Images

Following are some images that go through my mind whenever I try to perform basic functions these days. It's amazing what an extra 20 something pounds mostly concentrated in the middle will do to you!

Trying to get out of the car or off the couch

Trying to rollover when sleeping

The way I walk (aka "waddle").

My Active Boy

Matt and I had our upteenth doctor's visit and lab today. All is continuing to progress well and I am continually thankful for such a wonderful doctor. Aaron has been quite active. I am convinced that he already has his Daddy's natural soccer skills (which I know makes his Uncle Nathan quite pleased!). He also already has his Daddy's tastebuds, too. My appetite has changed tremendously and I find it interesting that my aversions and likes are more in line with Matt's right now! Aaron is moving more and more so I didn't think that the intense pressure I sometimes feel was anything more than his doing flips or whatever he's doing in that very compressed space (it amazes me he can move at all in there). I found out today though that I've actually been randomly feeling contractions and didn't realize that this is what was happening. I was surprised and glad to realize that I can "handle" this..I know they'll get worse but the sensation isn't what I was expecting. I can already tell my years of experience with pain management have given me some skills that are coming in handy. Matt and I started our Childbirth Ed classes this week and are very pleased so far with the instructor and content. We were also pleased to see so many other couples there...it's great having involved fathers!

Fall Foliage Tour

We just finished a Fall Foliage Tour this week with my parents. They came at a perfect time for the colors and weather (They hit our one week of "Indian Summer"--although it was still more chilly for them!). They got to see the mountains, forests, and coasts of Maine as well as the White Mountains of New Hampshire. These pictures are at the Flume Gorge. We also enjoyed visiting with Matt's side of the family while they were here and my dad took a trip down memory lane as we visited his old home and school about an hour away from where Matt's parents live (talk about a small world!). Rachel threw my baby shower early so mom could come. We received lots of adorable clothes as well as some precious homemade blankets. One lady quilted a beautiful comforter to coordinate with our alphabet wall border. One of my favorite gifts was straight from Texas (even though it came with UT logos). One lady has family in San Antonio so she got them to send up an assortment of Texas decorated baby items!

October Belly Shot

Well, I'm over 7 months along now and you can finally really tell I'm pregnant! Matt took this shot while we were at the Flume Gorge in New Hampshire with my parents last week!

Bbq's versus Cookouts

September ended with as much of a flurry of activity as it began. We were busy with our annual church missions conference. This year they added a teen track where we geared speakers and other activities specifically for their age group. We (I should say Matt) also enjoyed kicking off our Junior High with a night full of gross activities and challenges for the kids. I am amazed at what they will put in their mouths for competition but can't eat their peas at home! For the High School group I was determined to set the record straight about barbeques. Ever since I have been here people will serve hot dogs and hamburgers at an event and call it a bbq. I decided to host a real bbq at our house where they got to eat BEEF, sausage, potato salad, beans, pecan pie, tea, etc. I was really missing the convenience of just ordering it all at Valley Ranch! And since I don't have a smoker it wasn't quite the same...but they got the idea! We taught them some Texas sayings, played country music, and gave them a little "history" based on the tall tale of Pecos Bill. We had a good time even though our bonfire got rained out. And hopefully they won't be so quick to call a hot dog "bbq" in the future (and the kicker is, even the hot dogs are different here...they're RED!).