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.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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
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!
Friday, May 30, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
red means STOP!!!...
Growing up I learned very quickly that a red light meant you were to stop. I think its a pretty easy concept to grasp, at least I did until we moved here to Pittsburgh. Now, I'm not saying that I'm the greatest driver, I do have a bit of road rage that I picked up while living in VA and fighting DC traffic, but I do try to be careful and cautious of other drives on the road. And knowing that there is another "life" in my hands has slowed me down considerably.
So many times since moving here, Nathan and I have been sitting at a red light and watched someone drive right through it. We've been coming up to green lights and all of a sudden someone comes flying from the right or left (with a red light) and goes right through the intersection. I was at a red light one day and about died laughing when out of nowhere the car beside me just took off. Luckily there weren't any other cars coming or turning, but it was so random and the woman who pulled up beside me after that looked over at me and shrugged. Nathan also has been witness to the delayed red light runner. While waiting for a green turn signal at the stop light by our apartment the other lights turned red and he said he could have counted to at least 4 (one one thousand, etc.) and a car came out of nowhere from beside him and ran right through the light.
We've determined that here in the Burgh traffic signals, and signs for that matter, are optional. It was again revealed to me today as I headed out to Target this morning. I was sitting at the light by our apartment and it turned green. There wasn't another car at the intersection, so I started making my left hand turn. As I started to make my way into the far right hand lane (the slow lane) and straighten out my car a huge black car came out of nowhere and passed me on the right... and by nowhere I seriously mean I couldn't tell you where this car came from. It was truly by the grace of God that I was spared, because I was pulling into the right lane when the lady snuck around me. I eventually ended up passing her after she slowed down and it was an older lady, but my goodness. My only guess is that she ran the red light! She was going so fast there wasn't any way that she could have come down the hill and turned onto the main street. It just blew my mind and my heart was racing.
We choose to obey the lights, signals, and signs here and for those of you who have visited us, we've already told you about the traffic up here, as for the rest of you...you've been warned. In Pittsburgh, red lights don't always means stop!
So many times since moving here, Nathan and I have been sitting at a red light and watched someone drive right through it. We've been coming up to green lights and all of a sudden someone comes flying from the right or left (with a red light) and goes right through the intersection. I was at a red light one day and about died laughing when out of nowhere the car beside me just took off. Luckily there weren't any other cars coming or turning, but it was so random and the woman who pulled up beside me after that looked over at me and shrugged. Nathan also has been witness to the delayed red light runner. While waiting for a green turn signal at the stop light by our apartment the other lights turned red and he said he could have counted to at least 4 (one one thousand, etc.) and a car came out of nowhere from beside him and ran right through the light.
We've determined that here in the Burgh traffic signals, and signs for that matter, are optional. It was again revealed to me today as I headed out to Target this morning. I was sitting at the light by our apartment and it turned green. There wasn't another car at the intersection, so I started making my left hand turn. As I started to make my way into the far right hand lane (the slow lane) and straighten out my car a huge black car came out of nowhere and passed me on the right... and by nowhere I seriously mean I couldn't tell you where this car came from. It was truly by the grace of God that I was spared, because I was pulling into the right lane when the lady snuck around me. I eventually ended up passing her after she slowed down and it was an older lady, but my goodness. My only guess is that she ran the red light! She was going so fast there wasn't any way that she could have come down the hill and turned onto the main street. It just blew my mind and my heart was racing.
We choose to obey the lights, signals, and signs here and for those of you who have visited us, we've already told you about the traffic up here, as for the rest of you...you've been warned. In Pittsburgh, red lights don't always means stop!
Monday, May 19, 2008
a marathon weekend...
Not only was there an actual marathon this weekend, but just the word, marathon, describes our weekend. (as well as the past month or so)
At 2 pm on Saturday we, Melinda, Nathan, & I, jumped in the car and headed for Cleveland for a marathon on Sunday. It was only about a two our drive, and after a few stops we made it with plenty of time to get the race packets and walk around the expo for a little while. We had dinner, hung around the hotel, and eventually went to bed. 4:45am came way too early the next morning, but we were all up and ready to go. We headed out at ten till 6 in 49 degree weather and a downpour.
Nathan waiting in the rain for Melinda before the 12 mile mark
Melinda in the front of the pack, black shirt, green shorts 
Melinda as she is about to cross the finish line
crossing the finish line
(the time was a bit off... she finished in 3:47)
At 2 pm on Saturday we, Melinda, Nathan, & I, jumped in the car and headed for Cleveland for a marathon on Sunday. It was only about a two our drive, and after a few stops we made it with plenty of time to get the race packets and walk around the expo for a little while. We had dinner, hung around the hotel, and eventually went to bed. 4:45am came way too early the next morning, but we were all up and ready to go. We headed out at ten till 6 in 49 degree weather and a downpour.
Nathan and Melinda before the race
clean, dry, & warm!
clean, dry, & warm!
We got down to the starting line around 6:15 and piled into a little mall where all the runners and their supporters were trying to dry off and stretch before the race. We had parked quite a few blocks away to ensure that we wouldn't get stuck in traffic after the race, but that also meant by the time we got to the start we were all pretty wet from the knees down. We were also lucky enough to run into the Mertens as they made their way into the mall and send them off with a "Good Luck" too.
Unfortunately, as you can see from the picture above, Nathan didn't get to run in the race. Since he hadn't run in about 4 weeks because of work, he didn't want to chance getting hurt, so he sat this one out.
Shortly before 7am, we went out to the starting line. It was still raining and quite chilly, but everyone was in great spirits. Nathan and I tried to get as close as we could to the start to see everyone take off, but it was impossible, so we stayed back and just listened to the announcer over the loud speaker. The horn sounded and the runners took off with 'Cleveland Rocks' playing in the background. We headed back inside to wait for a text message as to when Melinda had crossed the 10K mark. Texting was a cool feature they had at this race. You could sign up and receive texts that would let you know when runners of your choice had crossed certain marks. We signed up for Melinda & the Mertens so we'd have a better chance of seeing them throughout the race.
Nathan waiting in the rain for Melinda before the 12 mile mark
Melinda in the front of the pack, black shirt, green shorts(right in front of the guy in the red shirt)
We tried to catch the Mertens a few times, but were unable to. The course was quite spread out and reaching different points was a little difficult... that could have been my fault since I am a little slower these days.
Three hours and forty seven minutes after the beginning of the race, Melinda crossed the finish line. By this point the rain had stopped and the sun had come out a little. It was still cold and the wind was terrible, but at least the runners had started to dry out. Melinda's time was about 7 minutes slower than what she had wanted, but she had a lot going against her yesterday; the weather, an incredibly flat course she wasn't used to, and a nasty cold she was battling. She did incredibly well though, don't you think? I can't imagine running 26.2 miles.
Melinda as she is about to cross the finish line
crossing the finish line(the time was a bit off... she finished in 3:47)
It was so exciting to see Melinda finish, it was a great ending to a long day. I say long day and by this point it wasn't even noon yet!
We hung around for a while longer hoping to see the Mertens finish, and right as we were getting ready to leave (Melinda was freezing, I was freezing, and we both needed to sit down), the Mertens crossed the finish line. Their time was 4 hours and 45 minutes, roughly. I'm sorry to say we didn't get any pictures of them, but if you go over to our "friend's blogs" posted on the side and click on 'Sally Ann Mertens' I'm sure she'll have their adventure up before too long.
All in all it was a good day. We were very excited for our friends and happy it was over and we were on our way home. Nathan said he was very inspired, but that inspiration was actually to NOT run a marathon, but maybe a half. He said he couldn't imagine now putting himself through that. Hopefully we can get him in a half marathon before the year is over. As for me, I'm inspired by all them, but I too will never run a marathon, or a half... or even a 10K. I set my goals a little lower, a 5K will be just fine by me!
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