snow day, baby/belly update, mama, shower, crib...

I write this from our new, comfy glider, watching the Today show on TV and the beautiful snow fall outside our windows. It is not only beautiful because it has painted our yard a lovely white, but also because it cancelled school today. Yessssss. Someday, I will learn to update more often so my posts aren't so long. Until then...

I am now about 8 months pregnant. I am beginning to feel about 8 months pregnant, but, really, cannot complain much. I love being pregnant, but am very, very ready to meet and hold this baby girl! Here is what babycenter.com says about babies at 34 weeks:

"Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."

32 weeks

um, wow. 34 weeks. seriously serious?

My mom came to visit us this past weekend. It was SO good to have her here! We did a lot of shopping and running around, and she even got to come to school with me for a day and a half. I am sure that is exactly what a 4th grade teacher wanted to do on her vacation...come to 4th grade. My kids loved her, and several people at school asked if she was my sister. One of the main reasons she came was to go with me to my school shower. (Kev's parents came over for the shower, too!) The shower was great and we are so thankful for all the gifts we received! It meant so much to me that my mom made a special trip to Nashville for us and the shower. Next time I see her, I will most likely be introducing her to her 3rd granddaughter! Mama, I miss you already!

the baby's sweet grandmothers

this is one of my greatest nashville friends, Jen (above), and one of baby girl's future greatest nashville friends, Jen's baby girl, Cali (below)

kev...gazing into our future...

yes, please!

daddy kev did a great job putting the crib together!

what i've finished so far...

some catching up...chi-town

A few weekends ago, Kevan and I were able to go to Chicago for the weekend...our last little trip before the baby comes. We were there from Saturday morning until Monday evening and it was too much fun. It was absolutely wonderful to be with Kevan and be worry-free for a few days. Although temperatures were around 4 degrees with a wind chill of -20 all weekend, we endured the cold and had an amazing time. We even got to see our friends Chelsea and Heath who just happened to have the same idea we did to go to Chicago for the weekend. And now, the pics. (Blogger was taking too long uploading my photos, so I made a slideshow.) Yay for Chicago!

thanks, fabulous k!

Look! I won a drawing over on Fabulous K's blog, and Kelly generously and oh, so creatively made me a new header for my blog. I love it! You should definitely go check her out. She is great at what she does and loves to occasionally give free blog makeovers...what a gal. Thanks again, Kelly!

to teach or not to teach

Okay, Internet, it is time for a venting via the blog.

If you know me at all, you know that I've struggled with my decision to become a teacher since, well, the decision was made my sophomore year at ACU. Growing up, I went through career choices as quickly as I did fashion trends (6th grade - No Fear shirts and umbros, 7th grade - sunflower vests and Dexters, 8th grade - knee highs and Mary Janes...Lindsay, can I hear an amen?). I have considered being a news anchor (what?!), an interior designer, an author, a car dealer (this idea I actually stuck with all throughout high school...obviously, like any normal teenager, I had a skewed view of myself). The list could go on and on.

But my mom would tell you that no matter what idea I had at the moment about what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always readily admit that I would NEVER be a teacher. So how is it that I find myself in this place? Was it the easiest route, the only thing that seemed to fit, the means to an end of being a stay-at-home wife and mom? Sure, I love kids, and I LOVE summer--sounds good to me, sign me up.

So, here I am, in my third year of teaching still doubting that decision I tearfully made one day in my dad's office to change my major (for the 3rd time) to Education. I want to love teaching, I really do. I know and see so many who are meant for this and are fantastic at answering their "calling" to teach. I have loved my students (maybe "only liked" a few) :), and I can see the good in what I do and have done in my time in the classroom. But, I feel as though I am trying to force something that maybe shouldn't be. I also don't want to be a failure or disappointment to anyone. Maybe five years of feeling a "no" is simply that--a "no."

And I think I finally know why I feel this way.

This week I attended a bible study at our church. The study was on the Parable of the Talents, from Matthew 25. I am sure you are familiar... a master gives each of his servants a certain amount of talents, or money. Two of the servants double the amount they were given and the master tells them that they did a job well done. The other buries his and saves it, but is told he is lazy. (There is even some gnashing of teeth, which always makes for a great story.) God gives us all various "talents", abilities, resources, etc. to USE. We are not to bury them for safe keeping or hide them away until next year or even ignore their existence altogether, which is, I'm afraid, what I have been doing a little of lately, maybe even for a long time.

BUT, in less than 2 months, an amazing thing is going to happen that will allow me to step back, take a break from teaching and focus on one important ability that I know the Lord planned just for me. I will get to put all of my love and attention into one very sweet and special little baby girl who belongs to Kevan and me (!), and not have to spread myself thin among 54 children who belong to others. I hope to discover and uncover some of my God-given abilties and resources as I learn how to be her mother and a better wife for Kevan. And, who knows, once I get that figured out, I may just be able to reveal and actually put to good use some of my creative abilities for the benefit of my little family. Of course, I will always do what is needed of me to contribute to the care of our family--having money is, afterall, a good thing. But, I am determined to find my place.

This classroom, just recently emptied of 26 ten-year-olds all of whom were way too ready for the weekend, just isn't it. And that is okay.

"If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke." ~Brendan Francis

sneak peek

I have finally received all the fabric for the baby's bedding and am in the process of getting it sewn. I have finished the bumpers, and will be making a bed skirt, blanket, and probably some pillows. Well, let's say I am going to attempt to make all of this. I realize most people may have their nurseries completely set up by this point, but that's just not how we roll. The "nursery" still appears as an office/guitar room/guest bedroom. If she comes early, we'll just put some blankets in an empty guitar case for her I guess. Anyway, here's a sneak peek at the 2 main fabrics. . . 

yesss...a finished bumper pad

a few facts

i really like this shirt.

i am 30 (almost 31) weeks along. this fact tends to get me really excited (and giddy) and also really, really nervous (and freaked out).

i love hamburgers. as he reads this, my dad is finding this fact as shocking as i have found it. i, in fact, have never really loved a burger. i now love them so much that last week i ate one from a place called "fat mo's" and enjoyed it. yes, daddy, that's a fact.

this is what kev and i will be saying to you this weekend. 

happy birthday, mama!

my mama, in 1st grade

Yesterday was my sweet Mama's birthday. She is one of the most selfless, godliest, sweetest, prettiest ladies you'll ever come across. If you don't know her, you should find a way to meet her because your life would be blessed by her. In honor of her birthday on the 7th, here are 7 things about Mama Linda that I love...

1. She is more talented and creative than I'll ever be. Her paintings and portraits are amazing! Because of this, I have learned from and been inspired by her to be as creative as I can be doing the things I love to do.

2. She makes delightful dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, and calzone, among other things.

3. My niece Macy is absolutely crazy about her Nina, and I can't wait to see my little girl interact with her Nina. Mom is an amazingly fun and loving grandmother.

4. She wrote me a note on the napkin in my lunch almost everyday from kindergarten until I graduated high school. She also would cut my sandwiches into fun shapes, like hearts.

5. When her parents were both sick with Alzheimer's at the same time, she took care of them like no one I have seen before. She was completely selfless, moving them to Abilene and making their lives as comfortable as possible in their last days. I don't know how she did it with such grace, but I am so glad I got to witness it.

6. She is so fun and is cute as a button. Sometimes she talks in fun accents. (I used to loooooove for her to read stories about the Brer Rabbit in her country voice.) She calls me Susie a lot, and I especially love it when she calls me "Susie-la-toosie." I love when she laughs so hard that she cries and her laugh gets kind of squeally.

7. She loves the Lord, and is a perfect example for me of how to be a godly wife and mother. She is up way before anyone should be, and I know a lot of that time is spent trying to better her relationship with the Father. I know she consistently prays for her family, and for that I am grateful.

And, bonus #8. She often tells me I'm her favorite child. (Don't worry, Mama. I don't think Paul and Matt read this thing...it's our little secret.)

I love you, Mama! Hope your birthday was wonderful and that y'all didn't have too much fun last night at Szechuan without me!!

oh, you just wait

Apparently, being a pregnant girl means that I am waiting for many things other than just a sweet baby. People keep telling me to "just wait." I don't feel that I am being overly impatient in regard to the things to which they are referring...but still, I am told to wait. Unfortunately, I most often hear this phrase in response to the negatives of motherhood and raising babies. "You think you aren't sleeping now? Just wait." "Not a lot of extra money? Just wait until you have to buy diapers every week." "Feeling a bit uncomfortable nearing the 30th week? Just wait until your 39th week." I am learning to filter the comments and advice I am (lovingly, I'm sure) given on a daily basis. 

But, of course, not all are negative. These are the pieces I cling to and treasure, because they are, after all...rare.

Yesterday, Kevan and I sat behind a family at church who had 7 kids, all under the age of 8 or 9. The youngest two were twin baby girls, and the next to youngest was a 3 or 4 year old boy in a wheelchair. The mother introduced herself to me and showed interest in my growing belly. I told her this was my first and that I was absolutely in awe of her. She could have told me about how hard it was to feed her son through a feeding tube soon after she got settled in her seat only to most likely do it again before she left church. She could have chosen to tell me about how she was annoyed when she had to miss three-fourths of the service to go and nurse her babies.  She could have told me to wait for when I wanted some time to myself and couldn't have it because of the kids. Instead, she simply said, "It is so wonderful. You are going to love it." Then, she offered her assistance in any way by telling me I could call her anytime if I needed anything. As if she weren't selfless enough caring for her 7 young children, she wanted to give some of her self to me. I think I am getting off topic (I REALLY liked this lady), but I say all that to say this... her comment was a breath of fresh air, a little gift in my day, a reminder that no matter what may come, waiting joyfully is always better than the alternative.

  28 weeks and waiting...

it (was) the most wonderful time of the year

Well, my favorite holiday has come and gone. Every year, I think I am sure to go into depression on December 26th, but I always seem to make it through. It made it easier this year to be home in Texas as "A Christmas Story" marathon ended, the Christmas lights burned out, and the continuous Christmas music on all "mix", Delilah-worthy radio stations turned back into the usual Journey and Michael Bolton. 

I had a great break, and here are (maybe too many) pictures proving why:

We stopped in Jackson on the way to Texas.

Kevan's Grandma Albright... she has only grandsons and great-grandsons. She is excited about the great-grandDAUGHTER!

Some of the previously-mentioned great-granddaughter's first Christmas presents.

Christmas in Abilene!

getting a little crowded...

We got Macy some way-cool kicks. I think she liked them, but as she opened them, she did say, "Where's the toy part?" :)

Look familiar? (See xmas tree post below.) Matt and Nikki found and gave me an ornament like our first one that we lost! Such a great and completely thoughtful gift!

Bumps are the new black.

Oh, Zoey. We all spent plenty of time staring at and cuddling the cutie.

Our baby girl also got lots of hugs and kisses from her cousins.

Szechuan has always been a favorite for my family, but it has been closed for a couple of years. The doors of their new building re-opened on Thursday, so of course, we went that day. They even gave us the "party room." Thanks, Szechuan!

Mom made her amazingly amazing cinnamon rolls, with Macy's help. I meant to take a picture of the finished product, but somehow I was distracted when they came out of the oven.

Some of my most favorite girls in the world....

my mama and nieces.

Back in Nashville, we celebrated New Year's Eve with the Albrights at the Music City Bowl game. My prediction was FSU 28-Kentucky 27. Kev's prediction was Kentucky 35-FSU some score that was less. It ended up Kentucky 35- FSU 28, so Kev and I were both right, in a way. I told him that is why we are married.

Here is my oh, so easy on the eyes husband on New Year's day eating his black-eyed peas and contemplating what (and who!) 2008 will bring.

2008 already brought us a new stroller and car seat thanks to Kevan's parents!! Thanks, Steve and Janice! Of course, I let Lola try it out first. I think we all know her attention-filled days are nearing their end.

If you're still reading, you are either related to me, or, well, I'm not sure. 

Guess it is time to face reality and take the tree down...