The Story of How We Met

(humble cell picture of a glorious angel)

Well, let's begin. I'm back and better than ever.
Recovery near completion, I'm whole because Danielle is in my life with my beloveds- Jake and Allie. And it was love at first sight, of course.
I will give you the "abridged" version of what could better be described as a memoir, subtitled
I DID IT AGAIN AND I'M PROUD OF MYSELF:
So here are some thoughts I've been thinking ( and here goes, because the hormones are indeed fluxing away...I'm not fond of the reason, but it's true.)

• The midwife, between contractions, came right up to my face, in a stance to study me closely and asked, "You mentioned you wanted medication for pain. Do you want to do that now?" I said no. And something to the effect of 'thank you for asking.' She believed me. It was good.
  
• Next time I'm bringing my own music.
  
• No one ever tells you how it really all plays out (and I won't here either, to keep from scaring anyone- which is reality). Just have The One by your side.
  
• Which leads me to my next thought; I'm baffled to think HOW in the world an unwed young girl could go through it and all that follows... love u, Jake!! Serious.
  
• For the Record: I have a strong instinct I guess, to get those babies here fast. Initial contractions started at 3:30 am, called the midwife 4:30am (who then left a pretty groggy message on my voicemail) delivery at 7:34am. I really tried to pace myself this time.
  
• I knew the second I was handed her that this was a totally different little personality than the daughter-person handed to me two-point-two-five years ago. I hope to never forget that impression... as it will help me parent her the way she needs.
  
• People are miracles.
  
• Bodies are miracles. My recovery has been astoundingly fast and amazing this time,. .... now... if only I wasn't such ... . .a lightweight about sleeping................"z!" -- I mean, "Fin"
  

I'm Not That Mysterious

The clock's tickin'-- And I realize I haven't posted the infamous tummy picture. I'm not that mysterious, I just haven't found the pallet to document it lately! I'm full of anticipation and glee, but... there are somethings, like my appearance right now I'd rather just blame on the hormones.
Jake took a picture of my baby tummy one week ago. Let me explain:
First, I do look tired (I'm told I look tired a lot) and shamefully so, because Allie sleeps at least 10 hours a night and at least a one hour nap in the afternoon! But this was taken after mutual while we waited for Allison to "wind down" a little for bed.
Second, I know my clothes are not femininely cute, but rather baggy. --And wearing my sneakers that I can just slip on/stomp into! I've pretty much only been wearing the most comfy preggo jeans. They are applied by holding them as low as I can bend and by the tips of my fingers in scissor form- then of course, I just throw my leg up and in with a bit of momentum. I'd forgotten all about that with the first pregnancy. The every day things are full of quirks, I tell ya, besides the woman herself!
I'm also down to mostly big tee shirts, which means the ones you get as Souvenirs (you know it's true!). I'm amazed I can get myself dressed, alright?
So Third, Don't I sound like I'm ready, folks?
--Any other votes or comments for names are welcome (three posts down) 'cause....
THE CLOCK IS TICKIN' on this tummy of mine!
Me and my active and wiggly girls- :)
I went to the clinic yesterday, and they confirmed I'm actually starting the process, so Wow! That also means my premonitions about being a little early might be right.

The News We've Been Waiting For

"Gosh I gotta get ready, there's probably a lot of paperwork to be done..."

"Will need to practice Stroller-riding and going out..."
"Maybe some 'nesting' and fixing things with Mom and Dad..."
"And make sure the toys are warmed up!"
Mom, Dad, and Allie are getting ready for:

AND WE'RE SOOOO VERY HAPPY!!!!!!

Thanksgiving Review (4 Stars!)

We had Thanksgiving at our house this year so Jake was in charge of the turkey. The past several years I've eaten many fried turkeys as it is the moistest (and easiest) way to cook. But move over, because we have found something WAY MOISTER, AND TASTIER, AND I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT! He did it in the Dutch Oven: Honey Clove Turkey >loud applause< the bestest turkey ever. I will guarantee it! I hope he makes it again for Christmas, and more people can experience it.
On a personal update, most people we know even the missionaries forgot I was expecting-- that is until last Sunday.. Then BOOM, I have had growing pains like "Hum, I think I am showing now..." But in a huge way. (Not good timing for Turkey day. I couldn't even finish my measly plate and I'm eating about six very small meals a day, now. Lots of tums.) And exercising consists of stretching. Then I'm spent! So that is me in a very protrusion-ary nutshell. I'm just perplexed, that's all...

Getting Closer (-don't get too mad I'm mentioning it!)

Christmas is in the air- and the generosity to prove it! Jake's coworker knitted this hat for Allison and he's never met her! Though this picture is getting passed around the office because she's a cutie and looks very festive indeed in her hand-made headgear. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and think it unfortunate that more isn't shared with anticipation, but merchants need to get at the next big thing, and I'm seeing it everywhere. Plus, I think Thanksgiving is a private holiday, rightly spent with family-- and that's what we'll do. ...Then look out! 'Cause I am sharing the love at Christmas, a holiday more special because I think I like being pregnant during, very much. It seems more people with the spirit of the holiday being generous, congenial, etc are sharing the happiness I feel with anticipation of a new little day of celebration in the coming months... :) It is all getting closer. I'm volunteering to be in charge of some mashed potatoes!