fun with family

For the first month we had lots of visitors. First it was my mom (No mom, I didn't forget to post a pic of you. Brent just has to show me how to use this hard drive device so I can access some earlier pics). She was such a help. She basically did all the cooking. It was nice to have a break and be able to focus on my new baby. We had a lot of fun between Black Jack games in the hospital and Seinfeld every week night. I couldn't have done it without her. Then we had my dad and step mom Terry visit. It was a short trip, but we fit a lot in. We played a couple games of Euchre and Brent took them to some of the "must see" attractions. They treated us to a fancy dinner at a restaurant we always wanted to try. They also made a gazillion steamed crabs for dinner one night. Brent thought he had died and went to heaven! Then, in one trip to the airport, I dropped Dad and Terry off and picked up my sister Angela. She booked her flight a week before coming out, once she learned she had some extra time with work. I'm so glad she was able to come out. It was so special to have her here.

<-Hey, I said fun. Where's your happy face?

<-Sister Angela
<-Grandma Terry with John. This is the cute reindeer suit she got him for Christmas.

<-Dad, I think you'll need something a little more supportive to hold those up.
<-John watching the NFL playoffs with grandpa.

Our Christmas baby!

Hey friends! I am a horrible blogger....sorry for not posting in forever. This is our son John Edgar Parker. He was delivered by c-section Dec. 23rd. We spent Christmas in the hospital. He was the best gift we got this year!

Food Always Tastes Better When You Don't Have To Make It!!

My neighbors and I have started a cooking group. What that means is we each cook a meal for the group once a week. Since there are 4 of us, that means people cook for me 3 times a week! We do this Mon-Thurs. We pick up the food from the cook's house, and eat it at home. It is a big help to all of us, since we have busy lives. Today was the first day. My neighbor Emily Flinders made "fritters" (buns baked with lunch meat and cheese inside) and salad. It was sooo delicious!! I'm so excited to try different foods. It will be especially helpful when the baby comes, since I know that will be a very busy time. My only concern is that I won't know how to manage without my neighbor's cooking when we're done with school :)

We Support Our Troops!

Pregnancy has given more dreams than ever. Most are pretty crazy and lack meaning, like the one where my baby was a hot dog (ask me about it later). I just woke from a dream that was full of meaning. I couldn't help but relay it to you, so that you could be reminded of it's important message as well.

In the dream, I was serving in the U.S. Army overseas. I survived the experience with a severed left arm from the elbow down. As I came back to my family and friends, I wondered "will they accept me now?", "how will I be able to do what I love/need to do with just one hand?". I felt so angry that I had even volunteered to go in the first place, because if I hadn't I wouldn't have been in this condition. I drew near to others who once served, to gain comfort. I was impressed by their selfless attitude about their experience, while mine was so self-centered. Then I awoke.

Now I would like to make the disclaimer that this is not a political message. I know that everyone reading this feels different about our current and past wars. I don't intend to interfere with that. In fact, I don't feel that supporting troops has anything to do with political beliefs. Many servicemen don't even agree with "the greater good" they are trying to accomplish, but they are following through on their commitment and that is honorable. I just want everyone to share that deep respect I have for anyone willing to risk their life for someone else. I'm not sure I could do that for someone I love in a time of crisis, let alone volunteer to sacrifice my life for people I don't know or "the greater good". That's why whenever I have the opportunity to meet servicemen, including firemen, police, as well as military men/women, I try to express that deep respect the best I can. I hope you will do the same.

5 months along!

Everyone has been asking me if I'm showing yet. I'm definitely showing. This friday I'll be 5 mos. along. I can't believe it!

In fact, it's taking me awhile to get used to this belly. Last week I burnt my belly on a baking pan! I felt very embarrassed about it, until I talked with other women who said it happened to them while they were pregnant.

I've begun to feel the baby moving. Sometimes it's hard to tell if it's the baby or digestion.

I feel great! It seems pregnancy's given me an obsession with food. I've been cooking and baking a ton. I daydream about what I'm going to eat next.

It's a boy!

<- we have the proof!

The official due date is Christmas day. Coinsidentally, that was my mom's due date when she was preg. with me. I figure I have pretty good odds that he won't be born on Christmas, since only 5% of baby's are born on their due dates. Anyway, we are very excited to be expecting a boy. If you are wondering about names...it might be awhile before Brent and I can come to any agreement.

Wow, so much has happened since my last entry. I wish I had some pictures to describe it, alas, I can't figure out how to upload them... Oh, well, I'll do that once my "uploader" (aka "Brent") gets back. That's right! He's in WI visiting our friends and family. I miss him a ton!

Not sure if you heard about Brent's stressful board exams... In essence, he needed to pass them in order to continue dental school. We are relieved to learn that he indeed passed the boards!

Also, I'M PREGNANT!!!!! We are super excited, of course! Looks like it'll be a Christmas baby. I just can't seem to escape major milestones in my life from happening within 2 weeks of that holiday. Our ultrasound is scheduled for July 25th.

I had such high hopes of doing weekly postings when I started the blog. I'll try to keep it better updated from now on, but maybe that's just a high hope too.