I Love Books

I have just begun reading a book called "Sacred Parenting, How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls" by Gary L. Thomas. Okay, when I say "I have just begun" I mean "I have read the front & back flap." Anyway, the author writes:

The truth is, we are living in the midst of holy teachers. Sometimes they spit up on themselves or us. Sometimes they throw tantrums. Sometimes they cuddle and kiss and love us. In the good and bad they mold our hearts, shape our souls, and invite us to experience God in newer and deeper ways.

How beautiful is that? I can't wait.

Gender Poll and Pregnancy Pool

There is a poll going on in my office of what Bean's gender will be. Right now the vote stands at Boy (4) vs Girl (5).

Also, someone recently mentioned starting a Pregnancy Pool where people put up $5 to guess when Bean will be born and how much baby will weigh. I've never been involved in one of those so I don't know how it works. But I have noticed people asking me weird questions, like: How tall is John? How much did you weigh when you were born? Do you plan on continuing (ha!) to eat healthy or will you indulge in nightly Whoppers?

At first I scratched my head wondering what the heck these questions were for. Then I realized the cheaters are trying to gain an advantage over the other guessers as to whether there is a strong likelihood of me having a 12 lb baby-luffagus or a petite 6 lb-er.

My lips are sealed.

Pregnancy "Menu"

I did not write this. I found it online (can't remember where) and thought it was hilarious.

First Trimester Menu

• Appetizer - Tums compote


• Entree - Fresh Saltines on a bed of Saltines, lightly seasoned with Saltines


• Beverage - Ginger ale (IV drip available upon request)


• Dessert - Ten minutes in a dark room with an ice bag on your head

Second Trimester Menu

• Appetizer - Half a roast chicken, extra crispy


• Entree - A succulent leg of lamb smothered in pork chops, served with BBQ ribs and garnished with cheeseburgers (all burnt beyond recognition for your safety)


• Beverage - Toll-House pie smoothie, prepared with 1/2 pint heavy cream


• Dessert - 9X16 pan of double-fudge brownies

Third Trimester Menu
(Each course followed by 15-minute neck massage and/or bathroom break)

• Appetizer - Three bites of tossed salad


• Entree - Two bites of lasagna


• Beverage - None...so you'll have room for dessert


• Dessert - A Tic Tac

Double portions available if you're expecting twins

16 Weeks

From 16 - 20 weeks I should start feeling baby movement. John is super excited for this to happen. Every couple of days he'll put his hands on my stomach and just hold it there. I don't think you can feel the movements until much later, but I think he's just so darn cute to want to feel the baby already. I haven't felt anything inside yet, but I've read that I may confuse the first few flutters as hunger pangs. We shall see.

People have been asking me if I plan to stay at home with Bean or if I'll return to work. For now John and I have decided that I'll return to work after maternity leave. And since we both feel strongly about me nursing, it hit me that working moms can't just prance back to their job without any preparations or forethought. There is a lot of stuff I have to consider if I plan on continuing to nurse. For example, where in this grody building will I pump? How will I store Bean's bottles seperately from the refrigerator my coworkers use for their lunch? How will I clean the pump equipment? How can I prevent any embarassing accidents while at work? How can I handle maternal business as discreetly as possible? How can I keep from dying of embarassement if people find out?

Well, I don't yet have answers to all the questions, but John and I did buy a mini fridge to keep in my cubicle. I figure that will solve the storage problem. And as a result, thrust me into an awkward (for me) conversation with a male coworker about my plans to breastfeed. Ugh. As much as I so wanted to keep my intentions a secret, I knew I couldn't just throw this thing up over my shoulder and sneak it past everyone. I needed help and that meant I may have to explain a few things. Someone brought it from my car to my desk and another guy helped me set it up. Those that asked got their answer. And I'm really impressed with how well they handled the information. No one yelled "Oh God you mean you'll be doing THAT?! So gross! Hey guys...guess what?!!" I know, it's weird that I kind of expected that reaction. These people really CAN be adults from time to time. Hmmm, who knew?

Well, I am starting to wonder what it will be like to care for a newborn. How often do babies get bathed anyway? God love the internet. I found out that pediatricians recommend a bath 1 or 2 times a week so as not to overdry their delicate skin. And wipes can be used in between water-baths if needed. We can totally handle that!

Kisses for All

When John leaves for work in the morning, he kisses my forehead and says "Good morning sweetie. See you after work." Then he kisses my belly and whispers "Good morning Bean."

I just think that is the sweetest.

You want to know what cute looks like?

On Feb. 2nd I wrote a blog entry that ended with "Now someone go get me a cupcake!"

On Feb. 9th I got this crocheted adorableness in the mail from my cyber friend Valerie:



















So today this comes in the mail for Bean and things just keep getting cuter:


















Why is it even cuter? Because it is teensy! And we all know that teensy things register super high on the cuteness scale.

I had a thought today

Even though I don't feel pregnant at all, and quite honestly I don't yet feel bonded to the life growing within, this little baby is already deeply loved by God. It makes me cry to think that as we were all being formed in our mother's womb, completely unaware of our surroundings, of our parents or even of ourselves, God had a marvelous plan for us. A co-worker emailed me this eBook called Your Pregnancy Devotional. In it I read that the life inside is a blank canvas, waiting for the brushstrokes to be added. I wonder what Bean's canvas will end up looking like. I wonder how my canvas will change as God adds the colors of motherhood to it.

This life was created, as we all are, for a purpose. We think it is a product of our human love. But I know there is more to it than that.

Lord, I can't help but wonder how you will use Bean for Your glory. How will you use John and I to further your kingdom through this tiny life? I'm excited to see it all unfold. Thank you for this opportunity to step out of the boat with You.