NieNie Dialogues

I was watching Oprah one day and came across an episode that featured a guest named Stephanie Nielson. I've never been so inspired and have felt so blessed after watching this show and listening to her story.

In August of 2008 Stephanie and her husband (Christian) were in a plane crash. The plane exploded on impact and caused burns on Christian's neck while Stephanie suffered burns on 80 percent of her body. I can't even imagine how she managed to keep her spirits up to want to survive. Luckily she had a huge support system in her family and was able to see the light at the end of this long and challenging tunnel.

Anyways, the point of my post is because I started reading her blog and every entry I read makes me fall in love with her positive and uplifting attitude. She is still not fully healed from the accident but she still manages to keep things in perspective. I love reading about her random stories about her kids and her awesome husband. It truly is an amazing blog and I think you should check it out.

I complain about so much and I have to catch myself sometimes and really think about how lucky I am. I pray that nothing like what happened to Stephanie happens to me, but if it did, I would hope that I have the same attitude as Stephanie to make it through. Giving up is not an option.

So anyways, check out her blog if you get the chance. You'll be hooked I'm telling you.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com

28 Week Doctor's Appointment

I was pretty excited about going to my doctor's appointment today because we were going to have another ultrasound. The last one we had was in November when we found out she was a girl. I knew so much would be different.

However, I wasn't excited about having an 11:30 appointment. Usually I make my appointments early in the morning so I can be the first patient and get in and out of there. But for some reason, they wanted to see my at 11:30 this time. I hate late appointments because there is never any parking and I have to drive around until someone comes out of the office and I have to stalk them so I can take thier spot. I also hate it because I know the waiting room is going to be packed. Today was no exception. Noah met me at this appointment. We waited and we waited. Finally we got into the ultrasound room an hour later.

I came out with some really great pictures of Ava. She was quite a little wiggle worm and she had the hiccups. So sweet. We got to see some really detailed features in her face. It was amazing. Of course it is too early to tell who she looks like, but she looks like she has a cute little nose and no hair yet. She kept opening and closing her mouth and at one point she was so curled up she kept poking her forehead with her foot.

At this doctor's appointment it really hit home for Noah and I. We only have 12 more weeks to go! If that, because she could come early. I am getting more and more excited.

Hello 2010!

Wow. I can't believe 2010 is already here. Where has the time gone? It's been 8 years since I graduated high school, 4 years since I graduated college. I'm feeling a bit old. But all in all, I'm ready for what this year has in store for me. It's a pretty huge year for some really important moments for me and Noah. This is the year our baby girl comes into our world and knocks it completely upside down and inside out. But I am ready for the challenges and the neverending joy.

2009 was quite a year that deserves some mentionables:
1) Noah and I survived and celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary!
2) We bought our very first home together :)
3) We found out we were going to be parents!
4) We managed to keep our jobs!
5) We got new cars in preparation for the new addition :)

We have been so incredibly blessed. We love eachother and are surrounded by the best family and friends.

I'm looking forward to this year. It really is a turning point because it will no longer be just us. The thought simultaneously makes me want to pull my hair (literally) out of shear fear and smile from ear to ear. funny mental picture huh?

So bring it on 2010, Bring it!

27 Going on 28 weeks

I've been a tad bit late on posting my weekly updates so I'm combining these two weeks. Well folks, I'm in the home stretch. I don't even know where the second trimester went. This pregnancy has seriously gone by fast. I heard it slows down now though until the big jolt at the end.

Big Ava developments: She weighs almost 2 lbs. and is about 14 1/2 inches long. She is sleeping and waking in regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and maybe sucking her thumb.

I have a doctor's appointment on Monday and I get to see her again via ultra sound. I can't wait to see her on the screen. The last time I saw her was when I was in the emergency room and that doctor was not trying to let me enjoy the glimpses I was catching. He was too busy checking for internal bleeding and getting that gel all over me. Geez, the nerve. :)

These two weeks haven't been much different for me. I can barely see my toes now and getting off the couch takes a little more time than before I was carrying all this weight. My t-shirts are a bit snug too. Ava tosses and turns alot. But for the most part, she sleeps when I sleep. I am crossing my fingers this sleep pattern continues long after birth.

I'm still trying to avoid the thought of labor. I'll worry about that um..... later.

Here's a family photo we took during Christmas / New Year's. Our last Christmas before we will be mommy and daddy.