Angel Tree

Just wanted to put in a plug for a program I love.

I like selecting an angel tree child each year.  I say each year loosely, because we didn't do it last year.  But I've tried to most years since early college.  However, finding the store with the names, and remembering to choose one seems to be presenting a challenge to me.

Luckily, I found out JCPenney and the Salvation Army have teamed up to provide a website.  If you're interested in sponsoring an angel tree child this year, but like me, can't seem to get it together enough to get the name and get started, check out http://angel.jcpenney.com/.

You can search by your zip code, and preferred age range and gender.  It will then give you a list of children to choose from, including their sizes and special requests.  The drop off deadline locally is December 14th, so if you're interested act fast!

We will be shopping for a 1 year old whose special requests were a stuffed bear and books.  Does he sound sweet or what?

So blessed! So thankful!...So excited!!!

Mima Rinker and Aunt Brittney hosted Karson's shower this Saturday while we were visiting over Thanksgiving.  We were fortunate to have family and friends take time out of their busy holiday schedules, including a couple who had a long drive!  Thank you to all of our guests for sharing in a special day, and for helping us celebrate the pending arrival of baby Karson!  And a special thank you to Dee Dee and Brittney for putting together such an adorable shower!!!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are some of my favorite pics!

How cute are these decorations?!

Game time!!!

And here are some fun gift photos:

A super cool antique plane we'll be using as a night light!!!

A special monkey from Becca:



Justin announcing people should NOT buy him a matching sweater vest!

Me joyfully realizing this snuggly outfit has ears!!

Mima showing a tiny outfit that Justin came home from the hospital in...and it was too big!

Looking at a blanket that was made for Justin by his own great grandma.  Couldn't help but tear up a little.  

Thanks again for all those who participated!  We've already been busy putting things in their place in the nursery!

I am officially exhausted from the weekend.  BUT, I hope to soon post about our Christmas decorations, 30 week update, and nursery update.  And we'll have a shower with my family and KY friends coming up in just a few days.  (Is Karson a blessed little fella or what!)



Thankful (Tis the Season!)

It is Thanksgiving after all, so I thought I should post some things for which I am thankful.   So pull up a chair, let's sit around an imaginary table at Grandma's house, and rattle off some things that have blessed us this year...I'll go first...

I am thankful for a good job.  When we moved, there was some uncertainty as to where I would land.  There were times when I thought I might "settle" for A job rather than a GOOD job.  If I had needed to do that I certainly would have.  Fortunately a great opportunity opened up and not only did I not settle, but instead I have a higher salary than I left at OH, better retirement benefits, and double the vacation time.  And it's a new challenge in a industry I had been interested in exploring.

Speaking of - I am thankful for a kind boss who values family.  I could not have asked for a more supportive or understanding manager as we go through this pregnancy.

I am thankful for a house that became home so quickly.  Sure, we ran out of closet space, could really use a basement, hate ladybugs, and really miss having gas heat (and a gas stove!).  But our house has felt like "home" from fairly early on.  And it feels like the right place to bring Karson home. 

I am thankful for a church and church family that has felt right.  In some ways I felt like we never stopped looking when we were in OH.  Our church here found us fairly quickly.  We miss a lot because we travel too much, but we have still been able to get involved with a small group, and meet some other young couples.  And I'm sad when we miss.  Not because I feel guilty, but because I really feel like we missed out on something special.  That's a nice feeling.

I am thankful for a husband who loves, supports, and provides for me.  He also makes me laugh, makes me think, and makes me love more than I knew I could.  And I can't wait to see him become a daddy.

I am obviously thankful for our pregnancy, and the pending arrival of Karson.  But I'm also thankful for God's timing.  Sometimes I don't get what I want as soon as I want it, and I've learned to be thankful for that as well.  We are in a better place now than we would have been had we gotten pregnant immediately.   And we were able to enjoy some couple time, and trips to Vegas, Chicago, and New Orleans that I'm not sure we would have taken had there been a baby on the way.  And in the meantime, we've done some saving for "future house". 

I could keep going, with health, family, friends, etc.  But I'm sure each of you are thankful for those same things, and I'm already getting long winded.  Here are some less cliche things I'm thankful for:

I'm thankful for:
*Quiet nights by the fire pit with Justin.
*A neighborhood where we can take walks, see a fox and deer, but still get to the interstate in 3 minutes.
*Winter evenings by the fireplace snuggled on the couch.
*Memories of when we both actually fit on the couch...
*DVR.  (well, I am...)
*The generosity and selflessness of others, including baby gifts, maternity clothes, help with our move, help with painting, supportive words, prayers, and willing hands and ears any time we've needed them.  I can't name all of you, but you inspire me to be a better person who is more aware of others as well.
*Moments that makes me cry happy tears.
*A full belly.  A warm bed.  And a happy life.

Ok, your turn.   Pass me the rolls first.

28 week quiz (and belly pic!)

How far along? 28 weeks!

How big is baby? Hard to say.  The estimates start varying now from site to site.  But my doctor estimated 3 pounds.

Weight gain? 18.6 at Friday's appointment.  Very happy with that!  But we'll see how I fare with the holidays...

Stretch Marks? Not yet!!!

Maternity clothes? While looking for clothes for our photo session, I discovered a few items from Auburn I had previously missed.  New favorites include a short sleeved red sweater, and a black and gray casual shirt.

Sleep? I'm hanging in there.  I don't wake up to go to the bathroom, so I'll count that as a success story.  I was officially woken up by Karson for the first time I believe.  Sunday morning I was dreaming about drums (no, really) and woke up to feel strong kicks on each side of my belly.  Who knows what he was doing in there!

Cravings? Not pregnancy related, but thanks to Dad's pumpkin cheesecake I have a new favorite dessert.

Nursery update? No updates since the 25 week quiz really.  We hung curtains. Otherwise I'm waiting until our two upcoming showers are over to start laundering, organizing and putting away. 

Movement? This little guy is crazy!  I think he's a drummer.  And he still likes to get in to a weird position and stick what I think is his rear end out really far.  It's always on my right side.  I'll get a photo one of these times.

High point? Two!  1) We took some maternity photos this past weekend, that I'm anxious to share with you once they are available.  2) Decorating for Christmas!

Low point? Soreness.  I may have overdone it a bit between the Christmas decorating, the driving, and the photo session.  I finally had some pain and soreness Saturday evening.  But a long night's rest seemed to help a lot.  I also think it was related to a growth spurt I can tell happened the last couple of weeks.

What am I looking forward to? Gaining 10 pounds this holiday season and doing so guilt free! ;-)

Here's a 28 week belly photo...with our main tree as a backdrop!  (Quite a growth spurt this time I think!)

Thankful! ...Fantastic even!

I don't have time for a long post.  Places to go and people to see!  ;-)  But I wanted to say that today's 28 week appointment went well!  I drank the orange gunk like a champ, had blood drawn for glucose testing, and had a great visit with the Doc.

He believes Karson has already moved in to a head down position, which is good!  He was pleased with all measurements and stats, and even used the word "fantastic"!

I then scheduled my 30 week appointment.  Can you believe we're already to the point where appointments are two weeks apart???

I'll post the 28 week updated quiz and belly shot soon.  I just wanted to share the quick update. 

Have a great weekend!

Dear Karson - Welcome to the 3rd Trimester!

Dear Karson,

It's me, your mama.  I wanted to congratulate you on reaching a big milestone!  As of today (or last Tuesday depending on who you ask, but whatever), we have officially reached the third trimester.  Great teamwork!   

For me, it's been a pleasure!  Carrying you has not been a burden, or an inconvenience.  It has been a joy!  Knowing how well you've been doing so far has been such a relief to your daddy and me.  We both love the moments when we feel your sweet kicks and rolls.  And I will never get tired of hearing your heartbeat at the doctor's office.

We have been busy getting ready for you.  You should see your daddy putting together the planes that we plan to hang from your ceiling.  He is so careful and slow, wanting every piece to fit together perfectly.  That's nearly impossible since we only paid $2 per plane - but that doesn't stop him from trying!  We've also made progress on your nursery, and I can't wait for you to see it!  I hope you'll find it a cozy and fun place to call home.

We spent the last weekend with my family, and as we played with your cousins, I couldn't help but think of how exciting it will be when you're with us too!  You have a lot of family across the miles (on both sides) who are looking forward to meeting you!

This week we are decorating for Christmas.  It will be our last one without kids!  That's hard to believe.  Even though you won't be here physically yet, you're with us in spirit.  We've ordered a special Christmas ornament to always remind us that in 2010, you were on the way!

More to come soon. 

Love - Mama

Third Trimester

We're here!  And I can tell!  Friday I was a busy, but happy camper here at work.  Today, I have to sit perfectly upright or I feel like this large bowling ball in my belly might completely squish out any air I have a chance at breathing.

I've never been a gal whose boobs rested on her belly.  I've never had the boobs nor the belly for that to be possible.  What a bizarre feeling.

No, I don't think I changed that much over the weekend.  But growth is definitely happening!  And Karson appears to have added a room on to his temporary home, somewhere in the lung region!  I'll let him expand his home for now, but he better not get too cozy as I plan to evict him in approximately 3 months!!!

A Case of the Mondays

Have you ever had a case of the Mondays...but on Thursday?  I did yesterday. 

I'm not even sure why. 

I can recall being frustrated at work about having to do and redo some things, and in fact I'm nearly a week behind on something because of some unexpected issues that have arisen. 

I recall eating a late rushed lunch at my desk while working. 

I recall having horrible traffic on the way home. 

I recall having my quiet ride home where I usually talk to Karson (crazy alert, I know) and pray turn in to some weird moment where I started imagining worst case scenarios and in fact brought my self to tears.  Ok, not tears, more like sobs.  (No really, I can do that with my imagination...)

I had a simple project for an upcoming event that I wanted to take care of, but even that went wrong and resulted in a trip to Staples when I should have been doing one of the three loads of laundry that we needed done before today for upcoming travel reasons. 

So when Justin called me I answered gruffly and told him I was in a bad mood.  Now mind you, by then I couldn't completely remember why, I just knew I was feeling a bit cranky and raw, and he should be warned. 

I then pouted a bit all evening, and when I realized I wasn't feeling mopey enough, upped the mope factor.

But why?  It's as if I thought I was due for a bad mood, so I performed it to the fullest so I could check it off of my to do list.  I would love to blame pregnancy hormones, but if I'm honest, I'll admit to you that I've always been an emotional gal.  And this was no pregnancy related funk.

I'm back to reality this morning.  And in retrospect, yesterday wasn't actually that bad of a day.  I get paid to do my job, who really cares if the day is filled with some rework.  That quick lunch was yummy.  I don't think the commute home was any worse than usual.  I got all three loads of laundry done.  The Staples task really didn't go well, but I think it can be remedied before the deadline.   As for my self inflicted pity party on the ride home - it was in fact self inflicted, but perhaps a good cry is healing every now and then.  Aside from that I had a somewhat relaxing evening, got lots of points in my fantasy league from the Thursday night game, got to bed on time and slept well.  And I enjoyed all of that evening from my warm comfy home with a loving husband.  Does that sound so bad?

Not really! 

I've decided we're entitled to a funk every now and then.  Even if it's completely unjustified.  Just try not to take it out on others, and if you do, make sure you let them know how much you appreciate them tolerating you during your Monday Thursdays. 

Happy Veterans Day!

Some quotes...

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave... --Patrick Henry--

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. --John Stewart Mill--

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem. --Ronald Reagan--

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his. --George Patton--

We make war that we may live in peace. --Aristotle--

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. --George Orwell--

************



Thanks to all who have served or are serving.  And to those who are no longer with us because of their bravery, I pray your efforts are not in vain, and that we show our gratitude in how we appreciate our freedom.
 

"Oh Honey, I don't miss those days."

The title just contains some encouraging words from a cashier I encountered yesterday when she saw my belly.  She then went on to discuss how much she hated being pregnant all three times.  Of course, it just so happens, she doesn't seem to enjoy being a mom either.  At least if she does, she kept those details to herself.

I've decided some people are just miserable.  But that's not the point of this post.

The point is - I think I WILL miss this.  I won't miss being nauseous all day during the early weeks.  I won't miss never feeling like I look put together.  I won't miss having to wear glasses because contacts suddenly irritated my eyes.  I'm sure I won't miss being 8.5 months pregnant and thinking if I get any bigger I'll pop.  But I will miss this.  I'll miss the sweet punches and kicks and rolls I get from Karson throughout the day.  I'll miss knowing that he's protected for now, and that only I can take care of him.  I'll miss the anticipation that Justin and I feel.  I'll miss the excitement of preparing.  I'll miss the moments when Justin gets to feel Karson move.  I'll miss Justin's morning hugs when one is for me and one is for Karson. 

I know that having him here will be infinitely more special.  And the moments I treasure now will be replaced with other special ones, like seeing Karson smile, hearing his laugh, and watching him learn and grow.

But, dear angry cashier lady, despite your inability to look back on pregnancy fondly - I'm happy to say, I will in fact miss these days!

Under 100 days! And perhaps under 100 things left to do!

We have less than 100 days remaining of waiting for Karson to arrive!  (What if he's late you say?  Hush your mouth!)

I'm officially 26 weeks along, and by some standards, start the third trimester tomorrow as we start week 27.

The milestones this week are fun ones.  By the end of the week (or possibly by now) Karson's lungs will be capable of breathing air!  He will also have hit the minimum goal weight of just over 2 pounds.  Getting closer and closer to being ready for this big world!

His kicks are also getting stronger and more consistent, and I am going to begin kick counting. 

And my favorite (from cradle.com): 
"By this time, your baby’s brain wave patterns are similar to those of a full-term baby at birth. Activity is beginning in the portions of the brain that process visual and auditory information."  
But I have to wonder...what the heck is he thinking about???

In other news, we got a lot done this weekend!  We cleaned out the landscaping; pulling, trimming, and sprucing up all around the house.  We had hoped to pressure wash but some thing was broken and Justin will have to make a trip to Lowe's for a tiny part that spoiled those plans.  We also hung curtains in the nursery (yay!), assembled airplane #3, got in a cross country flight...(ok, all three of those were Justin...).  But I wasn't completely useless.  I took care of some errands, checked one more person off of the Christmas shopping list, and made some ground on knitting a baby hat.  (How's the blanket coming along you ask?  Again I say hush your mouth!)  Let's just say I wish it looked this good...

 

 

Next on the to do list is tackling the garage.  We need to move the bed that was previously in the nursery out, along with some closet storage left by the previous home owners, and some boxes that I swear must not be ours because I no longer recognize them.  We MUST make this a priority because it's the only way I have a shot at parking in there this winter!  And more importantly - I CAN'T GET TO THE CHRISTMAS STUFF!  Too soon you say?  Pshaw!  I would have put one of our three trees up this weekend if not for the blockage in the garage.  But more on my obsessive Christmas decorating later.  If you're judging me for skipping Thanksgiving, you should know that I put my fall dishes out in August.  So...take that!

Nonetheless - we keep moving forward, and one by one, we're reducing our to do list.  This is good because last I checked the world was not on pause while we slowly get ready!

Who, me? When?

It seems sometimes I forget I'm pregnant. Ok, I don't really FORGET, but every now and then it doesn't seem real.  It's as if I'm watching A Baby Story and someone else is the main character.  I'm just an observer smiling and crying and rooting her on. 

At the last doctor appointment (week 25) the Doc was feeling the abdominal area, and in particular noting the growth of the uterus.  He once again commented on it being a big baby (really, must we always bring that up?) and said something along the lines of:

"You will run out of room to grow up soon, and your belly will start growing out more.  Probably November."

I smiled at how November would bring a fun large belly to this happy pregnant gal I was observing.  She must be so excited!

I still smile at that thought, then I remember...she is ME!  And November is NOW!  Not only is this real, it's moving quickly!  Karson will be here in no time! 

Don't get me wrong...that is good news!  I can't wait to meet him, and I'm glad this is going by quickly rather than painfully dragging on. 

But sometimes I can't believe how much time has passed already! 

When will I get the nursery organized? 

When will I crochet the stupid blanket? (What was I thinking?!) 

Why do we only have two planes painted? 

How will I get all of the Christmas shopping and Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years/meet my new niece travel in? 

We need to tour the hospitals! 

We need to take the birthing class! 

I need to take a breastfeeding class! 

Justin and I need to do something fun for this anniversary! 

I should start scrapbooking! 

I should take more pictures! 

I need a new camera so I can take more pictures so I can scrapbook! 

I need to slap that "A Baby Story" girl and get her moving in to a higher gear!!! 

AND...I need to tell her to relax because it will all fall in to place.  I've seen this episode before and I know she can get things done when she needs to.  So I'll add "take a deep breath" and "enjoy this part too" to her list of to do's.  But seriously, she needs to get moving...

McReally?

We all have one.  A guilty pleasure.  Maybe it's movie theater popcorn. (guilty)  Maybe it's Krispy Kreme doughnuts. (guilty!)  Maybe it's the McRib....(huh? NOT guilty!)

I would like to explain to you how many times the McRib has come up in conversation during the last few months, but I'm not sure I can accurately recount the times.  First someone mentioned it being their favorite and they were sad it wasn't on the menu full time.  That led to a discussion of the elusiveness of the McRib.  We later realized there was a McRib locator where people could submit questionable, possible, or confirmed "sightings".   Really?   What is this...Big foot?  Elvis?

Then this week I see an article that it will be available for a limited time at all locations at once, for the first time since 1994!  Let the Chaos begin!

I for one do not get it.  I am a BBQ fan.  I like ribs.  I like sandwiches.  And I like McDonalds despite the evidence that suggests they may be doling out meals that are more plastic than nutritious.  I do not, however, get the appeal of something that is made from mysterious meat, and made to look like a bone in rib patty.  But...kudos to McDonalds for making this concoction so popular that it has amassed a cult following. 

A friend posted this facebook status update earlier:
A McRib sandwich commercial came on and my daughter just stared at the tv like they'd shown her a real live unicorn.

So...maybe it's the mystery!  Maybe it's the fact that you can't get one whenever you want one?  Regardless, I'll not be fighting the crowds to partake.  Thank goodness Karson has not decided to make this a gross craving.  I'll simply avoid McD's until this is over, then go back to enjoying their nuggets.  What's that?  What do you mean they're not really chicken?

What are YOUR guilty pleasures?  Go ahead, admit it...you know you have one...

25 Week Quiz

How far along?  25 weeks and one day!

How big is baby? About 14 inches, and roughly two pounds!

Weight gain? .:Drum Roll....:.  14.8!  That's right!  I avoided seeing 160 at the Doctor's office by .2 for one more appointment!  .:Crowd Cheers!:.  However, thanks to some yummy treats at the baby shower...I saw it when I returned home this weekend.  .:Crowd Groans:.

Stretch Marks? Not yet!  But I've started that itchiness...argh.

Maternity clothes? Exclusively maternity pants.  I can still wear some of my usual shirts, but quite frankly, I enjoy wearing clothes that say "I'm pregnant!".  Even if they also say "I'm sloppy and eat a lot!".  I was also in need of new boots for winter, and instead of buying them, decided to buy something comfortable, and less expensive in case my feet grow (.:gasp:. ...can you imagine...).  The end result was a pair of super comfy black Clarks from an outlet we passed last weekend.  Cool points - no.  Comfort points - yes!  I'm not swelling yet, but I imagine I'll eventually be grateful for my ugly comfortable shoes!

Oh - I am sleeping in the same old stuff I've always slept in, but my mid section often peeks/hangs out.  It's not a sexy look. 

Sleep? I'm now a three pillow kind of gal.  It seems to be working.  Even if I'm crowding Justin a bit.  :-)

Cravings? Nothing in particular, but I can remember craving popcorn recently.  Although I did that before...

Nursery update? Lots of updates since the last quiz!  New ceiling fan, ottoman, crib, mattress, bedding, name for wall, storage unit, new furniture arrangement.  So much!  We're still only two planes in to the six plane set we're making to hang from the ceiling.  But we're saving that activity for days when we can't get out, watch football, nap or otherwise completely procrastinate.

Movement? Karson is a mover and a shaker!  He's kicking me now!  The funniest is when he seems to push hard against the right part of my stomach.  This happens in particular when I'm first laying down at night and am somewhat on my back watching tv.  It looks a little like an alien might break out of there.  If he does that now - I can't imagine the havoc he will be wreaking when he gets big!

High point? A baby shower with Crystal this weekend.  Brittney, Vicki, Rachel, Cheryl and Laurie, as well as Crystal's mom and a couple of coworkers helped us both celebrate!  It was a fun crew!  And we will never look at Raisinettes the same! 

Low point? I can't recall one off hand.  I will say that I feel pregnant today.  For the first time since the first few weeks, I'm doing that "I need to pee" every 15 minutes dance. Not fun.  Maybe it's just where Karson is positioned.  Of course, after scurrying to the bathroom, I realize it is in vain and I imagined it.  I hope that's temporary!  I'm also out of breath today.  It could be from a newly bigger belly, or it could be from running up and down the stairs for the unnecessary bathroom breaks!

Other: Justin and I just booked anniversary plans.  That may seem irrelevant, but since it's our last pre-kid anniversary, we've decided to make an effort to do something special.  I'm excited!

And for your viewing pleasure...a 25 week belly pic!

Footed PJ's and Sweater Vests and Muscle Tanks, Oh my!

Kart...er...Karson got lots of cool little boy clothes and fun toys and needed items at his first shower!  We had a blast over the weekend visiting with friends and family, and celebrating the coming arrivals of Karson AND Karter!  (By the way, I already confuse their names, and from now on may just call Karter "my niece".) 

We got some helpful basics and items from our registry, including a bumbo, activity jumper, baby carrier, car seat cover and travel/camping items. 

We received some gorgeous homemade items,  (thankfully Crystal's family is far craftier than I am.)  Seriously - aren't these awesome?

We also received some adorable clothes!  Including softee jeans (LOVE!), PJ's with planes on them, and some warm clothes for winter.  I LOVE footed PJ's, and clearly was beyond excited when I saw the rear of this little monkey set. 

I also love sweater vests!

And I look forward to seeing a little tough guy sporting this muscle tank...

Karson is a lucky little boy already!  And we have two more showers to go!  He will be spoiled before he even arrives!

Here are some shots of the Rinker crew from the weekend...