Mini update

Hi everyone!  I promise I will update soon...life needs to slow down a bit then I will get around to it.  This is just to hold you over until I actually do a real post (with pics).  Here's a tidbit of info. for you in bullet format:

• The 32 week picture is on its way.  It has been on our camera for almost 2 weeks now.  We have about 6 weeks to go!
• School is in full swing.  I am working half days and loving it!  It's so nice to walk out the door before 1:00.
• Jonathan is diggin' his new job.  He was in Texas last week and will be in Chicago next week.  He's a traveling man!
• We closed on a house TODAY!  Yay!  After looking for about 5 months, we are so thankful it has actually happened.  It is a bit surreal.  We are super excited to bring our son to a HOME from the hospital.  God continues to amaze me.
• I have a baby shower here in CO next weekend---good times!
• The Amazing Race begins next weekend too.  Love it!

Okay, you got more than a mini update.  I suppose I can do this more often.  For some reason I feel the need to have pics to include with a post, but I guess you faithful readers just want something new to read! :)  Thanks for checking in.  Photos are on the way.

Missing

Alcoholic and absent.  Two words that describe my grandma perfectly. I saw her twice, once when I was 5 and the other when I was 21.  I vividly remember both encounters.  She chose not to come to my mom's wedding and 24 years later chose not to come to mine.  Not only was she absent in my life, but, perhaps more importantly, absent in my mom's.  Alcoholism, what an unbelievable disease that warps one's mind in such a way that children and grandchildren come second to the bottle.  By God's grace I have no bitterness toward her.  

I never felt as though something in my life was missing.  I am blessed by two amazing and loving parents, perhaps that's why I did not feel a void in my heart for a grandma.  However, now that she's gone I feel as though something IS missing...her. She has always been absent so why do I feel like this now?  In the depths of my soul was a hope that someday, somehow she would show up. Not physically, but emotionally, as a grandma. One who loves you, one who knows you, one who sends you birthday cards with cats on them.  Now that she's gone the hope also fades.  The hope that she would be a part of my life.  My own flesh and blood, a stranger no more.  It will never happen.  Brain and lung cancer consumed her body faster than anyone expected.  The void that was never there has made its appearance. As long as she was alive, there was a chance...an opportunity for a miracle.  As I type I realize there are many miracles in the midst of it all.  My mom, who never felt loved by her own mom, has loved me unconditionally. She did not have an example of a mom yet she continues to be the best one I could ever hope for.  

The funeral is tomorrow.  I am not going.  I wonder what others will say about the grandma I never knew.        

So tiny

Tiny shoes for tiny feet. Jonathan and I braved the crowd today and went to the M.O.M.S. (mothers of multiples society) Sale.  It's pretty much a massive garage sale of baby stuff.  They had everything from strollers to shoes---and if you dig deep, you can find brand new stuff. We got a lot for a little so it was definitely worth it.  I can't wait for the little man to sport the goods we found. :)

Visitors

Last weekend Kim and Dave were here from San Diego.  It was great to have them in CO.  Kim actually came out midweek for work and Dave flew out for the weekend.  We did some of the touristy things we do with most of our visitors: Red Rocks, downtown, the capitol...They also wanted to see a cute little mountain town so we headed up to Breckenridge.  Thanks for coming guys, we had a fantastic time!  We LOVE visitors!  Hopefully our next ones will not have to sleep on the floor of our living room.  

Breckenridge

Dave and Jonathan posing on a giant piece of art in downtown Denver

Kim and I at Red Rocks

28 weeks

I have been a slow blogger lately...this pic is from a week ago.  I am officially in the third trimester!  Our little guy will be here before we know it!  I cannot believe how fast this pregnancy has gone.  I feel like it was yesterday that I was staring at the positive test in disbelief.  He continues to be a mover (which I love) and he gets the hiccups every once in a while too.  Simple things like putting on shoes and shaving my legs have taken on a whole new meaning with a big belly in the way.  Jonathan and I have started our "Childbirth Preparation" class. We are learning a lot and watching some crazy videos of live births.  I am also doing prenatal yoga...considering I don't have any yoga experience, it has been quite the adventure.  Things are going well, including our appointments, which is a huge blessing!

Showered with love

Just over a week ago, on August 2nd, I had my first baby shower!  I have been to many, but it was pretty crazy to be the one opening the gifts.  Jonathan's mom and aunt were gracious enough to put the whole thing together and it was fabulous!  It was so fun to have friends and family together to celebrate this little miracle inside me.  It made me even more excited for the arrival of our baby boy. To those of you who came, thank you so much!  You made it a perfect celebration and I really appreciate your love and generosity.  Mama Carol and Aunt Jan, you two are awesome!  Thank you for making it all happen! Mom, thank you for being there, especially on your anniversary!  I did not take a single picture on my camera, so those of you that did, send them my way.   

4 years and counting...

I can't believe it was 4 years ago today that I was walking down the aisle toward my soon-to-be husband.  Little did I know what I would be getting myself into (wink, wink).  What I should say is that Jonathan has been a better husband than I ever dreamed of.  He is absolutely amazing!  He loves me in such an authentic way, accepting me for who I am, not who he wants me to be.  I am so thankful for him, the memories we've shared, and the ones we will create.  Happy anniversary!  The pic: last year we decided to start a tradition and get each other shoes for each anniversary.  Jonathan said he had to make an exception this year because I'm pregnant.  I stuck with the shoes and he hooked me up with a Petunia diaper bag I have been eyeing for months!  What a guy! :)