16 weeks & family time

this weekend, i was able to fly home and surprise most of my family. it was a chance to see lots of people i've missed dearly and help ashley get a jump on wedding plans. i hadn't been home in over a year, and with the baby coming i'd probably not be home in another whole year until ashley's wedding. it was due time. tim was unable to come, however, and that bummed him (and many others) out greatly. i actually flew in thursday, only to get in a car for 6 hours (not my favorite) and trek to Pennsylvania to see my Aunt Jen and cousin, Bonnie. Sarah met us there from her summer camp for the weekend, along with one of her best friends and we all had a great time. My aunt lives in a gorgeous historical home in downtown Carlisle and i think it was the first time in years that it had just been "the girls" home without any boys in tow. Needless to say, my dad was in seventh heaven and it was very hard for me to imagine the possibility of bringing a boy into the family.


i'm now starting my 16th week and (i know i say this every time) but am rounding the corner of sick and tired. let's forget the fact that i was in bed at 9:30 last night, and focus on the fact that i do feel a little more energetic every day...a very good thing with school coming up next month! i feel like i balloon out a little more each day and am currently in the market for new pants.

13 1/2 weeks

So the belly pictures begin...mostly for my friends and family who aren't close to watch me grow. :) I've always had a "pooch" but Tim says it's obviously a baby bump now.

I had another doctor's appointment this morning. Nothing groundbreaking...heard the heartbeat, which doc says is nice and strong around 150's. Now that my nausea is *fingers crossed* slowing down, everything has become a lot more enjoyable. Doctor said at one point, "This is too easy." I hope it stays that way! So far, God has been so amazing and given us nothing but better-than-great news at every appointment and ultrasound so we're praying that it continues that way. We've seen the baby move early on, and even been able to identify all developing anatomy (like in the picture from last post). In early August, we'll have a "formal" ultrasound (I suppose I should dress up?) and hopefully be able to determine the sex of the baby!

In the meantime, I'm doing my best to eat as many fresh fruits and veggies as I can and take naps whenever my body tells me it just...can't...go...on. I am so thankful that the timing worked out for me to be off of school during the "ugh" part of pregnancy. God sure has His hand in every detail of this little one's life.

Tim and I are headed back up to Michigan this weekend to Grand Rapids, where we'll spend a long weekend celebrating our 2nd anniversary and attending a conference put on by Rob Bell. I'm sure it'll be a relaxing and challenging weekend, but nonetheless...the first vacation we've taken by ourselves since our honeymoon. Probably the last in awhile, too! :)

God bless you all. Love and miss you dearly.

p.s. thanks to nicole for my super cute new maternity shirt! :)