is such a miracle! Anyway, I was waiting to share this news until some time has passed- and now I am in my 14th week.

More updates to come...

NC SNOW

NC saw the most snow this area has seen in five years on Sunday night / Monday morning. It was beautiful, but not for the first day of March! I am ready for spring in the south!

Sam on the other hand thought the snow was wonderful. She and bailey had a great escape running through the neighborhood jumping through the snow. Luckily, the "let's go for a ride trick" they fall for every time and they both were returned home safely.

Twists and Turns

It has been a long while and mostly due to the fact that there has been little good news to report. I would hate to have this blog be a drag for anyone to read, but at this point I want to let my few faithful readers that are left that I have not abandoned ship.

Some of our highlights over the last month:

the 2009 Hemby Cup a charity hockey game for the local children's hospital took place last weekend. Mark played for Bank of America as the Suits and Microsoft played as the Geeks. The suits won for the third year in a row. It was a fun event and after the game friends and family could ice skate. I of course did not bring my camera along.

We had the opportunity to meet up with some military friends on a couple of occasions which is always a great time. We love seeing old friends-

Finally, for the bad news. I have been laid off at work and tomorrow is my last day. I am interviewing for a couple of positions and would appreciate your prayers. It is such a dismal time in our economy and the thought of unemployment at this juncture is rather frightening. I do have a couple of solid leads, but nothing certain. I will keep everyone posted on my journey, but will have much less access to the Internet since my laptop is being returned tomorrow and my home computer is a dinosaur at this point.

Grace and thanks

I am so pleased to announce that my Grandfather is cancer free! What an amazing accomplishment for my 89 year old grandfather! He is a survivor and a man of faith. Thank you for all of your prayers over the past months!