a fan...

Although she'll be born in Pittsburgh, Ava WILL be a Mountaineer fan!!!

*Thanks to Jane & Carrie Wilson for this adorable WV baseball cap.

29/30 weeks...

A couple weeks ago we decided that the smartest thing for us to do would be to skip my cousin Jamie's wedding. We were both disappointed, but with gas prices going up and up and the fact that I'd have to sit through a 9 hour car ride twice, we didn't think it was a good idea. Then last Sunday at Nathan's softball game our friends Nate & Andrea invited us to their wedding. Even though it was last minute they said they wanted us there. We've become friends with Nate & Andrea through church and softball and are really excited about getting to know them better. They, for some reason, think we're "normal" (little do they know) and are excited to have new friends too.

So this past Saturday we got all dressed up and went down to Beaver, PA for the wedding and reception. We had a wonderful time and it was so nice to get dressed up and just go out. Many of you probably know that we don't go out much, and reserve going out to dinner, movies, and such, for special occassions. Shoot, our anniversary tradition now is dinner and a movie, lets see if that happens this year!



We also took a quick belly shot right after we got home ( I was exhausted if you can't tell from the expression on my face). On Thursday we'll be 30 weeks, so two days shy. I had a doctor's appointment this morning and everything still looks good. I'm measuring at 30cm, which is perfect for 30 weeks and they said I probably won't go past 35 all together. My weight is good, even though they are weighing me about 5 lbs heavier than what I've calculated. (I like keeping my own record at home where I can make sure my clothing is exactly the same every week!) And baby Ava's heart rate is holding strong at 150. She has been quite active and aggressive lately, kicking, punching, and stretching my sides until sometimes they hurt. But I'm not going to complain, she is healthy and hopefully happy in there.

We'll keep you updated and get some pictures of the house up soon. We're still in the process of getting things organized.

a side note: I've decided there should be a book or something that tells everyone what they shouldn't say to a pregnant woman. I know I've been guilty of this myself and I apologize, but seriously, no pregnant woman wants to hear "you're getting so big" or "you're huge" no matter if they are 3 months or 9 months and ready to pop. I've gotten quite a few of these comments lately, and thankfully my hormones aren't so crazy that I haven't reached out and slapped these people. (did I just say that?) And also I have a wonderful husband who, even if he thinks I'm huge, tells me I'm not and that I'm gaining weight right on schedule. He is such an encouragement. I did get an email the other day that had snappy come back lines for people who say these things, and although they were things you'd really want to say, they weren't too Christian-like if you know what I mean. I think one of my favorite replys was "well, I'm going to drop about 15 lbs in one day, how about you?" hehe...

Have a happy 4th of July!

a short break...

We wanted to let you know that we're still but taking a short break as we try to get ourselves situated in our new house.

We moved in on Saturday with the help of our friends the Volochs, Nathan's supervisor Rob, and my Dad. A special "Thank you" to all of them, we couldn't have done it without you. We're still sorting through boxes but each day we're getting more and more put away. If only there weren't a thousand other things to do during the day as well... work being one of them.

As soon as things are straightened up we'll try to get some pictures up for you.

punching bag...

I've become a human punching bag! Up until a week ago (or so) I've been enjoying wonderful little kicks and tugs, every once and a while experiencing a big kick here and there. But in the past week things have changed. I feel like our little Ava is trying to find her way out and in the proccess she is beating me up. For awhile I thought maybe if I stood up or changed positions that would help. I have no idea just how squishy it is in there and thought maybe she was uncomfortable. But that doesn't even seem to work anymore.

Saturday evening Nathan and I went up to paint some more in the new house (I promise I will get pictures up soon, there are things everywhere right now and I can't get a good picture.) We didn't get to bed until 1:30 am after painting the living room (its quite large) and when I finally layed down the fun began. It took me a solid half hour to get the baby to settle down and to fall asleep. By 8 am I was wide awake and she was in full swing again, not to mention I was starving. Then at church on Sunday it hurt so badly I thought for sure I'd have to get up and walk out. She was kicking so hard and was right up under my ribs on the right side, she likes my right side A LOT!!!

I guess I can't complain though, even if it does hurt. At least I know she is growing strong and this is her way of letting me know she is doing well.

little joys...

"The Lord will guide you always;

he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame."

Isaiah 58:11

I ran to the mall today to get a dress shirt for Nathan and to get his watch fixed. While I was there I noticed that Bath and Body works was having one of their great sales. As I ventured in to see if their wall flowers were on sale I looked over and saw a friend of mine. Granted I've only known Jodi for a month or so, she is the wife of one of the other guys on Nathan's softball team, but it was nice to see her out. I walked over and said hi and we chatted for a few minutes then we both headed out.

As I drove home a little later I started thinking about how nice it was to be out and about and then run into someone I know. Then it dawned on me, it was an answered prayer. We've lived here in the Burgh for almost two years now and have continually prayed for friends. Since last October we've had exactly two sets of friends, and sadly one couple just left and headed South. (We miss you David & Sally Ann) But in the past few months since we've begun attending a new church we've started to meet new people. Normally I'd see Jodi and the other wives every Sunday at the softball games and think nothing of it, but it truly was a joy to see her today out at the mall. Isn't it amazing how God brings the "little joys" into our lives? (I am so easily entertained and pleased, and I thank God for that too.)

So things are starting to shape up, and hopefully they will only get better. I guess Pittsburgh isn't the "sun-scorched land" we thought it was. Praise God for new friends!

"And my God will meet all your needs according

to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19

(emphasis added)

25 weeks +...

25 weeks +

My monthly check up was a week late this month, but everything is still going well. I took the glucose test this morning and was surprised that it wasn't as bad as I expected. It reminded me of the syrup from the frozen icy pops you have as a child, just thicker and much more to drink. Hopefully that will turn out well and I won't have to take the more invasive test.

Other than that, my appointment was short and sweet. Baby B is doing well, still very very active, kicking and flipping all over the place. Her heartbeat is strong and she is growing right on track, as can be seen in my weight gain!

We'll have a new update on Baby B next month!

welcome home...

At 1:10 this afternoon it was official... we're home owners!!! Our lovely townhouse, seen above, is in Cranberry and we are so excited to get in there and make it our own.

We drove over today after our closing so I could take this picture, I hadn't taken one before, and we got the chance to meet our neighbors. Kacey & Dan came over and said hello and we instantly had a bond with them, as Dan is a WVU grad, (Kacey is a Pitt grad, but a WVU football fan). The first time we went to see this house a few months ago I immediately noticed that the neighbors were flying a WV flag, and I wanted to make sure that if we bought the house that we introduced ourselves. They seem like a fun couple and hopefully we can get to know them better. Dan had to rush back to work, but Kacey talked to us for a few minutes and told us a little about the other people who live around us... they sound like a nice but interesting bunch. The housing division is small and very quiet and we just know we are going to love it there. After almost two years of living in Pittsburgh and really not liking it, we are finally going to be in an area we like... we're finally starting to settle in. Of course, we hope not to be here forever, but only God knows where we'll end up next or when/if we'll go somewhere else. (Here's to hoping!)

I promise we will get more pictures up soon. I'm hoping to get some before and after shots, we are planning on painting a good bit before we move in.