"It's All Greek To Me"

Many of you joked "it's all Greek to me" when I told you I was taking Greek this summer. The last two weeks of intense study of Greek Grammar was all Greek to me...but in a different way. I spent almost every waking moment learning Greek. Since Baby Rockette supposedly can hear well now, she has had a jump on Greek as she heard me practice saying 350+ vocab words over and over amidst the grammar studies. Even though the immersion style stressed me to my limit, I learned heaps, made new friends through a study group and enjoyed getting to know my professor, Dr. Stevens and his wife, Jean. They graciously opened their home in New Orleans for me to stay with them during the class. Their hospitality, generosity, service, kindness and love overwhelmed me. They seemed to have an extraordinary amount of God's love that poured from them, which made me feel a part of their family. I feel very blessed to know them. Thanks again Dr. Stevens and Jean for everything!!!

25.5 weeks and growing

I seem to have popped out much more in the last 2 weeks. My appetite has increased a little, but this may be due to the stress of the last couple of weeks of preparation to go to New Orleans for 2 weeks for Greek Grammar. I'm not looking forward to being away from Chris for this long, but I think the workload down there will make the time go fast. I still feel good overall which makes me very thankful. We are also very grateful to have received good news from the fetal echocardiogram this past Friday. Our baby does not seem to have any of the heart defects that my brother had. Praise the Lord!

Upcoming Baby = House Projects

A new baby on the way seems to have spurred on the many house projects we have put off for a while: new kitchen floors, changing out light fixtures, replacing sink/faucet, etc. The first one that we have been wanting to do for 2 years now was completed this past week with new hardwood floors laid in the kitchen area. We threw a party with some friends to help move the furniture/appliances out, write Scripture on the 1989 linoleum floor, and share Chris' 30th birthday cake with them. It was a special and fun time.

23.5 Weeks

As I ordered a one size fits all tank top that says "due in September," it should stretch with me through the entire pregnancy (supposedly). So, Chris and I decided to take belly shots for the blog with it from this point on to show further belly growing. At 23 weeks, I am feeling great and enjoying the pregnancy. I have been fascinated in how people treat pregnant women as they are so polite, respectful and helpful. People must be captivated with pregnant women as the stares and smiles follow me everywhere in public. Sometimes, people offer to help in ways that make me feel disabled, but I know their heart is good. In the grocery, people move their buggies and constantly make room for me. In various places, people offer to carry stuff for me (rather it is heavy or not), open doors, let me eat first, etc... I like this treatment. :) However, I hear that I better not get used to it as people do not have as much patience once you are with child. I'll enjoy it while I can! :)

I have been feeling the baby swimming and dancing around for the last 5 weeks; she is very active. Chris felt her for the first time on our vacation 3 weeks ago. Her movements have become stronger, but it does not hurt. Actually, I love feeling her move around as it makes her seem more real. She moves most when pressure is on my belly (seatbelt, book propped on her, a arm or hand, etc). I can tell she is already going to be a bundle of joy and full of excitement as she makes me smile and love her more with every flip turn.

Registering at Target

Two of my special Little Rock friends/new moms, Layla Ramsey and Elizabeth Hallum, met Kristen and I at Target on Saturday to register for baby stuff. Despite the scanner guns being down, we walked the baby isles as these girls educated me on baby/nursing stuff I will and won't need as the baby comes. I took lots of notes and look forward to officially registering soon at Target, Walmart, and ToysRUs. Who knew you needed so much to get started with a new baby?!?!. These girls were very helpful in their advice. I am so thankful for the time they took as they continued Baby 101 with me. I say "continued" because I have been asking them 101 questions since I got pregnant. They are troopers...and so is Kristen for browsing the baby isles with us for so long! Thanks again girls!!!

Visitor

Kristen Larremore, (college suitemate, trackmate, and special friend) came to visit this weekend while her hubbie went to a wedding in Utah. We had a great time as we stayed up late both nights talking, made homemade pizzas, went for a nice walk, shopped, ate at my favorite lunch restaurant - Imagine (pic above), shopped some more, grilled chicken/veggie kabobs with Chris (we topped it off with a trip to Shake's for frozen custard), went to church together and had lunch with our Little Rock friends. Kristen even got to feel the baby kick. :) Even though we are exhausted, we enjoyed the weekend. Looking forward to seeing her again in July at our college friend reunion!!! :)

8 Year Anniversary

Chris and I celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary on May 22 this year. What an incredible 8 years! God has taken us through many phases of life from living at USM marriage housing to Australia, Jackson and now Little Rock. One or both of us have always been studying during this 8 years. We bought our first house in Little Rock. And now, we are expecting our first child. We are so thankful for the experiences God has allowed us to have along the way, friends we have made, family who have supported us, and for each other. What a gift from God! We look forward to what God unfolds for our future, but try to live each day one at a time. Thanks to all those who have gathered around us so far on our married journey. Loving each of you from Little Rock...