Sunday, March 30, 2008

Jack of All Trades

My husband is awesome! I just wanted to show you some pictures of what Nolan was up to the last couple days. I do have to add this his wonderful mother did help paint the bottom color behind the toilet and his dad gave us the great idea to put the sink where it now is; previously it was on the other side of the room which prevented easy flow to the laundry. His parents also bought us mini blinds for all the rooms which look great and make it feel that much homier. (Thanks, Sue & Al! We love you!) So Nolan painted, installed the piping for the toilet and sink and set up a second bathroom for us! He can go into the detail of all the work he did but that's the gist. I feel so blessed to have a 'jack-of-all-trades' man. So far I don't think I've found anything that he can't do. That is a great quality to have and it saves us a lot of money since we don't have to hire outside help and time since we don't have to rely on others. We have a lot of work to do on the house before Baby comes. It has been frustrating to me because I'm limited in what I'm able to do such as paint or lift heavy objects. Nolan has been understanding and patient. Meanwhile, I've tried to be less controlling and accepting that his way of doing things are just as good (or often times, better) than how I would want them done. It's probably the Lord's way of humbling me and saying, "See, Amanda, you can't control everything." A hard lesson to learn but I'm sure I'll be the better for it.

In other news, I'm reading a compelling book by Tony Campolo called Red Letter Christians. The book is about Christians and politics. He has challenged me to think for myself and want to be involved in political decisions. It's not an easy book to read because it does make you want to take action, which is not always easy. However, I appreciate his objective opinions and that he challenged Christians to follow Christ's examples and commands. So there is my book recommendation of the month. I've also ordered Shane Claiborne's Jesus for President so I'll give you my opinion of that after I've read it; whether you want to hear it or not--ha!


Tomorrow I go to the doctor for a lab test to check for gestational diabetes. I get to drink some substance that looks like Orange Crush but I have my doubts that it tastes the same. I also finally have a list of questions for my doctor. This doesn't seem like it would be exciting but up until now I feel I have taken a passive role in this pregnancy and just let things happen as they will. Now that Baby's arrival is fast approaching, reality is setting in and I'm anxious to talk with the doctor about what lays ahead. If you could keep me and Baby in your prayers as we visit the doctor tomorrow we would appreciate it. I'll let you know how the test goes when we receive the results. So far the pregnancy has been blessed and easy-peasy so I'm praying the results will continue to show good, safe progress.
I leave you with hopes that you all are safe, happy, healthy, and rejoicing in another day!
Much love!

Monday, March 3, 2008

At the urging of my sister-in-law, I shall update our blog. I knew I wouldn't be good at this. Anyway, Nolan and I are great! Today I had another check up. My belly is measuring 25 inches and I'm starting to feel Baby move! The first time was actually great timing on Baby's part. I was just getting ready for Nolan to take my 5 month picture and right up by my chest I felt like my stomach did a flip. It was too high for my stomach so I assumed it was Baby! I really haven't felt too many kicks or heavy movements so I'm enjoying this time before it starts to get painful. I was able to hear Baby's heartbeat a lot today. The first time wasn't that great because it was faint and Baby was moving around too much. Today I was able to hear a strong heartbeat for a longer amount of time. It is my favorite moment at doctor visits when she is moving the tool around my belly to find the heartbeat and then, we find it and I hear Baby! I cannot wait to hold this little guy (or girl) but I know the time will come sooner than I imagine.
In other news, Nolan and I will be heading to Florida this Friday. My friends are throwing me a birthday party and then we'll be heading south after that. We'll be staying with Derek & Ashley for a week. We always have a great time together so I look forward to that. Ashley got us tickets to Aquatica, Anheuser-Busch's new water park so I have major plans that include an inner-tube and the lazy river! Nolan will have to experience all the slides and water rides and let me know what I missed.
We're slowly but surely getting the house put together. My parents and sister visited this weekend so they were finally able to see the house. They took me out for my birthday on Saturday and then Bethany stayed until this morning. I always enjoy time with my family and this weekend was postponed several times so it was great that we finally were able to host them. Hopefully we can host Nolan's family in the near future too (hint hint, Kittermans).
I will leave you with some pregnancy pics and my hopes that you are all well! Much love!
*these pictures are of me at 5 months (about 21 weeks). As of Wednesday I will be 24 weeks!