Memories

Today, church was about living life together. Our church has a fall/winter session and a spring session of life groups. Which are basically groups of 10-15 people meeting together to share their lives, fellowship, and grow closer to Christ together. We are about to begin the fall/winter session. So, this morning was about life groups.

It made me think of the times that I felt I truly and fully lived life together with other people. Yes, obviously this happens in family and in college. But the strongest memory and possibly the most impactful time of living in community was after college when Chad and I bought a house. We had been away from Newberg, OR for a year and a half. We moved back, bought a house, and had anywhere from 1-3 guys living with us. We knew them all from college. There was Pat, who is an elementary teacher needed a place to live in the area and it was great having him accept our offer of a room. Travis was working at George Fox University in town and a coffee shop. Travis and Pat were roommates in college and decided to share the larger bedroom and bathroom downstairs. Then, there was Ryan. He had gone to California after graduating to do an internship for youth ministry...only to find out that it wasn't God's plan for him to be there. He showed up one night at our house and we immediately offered the upstairs room to him. He eventually accepted the offer. We'd loved the time spent living with these guys. Our community got bigger as Travis got a girlfriend who was over almost everyday and became one of best friends. Then, sadly, Ryan moved out to go teach in South Korea. However, we quickly added Mark to the community. Mark moved to Newberg to be closer his girlfriend, Amy. Which made the community even bigger! We also had Steve stay for a while on the couch. And too many other friends use the couch and floor as places to sleep!

We not only had fun playing games, watching "How it's Made", going to the beach and the zoo, etc. But we had deep conversation and truly connected through the hard times too. We went through friends moving to other countries, 2 engagements, one involving unhappy parents, major job issues, my miscarriage, and more. And in all these things we were fully open with each other. It was living in community at it's highest. I know for sure that living in this community helped me feel loved and supported through losing my first baby.

We have gotten to visit the Portland area for a few weddings and I still feel the community when We all get together again. I miss them. I may never have a close community like this again, but I am far closer to God and much off having had it for that short time!

So to the whole "Yellow House Group" ... I love you all and miss you all. I am praying for you and you are forever in my heart!

Where's the gas?

So I'm not sure what it's like out there today. But for the past few days there has been almost no gasoline in the city of Charlotte. When people find a gas station that has gas they freak out and everyone jumps in a ridiculous line to fill up their tanks no matter how empty they are. My dad was running on fumes yesterday and sat in a line for an hour and a half. The guy ahead of him got like 2 gallons....this man should never have been in line because he actually had gas in his car! People will try to fill up gas cans as well their cars. It's crazy. People are running out of gas because they literally cannot find a station that has gas or they run out of gas while waiting in line to get gas!

Most of Chad's office worked from home yesterday because they couldn't risk driving to work and running out of gas. Chad has to go into work today he has equipment that needs shipped and he's the only one that can do it. But we also have an appointment with a pediatrician today. So we will probably use most of the gas in our car today. Hopefully, the gas stations are being filled as we speak!

I had a dream last night that I went into labor and we didn't have enough gas to make it to the hospital! Yikes...I'm glad it was a dream and hopefully I won't go into labor until there is enough gas to get to the hospital!

Nothing yet!

Well, the doctor appointment went well. Everything is normal and good. Not dialated at all yet. I have appointments every Tuesday now until he decides to come out! My doctor was very encouraging in letting me know that with a "textbook" pregnancy he is confident that labor and delivery should go well. He also said that the baby is average size...which made me happy that I won't be pushing out a 9 pounder!

So on to more waiting!

Next Tuesday the little boy will be considered fully developed!

35 weeks 5 days pregnant picture! and more...

Here's me yesterday at 35 weeks and 5 days pregnant! I feel huge and I'm not sure how I will get any huger! We are so excited to get this show on the road!

Here is a picture of Chad with our Baby Bjorn with a stuffed dinosaur in it! Wow is he excited to be a dad!!! He can't wait to walk around showing off our son in the carrier! We were told by multiple people that the Baby Bjorn is a must and well since they expensive I went on Craigslist and found one for less than half the price of a new one and it's in great condition. God is great!

Very Quick!

My brother is here from Chicago for the weekend. I always love it when he is here...he's the best brother!

I am no longer working at Emporos Systems. At least not in the office, they might have me do some work at home, but it will be according to my schedule and can be done in my pjs!

I have a doctor's appt. on Tuesday...the 36 week appointment! From that point on I will be going every week. I will write about the appointment and let everyone know if there is news on progression!

We have an appointment with a Pediatrician on Friday. She was recommended by my doctor, but is 25 minutes away and I don't know anyone in this area of town who has kids to ask for a closer recommendation. I'm not sure if 25 minutes is to far away and I'm clueless on what to ask and what's important in a kid doctor! Suggestions? Advice?

Ok time for bed...I'll write more later...and I'll try to get a picture up because not only is my belly further out than ever, it is also low. This kid has definitely dropped!

Work Baby Shower

Last Wednesday, work was having a luncheon/all staff meeting. At least that's what I was told. I didn't think too much of it since there is an all staff meeting every month and we've had luncheons before. Chad works at the same company that I do and he actually knew what was going on and kept it a secret!

We walked into the conference room and it all set up for a baby shower! What a great surprise it was! The company has just under 30 employees so its small and pretty close knit. We received great gifts that were much needed.

Tomorrow is my last day of work and that a great send off! I will definitely be visiting Chad at work and showing off our son to everyone. They truly care a lot about their employees. For pictures click HERE!

Oh and I've been having what I think are Braxton Hicks contractions, slightly painful, but nothing horrible. I've had painless ones before, but yesterday was the first time that I was mildly in pain/discomfort and I've had several today as well. I'm not sure that I'll make it to the due date, but we'll see!

Last Friday...a car show with dad!

I have decided that my dad and I need to have father-daughter time together at least every other week. It doesn't matter if it is a little road trip down to Gary's to get the oil changed or coffee or a car show, but it needs to happen. I love my dad and he is so busy that even though I live in the same house I end up missing him if this time isn't set aside to talk and goof off!

Last Friday, we went to a car fair at Lowe's Motor Speedway. We didn't get all around the track to see all the car's because my pregnant body just couldn't handle the heat and all the walking. I feel like I'm going to pop! But we got to see a lot. It was so fun hearing my dad tell me all about the cars and about the ones he had or a friend had. We had a lot of fun. The link to the small photo album: click HERE. There's not a ton of pictures, but a few.

33 weeks!

I have finished my 33rd week of pregnancy. And I have to say that I am ready to have this little boy. He will be fully developed in a few weeks and I'm ok to go into labor anytime after that! Before the due date is perfectly fine with me!

Of course the nursery is a disaster and we don't even a crib mattress yet...but it will all get done. I am just ready to not be so huge anymore and I'm ready to at least be able to sleep when I can. At this point even when it's time to sleep I can't...at least not much. I'd be happy with a solid 2 hours of real sleep. Between trying to get comfortable and my son kicking me in the ribs and getting up to go to the bathroom I don't think I actually sleep much. I'm actually looking forward to being able sleep between feedings...in whatever position I want without a "watermelon" in my belly! :)

Plus, Chad and I are just really excited to meet our son face to face! We can't wait!

Well...on to more waiting and preparing!