I feel like I haven't written about what's going on in my life for a while. I was looking through my pictures and uploading them and I think I'm going to share.
[caption id="attachment_340" align="aligncenter" width="300"] So... What do you get when you combine this stuff, pinterest....[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_341" align="aligncenter" width="300"] scissors, and this handsome guy as your helper???[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_342" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some pretty awesome wall art! It's pretty awesome if you ask me. I'm not done yet, but this was one of our date nights this month. Once I finish it I'm going to buy some metallic looking spray paint and paint it. Then I'll take a picture and put it up for all to see :)[/caption]
After we made the decoration...
[caption id="attachment_343" align="aligncenter" width="300"] We went out and got a caramel apple and hot chocolate! (Don't mind the picture... we got a good shot of the apple, but I cut our heads off)[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_344" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Shot numba 2... good of our faces but we missed the apple :/[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_345" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Third time's the charm! Well... That'll have to do, we got the hot chocolate, the apple and our faces. :)[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_346" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Then we went on a walk and talked about upcoming Christmas present ideas! We got some good ideas... but I won't tell you what they are ;)[/caption]
All in all, we had an AWESOME date night! It was so nice to break out of the mold of what we usually do and be a bit creative. It was really fun having Jonathan help me with the wall art too! He's got a good eye for how things should look.
Another thing that happened recently is I got my hair cut!!! It was way overdue!!! I am happy to say that I no longer have a mullet! I was surprised with how much I liked it! It's always scary to give a new hair dresser free reign, but I told her I wanted to grow it out, and she assured me that she was really good at helping people grow out short cuts. I trusted her, and she gave me a hair style that I like better than my original short cut! What do you guys think?
and here's the back...
I really love it! It's funky, and feminine all at the same time! It's a bit quirky, and unique... all things that I want in a hair style. The only thing is it's not that diverse, meaning I can't do it very many different ways... but that's ok. She said I'll keep this same style till the top layers grow out to the bottom, and then we'll play with it and get it into an A-line! I'm so excited!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Gratitude Day 22
Day 22: I'm grateful for this time of year. I'm grateful for this time that we have to reflect on our blessings, and to stop and be grateful for them.
On our way up to uncle Howard's place, we thought of categories and then tried to think of ten things each within the category that we were grateful for. It was a really good thing for me. I was able to express my gratitude for people I don't often thank, and for things that are so common (like a kitchen table, or a comfy bed) that I often take for granted.
On our way up to uncle Howard's place, we thought of categories and then tried to think of ten things each within the category that we were grateful for. It was a really good thing for me. I was able to express my gratitude for people I don't often thank, and for things that are so common (like a kitchen table, or a comfy bed) that I often take for granted.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Gratitude Day 20-21
Day 20: I'm grateful for coupons :). Today I went to Target to start my baby registry (crazy!) and I got a boat load of coupons just for being willing to play with their fun scanner guns :). I'm excited to use the coupons too. This makes me want to register EVERYWHERE! I don't even need to tell people I'm registered at all these places... I just want the coupons ;)
Day 21: I'm grateful for the consideration and kindness of Uncle Howard in inviting us out for Thanksgiving! We're heading out today and I'm SO EXCITED! They also said they wanted to treat us to a show on Friday night, so not only do I get to hang out with family for the holiday, but I also get to go out, and see a play!!! I'm so excited!!!
Day 21: I'm grateful for the consideration and kindness of Uncle Howard in inviting us out for Thanksgiving! We're heading out today and I'm SO EXCITED! They also said they wanted to treat us to a show on Friday night, so not only do I get to hang out with family for the holiday, but I also get to go out, and see a play!!! I'm so excited!!!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Gratitude Day 17-19
Day 17: I'm grateful for good music. We went to a symphony on Saturday night and I really enjoyed listening to the music. I had a lot of time to think, and ponder about life. I'm grateful for talented people! Both composers and people who share their musical talents. Every time I go to the symphony I have a desire to start practicing violin again. I had that same thought this time too, then it changed to learning the cello, since we already have one, and I have a teacher that would teach me for free... then it changed to piano. I have a piano and I would get more use from knowing how to play that then any other instrument.
Day 18: I'm grateful for cooking, and family. Sunday we had some of Jonathan's distant relatives over (one of his mom's cousins, and some of his second cousins) and even though that was the first time we had ever met them, it felt good to know that we have family close (our second cousins, Kari and Kenneth, are going to Purdue as well). I decided to try a new recipe, and I must say, I'm so grateful for the internet. I can read enough reviews on the recipe I want to try, that I can be confident enough to make it for the first time when company comes over.
I had a really good time cooking with Jonathan, we made Panda express! We had chow mien, and mandarin chicken with rice and steamed broccoli. MMM it was so good! The new recipe I tried was the chow mien. It was a success.
I realized last night that I love hosting dinner parties. I love making fancy meals, and having people over. I'm grateful that we are in a position to be able to do that.
Day 19: Today I'm grateful for advice! I put up on facebook asking people to let me know all the best products out there for babies. Within 12 hours I had over 20 people respond with advice. Today my goal is to do my research for all the baby supplies I should register for, and because so many people were willing to put their two cents in, I have such a better place to jump start from. (feel free to also put in your two cents in about the best baby products out there)
Day 18: I'm grateful for cooking, and family. Sunday we had some of Jonathan's distant relatives over (one of his mom's cousins, and some of his second cousins) and even though that was the first time we had ever met them, it felt good to know that we have family close (our second cousins, Kari and Kenneth, are going to Purdue as well). I decided to try a new recipe, and I must say, I'm so grateful for the internet. I can read enough reviews on the recipe I want to try, that I can be confident enough to make it for the first time when company comes over.
I had a really good time cooking with Jonathan, we made Panda express! We had chow mien, and mandarin chicken with rice and steamed broccoli. MMM it was so good! The new recipe I tried was the chow mien. It was a success.
I realized last night that I love hosting dinner parties. I love making fancy meals, and having people over. I'm grateful that we are in a position to be able to do that.
Day 19: Today I'm grateful for advice! I put up on facebook asking people to let me know all the best products out there for babies. Within 12 hours I had over 20 people respond with advice. Today my goal is to do my research for all the baby supplies I should register for, and because so many people were willing to put their two cents in, I have such a better place to jump start from. (feel free to also put in your two cents in about the best baby products out there)
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Gratitude day 16
Day 16: Today I'm grateful for sleep, and for feeling rested. Sleep is something that I have struggled with in my life. I either wake up feeling rested, or tired. But I'm so grateful for the days I feel rested. I'm also grateful that on the days that I wake up tired, I can go back to sleep and try again. I know that won't be the case forever, so I'm enjoying it now, while I still can :)
Blowing my mind
Every Friday (the day of my "one week older in pregnancy") I get blown away with how far along I am. 26 weeks... that's a lot of weeks! This pregnancy seems to be flying by!
I'm so grateful that I am pregnant! It's a miracle and a blessing, and I thank my Heavenly Father daily that I am pregnant.
On a completely not relevant note :) : I felt my first sciatic nerve pain yesterday. That was an experience :)
Oh! And I just have to mention. I got the best sleep that I have had all week last night.
I'm so grateful that I am pregnant! It's a miracle and a blessing, and I thank my Heavenly Father daily that I am pregnant.
On a completely not relevant note :) : I felt my first sciatic nerve pain yesterday. That was an experience :)
Oh! And I just have to mention. I got the best sleep that I have had all week last night.
Gratitude Day 15
Day 15: Today I'm grateful that I can sew. I get enjoyment out of it, and it gives me something to do that makes me feel accomplished. If I didn't know how to sew, then I would be quite bored waiting for this baby to arrive.
I love to bring people joy, and I feel like I can do that through sewing.
I love to bring people joy, and I feel like I can do that through sewing.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Gratitude day 14
Day 14: Today I'm grateful for Visiting teachers. I don't get a ton of social interaction, so when someone offers to come over to MY house and visit me is quite a treat! Even if it's a calling.
I love my visiting teachers, They are both older than me. One lady actually isn't too much older than me, but she married someone who has teenagers, so she is in a VERY different stage of life than I am :). The other has three kids, 14, 10, and 5. So she is also in a different stage of life than me... but with that being said, I just love them! They are so caring, and they are so fun to talk to!
Yay for visiting teachers! (PS. I know I just posted about them, but I didn't in my gratitude days... thus I posted again)
I love my visiting teachers, They are both older than me. One lady actually isn't too much older than me, but she married someone who has teenagers, so she is in a VERY different stage of life than I am :). The other has three kids, 14, 10, and 5. So she is also in a different stage of life than me... but with that being said, I just love them! They are so caring, and they are so fun to talk to!
Yay for visiting teachers! (PS. I know I just posted about them, but I didn't in my gratitude days... thus I posted again)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Gratitude day 13
Day 13: Today I'm grateful for the words of the Prophets and Apostles. I'm grateful for the ease of access I have to their words. I'm grateful for the feelings of hope, and encouragement they give. I'm grateful for the prospective I receive when I read their words.
Life update
We had our doughnut night and it went about as expected. We had three people show up. It was nice though, because we now know three other people that live in this complex! I ended up only making about 40 doughnuts (the goal was 50, but the oil was a bit hot on the first batch of frying... and Jonathan and I had to test a few doughnuts, just to make sure they were safe ;) )
I was glad that people showed up! I would have been disappointed but not surprised if nobody showed up. Here are the few pictures Jonathan got while I was finishing up the doughnuts.
[caption id="attachment_304" align="aligncenter" width="300"] this is my "can you wait till I finish putting away the Vanilla?" face
My abdomen looks quite large in this picture if I do say so myself...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_305" align="aligncenter" width="300"] mid action shot![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_306" align="aligncenter" width="300"] mmmm (these aren't all of them, they were just drying so we could stack them)[/caption]
We had a good time! That was on Thursday, and then on Saturday, it was a beautiful night, so we decided to walk around Purdue. I had never seen anything besides Jonathan's building. We had fun doing that too!
Then we watched 17 Miracles... Holy cow! That's a good show! It's very moving. It made me so grateful for the faith and the strength that the pioneers had.
On Sunday I made Skor cake for a dinner party we went to, and we have leftovers :) I really love Skor cake! In my mind, a dessert can't get better than that!
I was glad that people showed up! I would have been disappointed but not surprised if nobody showed up. Here are the few pictures Jonathan got while I was finishing up the doughnuts.
[caption id="attachment_304" align="aligncenter" width="300"] this is my "can you wait till I finish putting away the Vanilla?" face
My abdomen looks quite large in this picture if I do say so myself...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_305" align="aligncenter" width="300"] mid action shot![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_306" align="aligncenter" width="300"] mmmm (these aren't all of them, they were just drying so we could stack them)[/caption]
We had a good time! That was on Thursday, and then on Saturday, it was a beautiful night, so we decided to walk around Purdue. I had never seen anything besides Jonathan's building. We had fun doing that too!
Then we watched 17 Miracles... Holy cow! That's a good show! It's very moving. It made me so grateful for the faith and the strength that the pioneers had.
On Sunday I made Skor cake for a dinner party we went to, and we have leftovers :) I really love Skor cake! In my mind, a dessert can't get better than that!
Pregnancy progression... again
So here's my progression again up to 24 weeks (even though I'm 25 now...) I have only been taking them once a month.
Each time I take a picture, I think to myself, "This is it, this is when I am going to be significantly bigger than last time" but each time I don't look too much bigger. Oh well. I did get someone who saw my profile on Sunday and say "You are pregnant! I didn't know till I saw your profile" Bam! Take note! First time someone assumed I am was pregnant! It only took till my third trimester to get there ;)
[caption id="attachment_294" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 4 weeks (or, when I found out)[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_295" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 8 weeks[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_296" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 12 weeks[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_297" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 16 weeks[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_298" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 21 weeks[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_299" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 24 weeks. This is a major moment as well. This is the first picture I took wearing maternity clothes. I was wearing them before, but they often hid my baby bump more, so I didn't wear them during the pictures.[/caption]
Also... I think Baby likes being in the pictures. I asked Jonathan if my belly really looks that pointy in real life and he says it doesn't... (it's especially bad in weeks 21 and week 16 pictures) So... I'm assuming Baby is sticking her bum out to show that she's in there :)
Each time I take a picture, I think to myself, "This is it, this is when I am going to be significantly bigger than last time" but each time I don't look too much bigger. Oh well. I did get someone who saw my profile on Sunday and say "You are pregnant! I didn't know till I saw your profile" Bam! Take note! First time someone assumed I am was pregnant! It only took till my third trimester to get there ;)
[caption id="attachment_294" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 4 weeks (or, when I found out)[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_295" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 8 weeks[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_296" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 12 weeks[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_297" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 16 weeks[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_298" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 21 weeks[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_299" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 24 weeks. This is a major moment as well. This is the first picture I took wearing maternity clothes. I was wearing them before, but they often hid my baby bump more, so I didn't wear them during the pictures.[/caption]
Also... I think Baby likes being in the pictures. I asked Jonathan if my belly really looks that pointy in real life and he says it doesn't... (it's especially bad in weeks 21 and week 16 pictures) So... I'm assuming Baby is sticking her bum out to show that she's in there :)
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Gratitude Day 11 and 12
Day 11: I am grateful for combined prayers and fasts and the power they have. I have been blessed by the combined faith of friends and family members, especially with this pregnancy. I have seen miracles happen in our lives because of that. I have also seen miracles in my family and friends lives as well.
Yesterday (I'm writing on day 12) I got an email from my sister in law (Ashley) who has had her fair share of infertility struggles. They tried for over 5 years for their first baby. Eventually they did invetro (I don't know how to spell that word... sorry) and now have a beautiful almost 3 year old daughter. They have been trying for probably 2 years and have been seeing a doctor for about a year to try to have a second one. Seeing a fertility specialist isn't cheap, and they are in dental school right now... so basically they can only afford to try one more round of treatment to get pregnant. If it doesn't work, then they will have to wait 2 more years till after Matt finishes with Dental school in order to afford more treatment.
We got a text from Ashley yesterday morning asking us to fast for them, since they are starting the treatment soon. I fasted from media (thus I didn't post this yesterday). I'm so grateful that we can fast for loved ones and that Heavenly Father recognizes the combined faith of others for the individual. I really hope they can get pregnant.
Even though not many people who read this blog know them, if you could keep them in your prayers, that would be greatly appreciated. Their names are Matt and Ashley Fletcher.
Day 12: I'm grateful for weekends. Even though I do just about the same thing on a Saturday that I do on every other day of the week, it's nice to be able to have Jonathan home. I'm grateful for Sundays, and the opportunity we have to renew our covenants, and to attend a spiritual feast every week.
Yesterday (I'm writing on day 12) I got an email from my sister in law (Ashley) who has had her fair share of infertility struggles. They tried for over 5 years for their first baby. Eventually they did invetro (I don't know how to spell that word... sorry) and now have a beautiful almost 3 year old daughter. They have been trying for probably 2 years and have been seeing a doctor for about a year to try to have a second one. Seeing a fertility specialist isn't cheap, and they are in dental school right now... so basically they can only afford to try one more round of treatment to get pregnant. If it doesn't work, then they will have to wait 2 more years till after Matt finishes with Dental school in order to afford more treatment.
We got a text from Ashley yesterday morning asking us to fast for them, since they are starting the treatment soon. I fasted from media (thus I didn't post this yesterday). I'm so grateful that we can fast for loved ones and that Heavenly Father recognizes the combined faith of others for the individual. I really hope they can get pregnant.
Even though not many people who read this blog know them, if you could keep them in your prayers, that would be greatly appreciated. Their names are Matt and Ashley Fletcher.
Day 12: I'm grateful for weekends. Even though I do just about the same thing on a Saturday that I do on every other day of the week, it's nice to be able to have Jonathan home. I'm grateful for Sundays, and the opportunity we have to renew our covenants, and to attend a spiritual feast every week.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Gratitude Day 10
Day 10: I'm grateful for the scriptures, both the standard works, and also the words of living Prophets. I'm grateful for the Spirit they bring into the lives of those that honestly seek to understand them. I'm grateful for the testimony I have of them, and how they have helped me in my life.
Gratitude day 9
Day 9: Today I'm grateful for friends! I'm grateful for the friends I'm making out here, and also the MANY friends I have in Utah. I'm grateful for the things that I have learned from them, and the examples they are to me.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Activity Days and Doughnut night
I got called into Activity Days on Sunday. There is a girl who is turning 8 this month that has special needs and I'm called specifically to be her helper. I love this little girl! She is the sweetest girl ever! She is actually the only primary age child I really know, so I'm really excited! The primary presidency also mentioned that I was to be an active part of the group of leaders as well. I'm excited to get to know the leaders better too!
Yesterday was the first activity. Nobody told me where to meet, (I might want to mention that Wednesday nights are the night that EVERYONE gets together... mutual, cubs, bears, webelows, activity days etc.) So there were people in every room, but I didn't know any of them (because the other ward that meets in the building also meet on Wednesday nights). I felt like an insecure teenager who didn't know where her first class was at school. haha. I eventually found them, but the insecure-teenager feeling never went away. I had no idea what the plan was, or what my roll was in the activity (the little girl hasn't started coming yet). The other leaders didn't introduce me to the girls, so they all kind of looked at me funny with the thought "What is she doing here? Who is she?" I didn't know any of the girls, and I felt very silly. I'm sure once I get involved in the planning of the meetings I'll feel better.
I want to be there for the girls. I want to be the type of leader that I had growing up. I want to love these girls unconditionally, and make them feel beautiful, and special, and wanted and valued. I hope I will be able to do that. This is a crucial time in their lives, and I want to help them in their development, both in the gospel, and with their feelings of self worth.
On a completely different note... I'm hosting my very first doughnut night tonight! My mom would do this yearly and make anywhere from 200-500 doughnuts and invite anyone and everyone that lived around us. It was an awesome tradition, and a wonderful way to get to know people around us.
Jonathan and I decided that we need to get to know the people that live in our building. So what better way than an informal party where they come and eat yummy doughnuts? I'm excited to make them, and hope that people show up. Stay tuned... I'll have pictures and updates on if anyone showed up :)
Yesterday was the first activity. Nobody told me where to meet, (I might want to mention that Wednesday nights are the night that EVERYONE gets together... mutual, cubs, bears, webelows, activity days etc.) So there were people in every room, but I didn't know any of them (because the other ward that meets in the building also meet on Wednesday nights). I felt like an insecure teenager who didn't know where her first class was at school. haha. I eventually found them, but the insecure-teenager feeling never went away. I had no idea what the plan was, or what my roll was in the activity (the little girl hasn't started coming yet). The other leaders didn't introduce me to the girls, so they all kind of looked at me funny with the thought "What is she doing here? Who is she?" I didn't know any of the girls, and I felt very silly. I'm sure once I get involved in the planning of the meetings I'll feel better.
I want to be there for the girls. I want to be the type of leader that I had growing up. I want to love these girls unconditionally, and make them feel beautiful, and special, and wanted and valued. I hope I will be able to do that. This is a crucial time in their lives, and I want to help them in their development, both in the gospel, and with their feelings of self worth.
On a completely different note... I'm hosting my very first doughnut night tonight! My mom would do this yearly and make anywhere from 200-500 doughnuts and invite anyone and everyone that lived around us. It was an awesome tradition, and a wonderful way to get to know people around us.
Jonathan and I decided that we need to get to know the people that live in our building. So what better way than an informal party where they come and eat yummy doughnuts? I'm excited to make them, and hope that people show up. Stay tuned... I'll have pictures and updates on if anyone showed up :)
Gratitude day 8
Day 8: I'm so grateful I'm pregnant! The past two years have taught me something, having a baby is not something that a couple decides when to do. It is all in the Lords timing. I'm grateful that the Lord has seen fit to grant Jonathan and me our greatest desire right now. I know that there are so many that have struggled for longer and have gone through more, and are still struggling. I am aware of you, and I pray for you daily. I'm so grateful for the trials I have gone through to get to this point. Although I would never wish them on ANYONE, I have learned more about the atonement, the Savior, faith, and Jonathan and I have grown closer together through this experience than we have grown through anything else.
Becoming a parent is a huge responsibility, I am starting to realize, and I'm grateful that I have nine months to prepare.
Becoming a parent is a huge responsibility, I am starting to realize, and I'm grateful that I have nine months to prepare.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Gratitude Day 7
Today I'm grateful to be living in the U.S. I'm grateful that I was able to vote yesterday, and take part in deciding who should lead us for the next 4 years. Although I'm not a political person AT ALL, it felt good to try to get informed about both my local and non local candidates and vote for who I thought would be best.
I'm grateful for the way the government is set up, even though I don't understand it. I'm just grateful to be American! I live in a great country!
I'm grateful for the way the government is set up, even though I don't understand it. I'm just grateful to be American! I live in a great country!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Gratitude day 6
Day 6: I'm grateful we are here in Indiana. Even in the short time we have been here, I feel like I have made some awesome friends. We feel like we are part of the ward, and we like where we live. I have had confirmations that this is where we are supposed to be right now. I'm grateful that Jonathan is going to grad school, and that he has the funding that he does. I'm grateful that we can make it month to month on only his income, and that we'll be able to do that when Baby comes.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Creating a Spirit of Thanksgiving
Some people have started a "day of gratitude" for every day of the month of November, to get themselves in the mood of Thanksgiving. I think this is an awesome idea! I am starting a bit late, so I'm going to do some catch up...
Day 1: I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful that I was born into the gospel, and that I have the opportunity to receive all the blessings that it can bring into a persons life.
Day 2: I'm grateful for the family I was born into. I'm grateful that I have a good relationship with all of my siblings, and parents. I'm grateful for the good times we have, and I'm grateful for the things we have gone through, because they have made us who we are today. I'm also grateful for my extended family and the examples and friends they are to me.
Day 3: I'm grateful for the family that I married into. I'm SO grateful that I have a good relationship with all of my in-laws. I know how much of a difference it can make when you don't have a good relationship, and I'm grateful that I do. We always have a good time together, and I feel like I am part of their family, not just married to a member of their family. I feel their support for me and I'm grateful for that.
Day 4: I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father. I'm grateful that I can pray to a being that knows me, and cares about the little things as well as the big things in my life. I'm grateful that He has a plan for me. I'm grateful that he mourns when I mourn, and is happy when I'm happy.
Day 5: I'm grateful for Jonathan. He is such an amazing person in so many ways. I'm grateful for his example to me, and his patience with me. I'm grateful that he can deal with my drama, and that he makes me laugh. I'm grateful for the way that he completes me and makes me a better person.
Day 1: I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful that I was born into the gospel, and that I have the opportunity to receive all the blessings that it can bring into a persons life.
Day 2: I'm grateful for the family I was born into. I'm grateful that I have a good relationship with all of my siblings, and parents. I'm grateful for the good times we have, and I'm grateful for the things we have gone through, because they have made us who we are today. I'm also grateful for my extended family and the examples and friends they are to me.
Day 3: I'm grateful for the family that I married into. I'm SO grateful that I have a good relationship with all of my in-laws. I know how much of a difference it can make when you don't have a good relationship, and I'm grateful that I do. We always have a good time together, and I feel like I am part of their family, not just married to a member of their family. I feel their support for me and I'm grateful for that.
Day 4: I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father. I'm grateful that I can pray to a being that knows me, and cares about the little things as well as the big things in my life. I'm grateful that He has a plan for me. I'm grateful that he mourns when I mourn, and is happy when I'm happy.
Day 5: I'm grateful for Jonathan. He is such an amazing person in so many ways. I'm grateful for his example to me, and his patience with me. I'm grateful that he can deal with my drama, and that he makes me laugh. I'm grateful for the way that he completes me and makes me a better person.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Funny Coincidence
Today I was in the temple. At one point, Baby was basically sitting on my hip, not the most comfortable place for her to be. So I started pushing on her to get her to move. The temple worker looked at me and said "Oh! You are pregnant! Congratulations!" I'm sure she said that to me because of what I was doing, not because I looked pregnant.
Then, not ten minutes later a different temple worker came up to me and said "You are so tiny! Do you have kids yet?" I told her that I was expecting my first, and to that she said "You are so tiny!" ... apparently I don't quite look pregnant yet. I was really hoping I did since I had a stranger noticed that I was...
Oh well... at least I'm not super uncomfortable yet :)
Then, not ten minutes later a different temple worker came up to me and said "You are so tiny! Do you have kids yet?" I told her that I was expecting my first, and to that she said "You are so tiny!" ... apparently I don't quite look pregnant yet. I was really hoping I did since I had a stranger noticed that I was...
Oh well... at least I'm not super uncomfortable yet :)
I love to see the temple
I really do! I love to go inside too! We went again today, and I love the time we get to spend on our way up, and the time we get to spend together through the temple, and on the way back. We realized that the next time we go to the Chicago temple I will be either 9 months pregnant (we'll see if I can handle the 5 1/2 to 6 hour drive in one day) or have a new baby. CRAZY! If some of you are wondering why, it's because we're going to Utah in December/January, so we're going to go once in December and once in January in Utah.
Today we got to do family names, and we got to do the baptisms and confirmations. I love it when we find those because I don't often get to go to that part of the temple much anymore.
As I was doing my hair after I finished with the baptisms I was enjoying how fast it was to do. Then the thought went through my mind "Do I really want to grow my hair out?" Probably... but I really love not having to spend more than 15 minutes on it EVER. I am longing for some change though, so I need to grow it out so I can do more than two things to it.
Today we got to do family names, and we got to do the baptisms and confirmations. I love it when we find those because I don't often get to go to that part of the temple much anymore.
As I was doing my hair after I finished with the baptisms I was enjoying how fast it was to do. Then the thought went through my mind "Do I really want to grow my hair out?" Probably... but I really love not having to spend more than 15 minutes on it EVER. I am longing for some change though, so I need to grow it out so I can do more than two things to it.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Balance (Warning: it's a long post)
I have a friend who has been struggling to get pregnant for a long time (I think she's coming close to two years, if I remember right). She has a blog that I love to read because she expresses how she is feeling so honestly, and I can relate to a lot of what she is saying. She wrote something the other day that really hit me, and I have been pondering about ever since. This is her quote:
"Some people really don't get it. I'm seriously convinced that there are those who think everyone wants to hear about their pregnancy, or their sister's baby or how wonderful parenthood is...
I'm here to let you know not everyone is strong enough to hear anything dealing with children."
I can totally relate to how she is feeling. Sometimes (especially on an emotionally bad day) it feels like everyone out there is an insensitive pregnant woman (or insensitive person who is wrapped up in their wife’s, or sisters, or daughters... (etc) pregnancy) who just has to flaunt the fact that they can get pregnant. It hurts a lot. I know how much it hurts to simply be in the presence of a pregnant person, I know how much more it hurts for them to talk about (and the WORST is complain about) their pregnancy. I also hated how pregnant people stuck together; they would sit together, and talk just amongst themselves.
Now that I'm on the other end it's a really hard place to be at as well. Pregnancy is something a woman lives with day in and day out for 9 months! They eat, sleep, and dream pregnancy, and the thing that is most on a pregnant woman's mind is the baby. So of course she's going to talk about it. Not only that, but there are all these new things happening inside of a first-time mother's body that she has never experienced before... so of course she is going to want to talk about them. Make sure she is normal... or at least talk to someone who is going through the same things. Now I understand why pregnant people come in packs.
And pregnancy isn’t always comfortable; pregnancy is not 280 days of bliss and comfort. Feeling lousy day in and day out gets to some women… puking once a week isn't the most fun thing. Having a sore back, hips, and joints, along with not getting much sleep really isn't fun sometimes. Especially when there’s nothing you can do about it. Now I understand why some people complain about pregnancy.
But on the flip side, pregnancy is a wonderful experience! There are things that happen that are sacred and personal. It’s a time of a ton of anticipation! It’s an exciting time: it’s exciting for you, your family, your husband, and your friends. So of course you are going to want to share your excitement with everyone around you! … Now I understand why people who are pregnant talk about it all the time.
When I was going through my infertility struggles, I promised myself that I wouldn’t complain. I’m not perfect at it. I try to be honest when people ask me how I’m feeling, if I’m starting to feel uncomfortable when I bend over, I’m going to tell them. Or if I didn’t expect my hips to be sore already, but they are, I’m going to tell them. I don’t want people to think that I have the easiest pregnancy in the world, free from aches or pains because that’s not true… but it’s not horrible. It’s great actually. And I couldn’t feel more blessed that I am pregnant right now.
I also told myself that I wasn’t going to be one of those “insensitive” pregnant women. But, I have offended people because I’m pregnant, I know I have. And I don’t know how to find that balance between being excited for this pregnancy and sharing my excitement, and being sensitive to those people who are struggling. Part of me doesn’t want to put anything up on facebook, or my blog about my pregnancy. Because I have had days when I got on (when I was struggling with infertility) and it felt like I was bombarded with cute pregnant belly pictures, and cute pictures of everyone’s babies, or posts about pregnancy etc. It hurt, a lot. But I also want to share this fun time of my life with those I love; especially since I’m not physically close to a lot of you.
So… My conclusion is that it’s hard on both sides. It’s hard to hear about pregnancy when you would give anything to be pregnant yourself. And sometimes it’s hard to be pregnant. It’s really hard to be sensitive to those who may be struggling, simply because the situation is the issue. I’m still struggling with this internal battle, but my conclusion is, as long as there is a balance of pregnancy to non pregnancy posts/photos etc. and I talk to everyone around me (and don't just stick to the pregnant packs) then I’m doing alright.
To those who were pregnant when I wasn’t: Thank you so much for being so sensitive and understanding. I didn’t understand the difficulty of what I was asking you to do. But thank you for being willing to be understanding and sensitive.
PS. And in my friend’s defense. I’m sure she was just having a bad day. She posted this last month, so I know that the first post was on a hard day. “Babysitting or being around children, when we are having a good day, is the best way Rich and I are able to cope. It helps us keep perspective of what our goal really is.”
"Some people really don't get it. I'm seriously convinced that there are those who think everyone wants to hear about their pregnancy, or their sister's baby or how wonderful parenthood is...
I'm here to let you know not everyone is strong enough to hear anything dealing with children."
I can totally relate to how she is feeling. Sometimes (especially on an emotionally bad day) it feels like everyone out there is an insensitive pregnant woman (or insensitive person who is wrapped up in their wife’s, or sisters, or daughters... (etc) pregnancy) who just has to flaunt the fact that they can get pregnant. It hurts a lot. I know how much it hurts to simply be in the presence of a pregnant person, I know how much more it hurts for them to talk about (and the WORST is complain about) their pregnancy. I also hated how pregnant people stuck together; they would sit together, and talk just amongst themselves.
Now that I'm on the other end it's a really hard place to be at as well. Pregnancy is something a woman lives with day in and day out for 9 months! They eat, sleep, and dream pregnancy, and the thing that is most on a pregnant woman's mind is the baby. So of course she's going to talk about it. Not only that, but there are all these new things happening inside of a first-time mother's body that she has never experienced before... so of course she is going to want to talk about them. Make sure she is normal... or at least talk to someone who is going through the same things. Now I understand why pregnant people come in packs.
And pregnancy isn’t always comfortable; pregnancy is not 280 days of bliss and comfort. Feeling lousy day in and day out gets to some women… puking once a week isn't the most fun thing. Having a sore back, hips, and joints, along with not getting much sleep really isn't fun sometimes. Especially when there’s nothing you can do about it. Now I understand why some people complain about pregnancy.
But on the flip side, pregnancy is a wonderful experience! There are things that happen that are sacred and personal. It’s a time of a ton of anticipation! It’s an exciting time: it’s exciting for you, your family, your husband, and your friends. So of course you are going to want to share your excitement with everyone around you! … Now I understand why people who are pregnant talk about it all the time.
When I was going through my infertility struggles, I promised myself that I wouldn’t complain. I’m not perfect at it. I try to be honest when people ask me how I’m feeling, if I’m starting to feel uncomfortable when I bend over, I’m going to tell them. Or if I didn’t expect my hips to be sore already, but they are, I’m going to tell them. I don’t want people to think that I have the easiest pregnancy in the world, free from aches or pains because that’s not true… but it’s not horrible. It’s great actually. And I couldn’t feel more blessed that I am pregnant right now.
I also told myself that I wasn’t going to be one of those “insensitive” pregnant women. But, I have offended people because I’m pregnant, I know I have. And I don’t know how to find that balance between being excited for this pregnancy and sharing my excitement, and being sensitive to those people who are struggling. Part of me doesn’t want to put anything up on facebook, or my blog about my pregnancy. Because I have had days when I got on (when I was struggling with infertility) and it felt like I was bombarded with cute pregnant belly pictures, and cute pictures of everyone’s babies, or posts about pregnancy etc. It hurt, a lot. But I also want to share this fun time of my life with those I love; especially since I’m not physically close to a lot of you.
So… My conclusion is that it’s hard on both sides. It’s hard to hear about pregnancy when you would give anything to be pregnant yourself. And sometimes it’s hard to be pregnant. It’s really hard to be sensitive to those who may be struggling, simply because the situation is the issue. I’m still struggling with this internal battle, but my conclusion is, as long as there is a balance of pregnancy to non pregnancy posts/photos etc. and I talk to everyone around me (and don't just stick to the pregnant packs) then I’m doing alright.
To those who were pregnant when I wasn’t: Thank you so much for being so sensitive and understanding. I didn’t understand the difficulty of what I was asking you to do. But thank you for being willing to be understanding and sensitive.
PS. And in my friend’s defense. I’m sure she was just having a bad day. She posted this last month, so I know that the first post was on a hard day. “Babysitting or being around children, when we are having a good day, is the best way Rich and I are able to cope. It helps us keep perspective of what our goal really is.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)