Looking Young, Feeling Older

I've always been told I look young for my age. I get a kick out of asking people how old they think I am and having them always guess 2-5 years younger. When one of the delivery guys who frequents my office noticed I was pregnant, he said he didn't realize I was old enough to be married.

I think I get it from my parents. My dad turned 50 last year and looks great. No I am not sucking up. My mom turns 50 this year and looks better than she has in years. It makes me look forward to age. Age is not something I think people should be fearful of. I think what really matters is how old you FEEL. I feel 21. I feel 16 on some days. Like the ones where I'm driving down the road with the radio BLARING, singing my heart out. I like those days.

You know you're in trouble when you have those days where you feel 75. I've had a few. My grandmothers have both spoken to me about aches and pains, and there are days I understand them. Not because I'm pregnant, but because I'm human.

I think what I'm trying to say is that I'm not scared of getting old. I might be singing a different tune the day before my 30th birthday. I do remember bawling with an old boyfriend the day before I turned 19 because I just wasn't ready for it. Nineteen is supposed to be awesome, but for me I just didn't know who or where I was so the thought of the years passing by freaked me out.

I love the place I'm at now. I have a husband who I wouldn't trade for all movie stars in the world. I love this man. I love my relationships with my family. I love being pregnant with my firstborn. I am even enjoying doing on the job training with my replacement for when I go on mat leave.

I have bad days, we all do. But today is a good one. One that was filled with lots of laughs, some new people to get to know, and some fun play fighting that was enjoyed by all. I think I'm going to just live in that place of bliss and hope that when the bad days come, the love of God and the memory of it will carry me through.

Murray's a Mover & a Shaker!

So it's been just over three weeks now that I've been able to kick Mommy hard enough so that other people can feel...it's been fun beating people up like that. It's also been fun to stop kicking right when Dad's trying to feel me.

I was at my grandparents the other night to welcome Uncle Phil home from Camp Qwanoes and I just felt like kicking Mom alot. So she would get people to feel me moving around and then I would kick like nuts.

The best part was when Aunt Nina finally was about to get her turn...she had been trying for so long, but I would stop whenever she put her hand on too. I liked bugging her. Then I decided to give the biggest kick ever. Aunt Nina started to scream and run away. I could hear her yelling "There's something alive in there". Duh lady. I've been alive for awhile now.

I had a good time getting people to meet me...At least to meet my foot.

Last post of the day...promise!

On Sunday I was thrilled to skip church and hang out with Nate & Becky. We headed for a short jaunt to Granville Island, it was so great. Next time, we're planning for a Wednesday trip as it was packed.

The smells and sights of the market there are unreal. I love it everytime I go.

2 years ago today

Nate and I pledged our undying love.

We still are not dead.

I can't believe it's been 2 years!! We had a pretty good evening. We went to East Side Mario's for dinner, then had the inevitable "What do you wanna do?" conversation. 90% of the time we sadly end up just watching a movie. But as we were looking at what was playing at the theatre and realizing we would have to wait around for 2 hours, I looked over at the Michaels store and had an epiphany. My suggestion was to go buy canvases and paint and to have fun making creations together. So we did.

We spent our anniversary painting the night away and let me tell you - it was so much fun. Here are pics of the final products, a hint is that Nate likes lighthouses and I like landscapes:

Nate's birthday present

Nate does not have his birthday until the 29th, but seeing as he was getting up early to go to work and feeling sleepy by... well before he even left.... I gave him his present early:





Espresso anyone?

Party for my love....

About three weeks ago, I started planning a surprise birthday party for Nate. I had no idea that he had NEVER had a surprise party, nor has he had as big a party for his birthday as he did on Saturday. I set up an evite and sent it out, and would secretly check it all the time. Now, I will admit that I did stretch the truth a few times. Didn't like that part, but the look on his face was pretty priceless. He had a great time.

The party was almost a flop though. The plan was for my sister, Megan, to call me about 5:30 and cry, saying she was really sick and could I come see her. So I made sure Nate answered the phone because she's really really good at fake crying. He was convinced..in fact he thought it was someone else and that someone had died. So away I went. I really went to my parents and picked up all the goodies I had been storing there (Yay for people who live close who let me stash stuff!). I then went and picked up some dinner for me and headed back to the house for 6:30 to meet Nate's friend Becky who was coming all the way from Summerland! I got there and realized to my HORROR that I had left my house keys in the house. Nate had left for church - according to plan - and I had no way to get in and prepare for this special party.

On any other day, I would have balled my eyes out. Especially with all these pregnancy hormones, but it was all good. I had luckily grabbed Nate's phone on the way out and promply called my dad, looking for good advice. He suggested going to the church to ask Nate for his keys. HELLO!!!!!! Jeepers. Then I called Megan and she said she would send her husband right away. At that point I began to hear the phone ringing in the house...Becky hadn't showed up yet and I was fairly panicked that she was lost.

It all worked out though. Becky found her way, Joe broke into my house (my hero!), the ice cream cake got picked up, and all the guests arrived before the guest of honour.



Let me just say that was so fun. I loved surprising people - especially when I really really like them. Thanks to all who attended... and sorry for the hot house!!!

A Letter To Murray:

* For those of you who are not aware, we did name the unborn baby Murray. This is an open letter to my child.


Dear Baby:

I never understood fully the phrase 'a mother's love' and I still don't. But I do know that even now, before we've even officially met... I love you completely. Every little movement you make and every little kick I feel - reminds me that you are coming soon. In about 3 months we're going to meet for the first time. I'm going to be one of the many people who love you, care for you, and treasure you. Did you know you're going to have 4 aunts and 4 uncles? All of them are sooo excited to meet you. Some of them want to know as soon as we go to the hospital so they can be there to welcome you.

You are a very lucky little one. You are much anticipated and much dreamed about. Daddy loves feeling my belly when you kick and giving you goodnight kisses. He's going to be a great Daddy for you. I'm hoping to be a great Mommy too! I've been reminded time and again that at first it will be hard. I won't get a lot of sleep at first because you're going to need me often. But you know what? The thought that I'm going to be one of the people you are going to rely on so much at first brings me smiles. I'm going to love caring for you. I might not always enjoy it - Mommy will get tired.... But I will always alway always adore you.

I don't know if you're a little son or daughter - but either way Daddy and I will do our best to raise you well. You will learn about Jesus and how to grow up to be a responsible adult... hopefully. We're going to teach you things that are important to us. We might not always see eye to eye, but I will never ever stop loving you, my baby.

We can't wait to meet you!

Mommy

Look who I ran into:

I was at the Video Music Awards last year and hung out with my bud Jessica most of the night. You can tell by my facial expression I was getting fairly tired of the constant attention. I decided not to go this year because I couldn't find anything to wear and because Jess hasn't called me in months and that's rude.

Weight Gain & Reno's

So I had another midwife appointment. Since Nate is between jobs he was able to go with me (YAY!). Last month I must confess that I did gain 10 lbs in one month. So this time I tried hard in spite of holidays, Matt's wedding and moving to eat well. Guess what? I only gained 3 lbs!!! The midwife was quite proud of me. So now I have to keep that up.

I have a weakness with bread and pasta and when I'm not feeling like eating, those are the things I can manage. But I have to come up with new stuff. The other morning I was so proud of myself because I had granola, yogurt, blueberries, and a banana all in a bowl for breakfast. It was soooo good. I then promptly vomited it all up. (Sorry for the tmi!) It was just such a sad moment for me. Yes, I am off diclectin. It's just too expensive and there are only a few times a week now where I'm ill. So I've decided just to deal with it.

As you can see by the post below, we are moved in. And we still love the house, but we have now found tenants for down below! People that I know, which makes me happy. They'll be moving in the middle of August. Now, the upstairs of the house is beautiful and we really won't change a thing besides the baby's room - fun colours. But the downstairs did not experience as many renovations as upstairs. For example, the bathroom down there was positively hideous. The green tile paired with the wood fixtures from the 70's just wasn't doing it for me.

So Nate and I took matters into our own hands. We went to Rona just to buy paint to spruce it up but we came out with new ceramic tile (on sale!), a pedestal sink (my dad gave us a faucet - being a plumbing contractor and all), grout for the tile, new silver fixtures, paint, and some lighting. Seriously. We came home and started HAMMERING AT THE OLD CERAMIC TILE. If you have never had the joy of doing this particular chore, I would highly recommend it. It was sooooo soothing just to take any emotions out on that poor ugly green tile. It was awesome.

Now we just need help moving some plumbing pipes...shouldn't be too hard to find help for that....then we paint and have some help with the tile. It's going to be amazing and I'm excited that we've actually worked on our first reno project together. And I think I was even a bit helpful!!

Our New Abode

I'm very happy to announce that we are LOVING our new house! My grandmother came by today and gave her approval...

Last Monday was moving day and it was amazing how much help we have. I want to extend a very warm thank-you to Mike, Lindsey, Karin, Joe, Megan, Colin, Heather, Nina, Kyle, Debbie, Matt & Christa (yes, they showed up for a bit two days after their wedding - that's love), and my mom. It was super to get so much done at once.

I love the house...I love making meals in my kitchen, I love dreaming colours up for the baby room, and I love the view of the backyard


Part of moving day included some brave souls taking on the assembly of the baby crib. It sure better be sturdy you guys! We were going to test it, but couldn't find anything about 7lbs or so.





Here's us in front of our first home:



















So it's been an adventure, and fun to see bills come in we've never seen before... but the most exciting part will be adding another family member soon.

I Have Another Sister!

My brother Matt took a wife this weekend. It was a scorching hot outdoor ceremony in the desert of Ashcroft, but I have never seen a more beautiful bride or experienced a moment of more pride for my brother. Christa was lovely, the reception was a blast - I even danced up a storm "in my condition". Some highlights:

1. The look on Christa's face after she watched the slideshow presentation I put together for them.

2. The feeling of love I saw expressed in both Matt & Christa's face.

3. The rattlesnake at the rehearsal dinner.

4. The 42C weather I endured for the ceremony along with about 200 other people.

5. My despair and embarrassment over not being able to wipe away my tears fast enough when Miss Christa walked down the aisle.

6. The kissing game - they had names of couples and singles and would pull names for people to show Matt & Christa how to kiss.....soooooo funny. Nina and her new boyfriend incorporated a cartwheel. Since Matt has a bad back and my dad said that wouldn't be fun for the honeymoon - Christa did it instead.

7. Having relatives I haven't seen in years rub my belly and tell me when I'll have my babe.

8. My brother-in-law Joe.

9. Nate and I being able to put up pictures from the wedding at start of the reception.

10. Getting a new sister.

Thanks Heather

Yesterday I had to go to Staples and I don't have a vehicle, so Heather was nice enough to lend me her car. Now I have a bruise on my rear end. Thanks Heather.

I get in the car and as I'm sitting down I feel this excruiciating pain in my backside. I look over and it's some piece of hard plastic. So I clenched my teeth with the pain for about 2 seconds...then forgot about it until I had to get back IN the car after Staples and did the whole process all over again. The bruise is ugly. About 3 times the size of a twoonie and bright purple. Nate said I should take a picture, but I didn't think that would be appropriate.

Seriously Heather - I thank you for the use of your car, but it should come with a warning of some sort.

My family

Everyone says my family is huge. And it is. We'll be at Dairy Queen or the grocery store and someone will pass and I'll whisper to Nate "That's my dad's cousins daughter". But I don't always say hi because half the time I'm not sure they'll recognize me or I can't remember their first name. And who wants to be the idiot who can't remember who their family is?

Case in point: Our wedding. We had 240 people there and about 125 were related to me. And I only invited great aunts and uncles - maybe 5 of my dads first cousins - and not one third cousin. How wrong is that? My whole family couldn't even come to my wedding. I should be Italian or Greek or something.

I mostly just hang out with my immediate family anyhow. Like last night. We were bad children and didn't take my dad out on Father's Day. All he got from me was a hug and a look at my ultrasound pics. So we thought we should take him for dinner. At first the plan was the Keg, but he strongly objected to having his kids spend that much money on him. Fine. So we went to Frogstone. Also fine. The food was very good, as usual. But sitting there amongst my four siblings, parents, and the three extra add-ons (my DH, Meg's DH, & Matt's girl who will be his wife in 10 days) I noticed that my family is LOUD.

About 10 minutes after we got there, I think the waitress was cursing us and wishing we would just leave. She was taking orders over Matt yelling at Joe and Phil laughing hysterically. I can't remember how many times I had to shush them all (Oldest child syndrome). And in true Matt format he cut his finger with the steak knife as he was talking to me about work. My brother should have died years ago- really...He truly has 9 lives (or 50).

The highlight of the whole night would have to be when Christa got hot sauce in her eye. Wait. I'm not a sadist. I didn't sit there and laugh at her...the fun followed soon thereafter. Megan decided that she would help by taking one of the unused water glasses from the table and reaching across to pour it in Christa's eye. Christa was sitting up a bit and reaching back to try and find relief. It was quite comical really. Water was splashing everywhere and they were both laughing. So much so that when Megan placed the water back on the table, it swiftly spilled all over and about 99% landed on every item of MY clothing. My jeans were soaked, blouse was drenched. It was shockingly cold too. They then joked that it looked like my water broke.

Protruding belly

And this was taken three weeks ago. *SIGH*

Fathers Day Funnies & More Diclectin

Sunday morning I woke up to the sound of Nate in the shower. I remembered all of a sudden that it was Fathers' Day and since he's going to be a dad soon, I decided to surprise him. So I got one of my Avon lipstick samples from the other room, went back to bed and proceeded to write "Happy Dad's Day Daddy" on my belly in the lipstick. I then very carefully put the covers back and waited. He came in a few minutes later and I nonchalantly lowered the blankets to show him my pink-stained tummy. Then I got the giggles sooooo bad. I could not stop laughing. I think he was having trouble reading it because the whole thing was moving more than a bowl of Jell-O. He then said I was a wacko, which I accepted with pride.

I think the reason I was in such a good mood was because I had been off dicletin for 2 days. Then the day went downhill from there. I had horrible allergies, because apparently the stuff has some sort of antihistamine in it. Then we drove out to Vancouver to meet up with Uncle Greg - Nate's brother and I got sick on the way there. No vomit, mind you...just yuckiness. So I went bad on the drugs. It was just a trial anyhow to see how I was doing.

Thank Goodness I'm Normal

I went to the midwife and she says all is good. I'm growing in all the right places - maybe gaining weight a little too fast (I gotta cut out some bread & pasta), but all looks great. The baby is just the right size for how old he/she should be and everything I was experiencing that I was hoping was normal - is.

I got lots of fun new medicines too. I get to try a new prenatal vitamin that doesn't make you sick because you take the iron separately before you go to bed. Working great so far. Then I got a package of Zanax for indigestion and heartburn because of that one horrible episode. I had another case of it yesterday. My mother suspects teriyaki. Hmmmmmm.

The baby has been moving around a lot which is also good. I thought I felt it for the first time yesterday, but it was too fleeting a feeling to be sure.

I'm starting to take bets on the sex and birthday. So far most people say it's a boy - including Aunt Noelene. (HI!) I've had very few say it's a girl. But one woman told me that the reason she knows it's a boy is because usually when you're having a girl you're really sick - and I haven't been. WOW. She and Nate should have a conversation sometime.

As for the birthday - I have a confession to make: I had my family doctor tell me I was due on Halloween while my midwife figured it was closer to November 3rd. Now which is more exciting?? So I've told EVERYONE Halloween when really, I think the midwife is more bang on. There are days that I am hoping for:

October 29th - Nate's birthday is July 29th and mine is March 29th - would make remembering the family birthdays quite simple really. Plus it's also the day my mom has her 50th birthday. Shhhhhh! Don't tell her I told you!

October 30 - Our good friend Scott celebrates his birth on this day and it's also the 100th anniversary of Nate's grandfathers birth.

But let's hear your guesses - what am I having and when will they be born?

Oh That? That's Normal!

I go to the midwife today. First appointment I will be attending on my own. First appointment where I actually have a lot of questions about different stuff going on in my body. Some I'm sure are normal..but I want to make sure. Others, well..we'll see.

On Friday night after a lovely family party, I headed home to an empty house. Nate was able to spend some time with a best friend gone blind. Laser eye surgery sounds yucky. Anyhow..as I was sitting there watching TV sitting home by myself..I started to experience strong quick chest pains. Just above my heart. Then my stomach ached. It wasn't really cramp-like, but worrisome nonetheless.

I am a worrier. Let me say that up front. I used to have nightmares as a kid that horrible stuff would happen to people I love. I would even start morbidly planning what I would say at their funeral. I worry. And my imagination is fierce and I loathe it.

So I call my mother. She is quite good at making me feel better, but this was one instance that worried her as well. So she said she would come over.

I will be going to the midwife today and ask her what she thinks it may have been. I haven't felt it since late Friday night. Both Nate and my mom think it may have been indigestion...as that can be quite painful...but this felt more like a panic attack. But I've never had one so I'm not sure. Plus I'm not a doctor.

Anyone out there have any ideas?

What does Sara really need?

So I had seen a lot of blogs and such where people would google their names like so - "(Your name) needs:". Then you post the results. Some are funny and some are so deep and truly make you think.

So here are the many things that Sara needs:

Sara needs a kind soul to sponsor her.

Sara needs Sara time

Sara's needs are met

Sara needs to access both projects

Sara needs something more than the well-established love of her companion

Sara needs to discover the experts in the area.

Sara needs our help

SARA Needs You

Sara Needs A Loving, Playful Home

Sara needs a little time with Michael

Sara needs a boyfriend

Sara needs to hand him one of those weapons

Sara needs a sense of individuality before anything else in her life can become truly meaningful.

Sara needs to relax

SARA needs to reach more people

Sara needs to prove that the professor had nothing to do with the murder

Sara needs to get help

Sara needs a cesarean section

Sara needs to learn how to walk

Sara needs his help

Sara needs stability, and she won't ever find that with Grissom

Sara needs to be a child

Sara needs submissions by Oct1st

Sara needs fixing

Sara needs some extra physical support at home

Sara needs Hawk's help

Sara needs him for desperately for emotional support

Sara needs something more

Sara needs a transplant in order to survive

Sara needs to reinvigorate her life

Sara needs 2 purses - one for "fake Sara" and one for "real Sara

Sara needs to talk to someone about "a most important matter of the heart”

Sara needs a certificate of her father's death to obtain a free field trip with her school.

Sara needs more sleep

Sara needs to find out why!

Just for the record - these are not things that THIS Sara needs, just a hodgepodge of things that Sara's universally out there need.

I think we're crazy...or else we really need a vacation...

So Nate and I decided that the end of June is not quite busy enough. What with MOVING and my brother getting MARRIED....we just wanted to make the month a little more fun. So we're going to Harrison Hot Springs for a short 4 day vacation to celebrate our two year anniversary. It's a little early, but I've never been one to put off a party. So we'll be at Harrison from June 25-29 then head up to Ashcroft for Matt & Christa's wedding.

I am having trouble finding a maternity dress to wear to the wedding. Any suggestions?

Introducing Baby!

For the very first time in baby's life, I'm going to be blogging his/her pictures! Getting the ultrasound was so weird. The baby moved a tonne and the lady said I have a very active child. We're really excited - but on with the pics!!!!



Can you see the smiling face?? What a CUTE baby!!




These are baby's feet - the technician measured and they are 2.8 cm's long!

All in all, lots of fun meeting baby!