What if?...

What if Bubba really is a boy? And the first child I have isn't a girl. What if I never have a girl? Even after the three children we're planning to have (God willing of course). What if I never get to experience the close mother-daughter relationship I have with my mom but with a daughter of my own? What if my future is filled with toy cars, dirt, robots, wrestling and endless sport activities?

I'm just going to be real here with you for a second. I want a daughter, plain and simple. That doesn't mean that I want ALL my children to be girls but it does mean I pray someday for a girl. But you know what else? I want a son too. I yearn for the day my little boy looks up at me with the big blue eyes he got from his daddy. My heart aches for moments of cuddling my little guy to sleep and dressing him up in cute ties and suspenders.

So what am I getting at here? Well, I hope my future has nothing but healthy children in store. But if I am able to have any say in the genders I am blessed with, I would ask for at least one of both. I'm just being honest.

Why you may ask? Because I am so desperately scared of missing out on something. If Bubba is a boy then I'm terrified of having only boys in my future. What if I never have a daughter? If Bubba is a girl, then by golly will I only have girls? I don't know if I can handle three or four mini Nicole's.

Will my life be any less fulfilled if I only have girls or only boys? Absolutely not! I just continue to remind myself of this truth and ignore the fear and the lies my mind gets overwhelmed with. I'm having a child, a beautiful, precious, little one that I'll love more than life. It does not make a difference if that child is a girl or boy. It does not change the way I feel about my baby.

I'm just being honest here, was/is anyone else feeling the same way?

Blessings,
N.

23 weeks pregnant! Happy Boxing Day!

Happy Boxing Day!!!!!


How far along: 23 weeks! picture taken at 22 weeks & 5 days (Christmas Eve), I didn't want to bother with taking another one.

Size of baby: Papaya (8 inches & 1.2 pounds)

Weight gain/loss: I really wasn't going to weigh in this morning. I thought there was no way it was going to be good. But then I thought I can't change my routine just because I'm scared of what the scale might say. So after all the Christmas festivities these past few days and all the over eating. I've only gained 0.8 lbs in two weeks (last week I didn't gain a thing!). Wow! How many more calories am I burning each day because of this baby?? It must be tons!!

Maternity clothes: I wore my Christmas sweater (pictured above) on Christmas and Christmas Eve and I loved it! So cozy. My mom drew my name for our Kroeker gift exchange and she got me a maternity shirt and a pair of maternity underwear. Cam got me men's sweat pants for Christmas too and they are wonderful! It's so nice to have sweats that fit right around my tummy. I also found a few shirts the other day in my closet that my sister Jessica sent me that I forgot I had. I've been getting so many compliments on those too! I love how these clothes are helping to make me feel so good about myself.

Movement: I was reading that soon the kicks will be felt from the outside. I can't wait to grab Cams hand and have him feel his baby! It'll be such a special moment. I'm still feeling a lot of movement, especially after I eat. I think Bubba's been enjoying the Christmas food and goodies as much as I have.

Sleep: once again, no complaints. My sleep is amazing and I'm not having any troubles at all. I'm expecting that to change but I'm enjoying it right now. No need for a tummy pillow either.

Cravings: nothing really, I got my McDonald's fix last week. That was mostly it, I could go for a Starbucks Christmas coffee and treat about now but that's all.

Symptoms: I'm getting annoyed at the sudden nose bleeds, three in one week. But if I keep up my Metamucil and Zantac routines then I feel fantastic! No stretch marks so far but I have been putting on a lot of lotion these days. I'am getting sore hips more frequently when I walk too long, like around the mall for hours helping my husband buy Christmas presents!

Best moment of the week: it's got to be Christmas and all the things involved with the holiday. Today we're doing a big breakfast with my family and then over to mom & dad Stehr's place. I'm excited to see them! Then I get to relax and I'll be back to work for January 3rd. Next prenatal is January 2nd and I'm hoping to get my gestational diabetes test done that day too.

Happy Boxing Day to all :)
N.

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! We hope that your day of celebration is merry and bright, filled with love and hope. We are beyond thankful for all that we have and what is on it's way!

Today we took a nice long walk in Campbell Valley park to feed the birds. It was cold and wet but so much fun!






Then we came home to relax and went out to our Christmas Eve service at our home church. It was a fantastic service, brought me to tears a few times. Now we are at home celebrating, we finished dinner and are waiting for my brothers to get back from their church service. We'll open one gift, eat more and drink (juice for me!). Then it's the annual watching of the movie Christmas vacation. SO funny!!!

But what's a blog post without a belly shot? So here you go, 22 weeks & 5 days.


Bubba & I wish you MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! I'm inflated from Christmas turkey :)

N.

looking at Mary differently this Christmas

I feel like I'm looking at Christmas much differently this year. Songs on the radio to do with Mary bring me to tears as Bubba kicks inside me. Today on our weekly trip to superstore for groceries I caught myself realizing that these songs are different to me now because I AM a MOTHER! This little one inside me is growing strong, kicking away, getting ready to be born and be in my arms. I can actually relate to Mary this Christmas, I actually understand what it feels like to have a child grow in my body. Because it's happening TO ME right now!

But Mary birthed a child who would one day die a death that was prophesied on a cross that would save humanity. Obviously that won't be Bubba's fate. But she was probably nervous too about labour, birth, raising a child, breast feeding. She probably wondered about so many things. The difference is her baby was destined to die, I don't know how she could have had that faith. To me, Mary has become more than just the mother of Jesus but also an extraordinary woman of God. I have a husband, I'm 27 years old with a home, job and money in the bank. I'm going to deliver Bubba in a hospital with doctors, nurses and drugs! She was unmarried, poor, and SO young. Many believe she was around 13 years of age, delivering her child in a filthy stable with animals surrounding her, NOT doctors. She could have been killed! Yet she faithfully had her son, believing that God would protect them and provide.

So thank-you mother of Jesus for being so strong and giving birth to the reason we celebrate Christmas. I'll be here shedding my tears for you to all the songs until they stop and the new year begins. And you know, I'm okay with that!! 😊


Baby grew again!

Merry Christmas to all!
N.

four years of love!

Today marks four incredible years of being mr. & mrs. and we couldn't be happier!! Cam and I definitely had a rough start in our dating years, I walked into the student lounge of CBC assuming I'd find friendship and Christian fellowship. Which I did! But I also found the love of my life sipping away on a matte cup and drawing quietly in the corner. It took less than a month before we were dating and my young twenty year old self was flying high on love and dreams.

Here we are, four years of marriage and I'm 22 weeks pregnant. We've worked HARD to make our marriage work and to love one another unconditionally and selflessly. I can't wait for another year with my husband, to have this baby and watch him transform into a daddy. I can't wait to see our marriage grow and change after our child is born!

Cameron Lyle I love you with all of my heart and soul. I thank God everyday for you and appreciate who you are in my life. Till death do us part! *MUAH!*


N.

22 weeks pregnant!!

How far along: 22 weeks!!

Size of baby: Spaghetti squash (8 inches & 1 pound)

Weight gain/loss: I'm exactly the same as last week. This means a weight gain of 6.4 pounds total so far! I'm still quite proud of myself!

Maternity clothes: Nothing new to share here. I better stay away from stores right now, it's too fun to get new stuff!

Movement: It's incredible to me the amount of movement I feel on a regular basis. I got Cam to put his hand on my tummy last night just hoping he'd feel Bubba even just a little bit. He didn't, it makes me eager for the day when he can. Maybe for Christmas?

Sleep: amazing! Love sleep! No complaints still, just up a lot to pee.

Cravings: I still want chocolate all the time! Now I want more carbs, still in the carrots and ranch dip phase. I've been asking for McDonald's lately but I doubt I'll get it anytime soon.

Symptoms: thank goodness for Zantac & Metamucil! They save me everyday from a horrible grumpy state of misery. I discovered last night after I blew my nose that a bleeding nose isn't a pregnancy myth. Leg cramps in the middle of the night SUCK! And I was seriously light headed yesterday. But I always say, it could be worse!! Who knows how I'll be with #2 (yes I'm already thinking that far ahead! I'm just like that).

Best moment of the week: hands down my ultrasound was the very best moment of the week! I didn't cry but I had the biggest smirk on my face the entire time. I was just in awe and amazement, SO happy the entire time. We don't know the gender but Leigh-Ann does, makes me wonder what it was she may or may not have seen.

Until next week...

MERRY CHRISTMAS! have a wonderful time with family & friends. We're very excited for this Christmas, the last one as just us two.

Blessings,
N.

meet my precious baby Bubba!

Today was just one of those extraordinary days that you never forget. I got to meet my baby via ultrasound and (s)he is gorgeous, but of course I'm biased. To see Bubba on that screen moving around was so surreal. There were a few times when I caught myself thinking "that's YOUR baby! It's in YOUR body!" Wow!

We are fortunate enough to have a friend who does ultrasounds so she made the experience extra special. Thank you SO MUCH Leigh-Ann! If you're reading this, I can not even express how incredibly grateful we are. You'll be seeing us as long as you're available with all our little Bubbas.

I bet you're wondering about the details? Okay here they are:
* Bubba is measuring 22 weeks in a few measurements (I'm dated at 21 weeks and 1 day today) if this means an earlier delivery then we could have a baby on Cam's 32nd birthday or my brother Jason's 26th birthday
* Bubba's heartbeat was at 139, but Leigh-Ann reassured me that this does NOT indicate the gender
* Bubba's legs measure in the 90th percentile, we're going to have a long baby!!
* All is healthy and developing normally. We are very happy and thankful for this for sure!
* we do not know the gender, only Leigh-Ann knows and I doubt she'll tell you if you ask her!



There (s)he is! I'm so in love with my Bubba, boy or girl, it doesn't matter to me. I can't wait to meet my precious child.

N.

21 weeks pregnant!!!

How far along: 21 weeks! WOW this pregnancy is going by fast.

Size of baby: Banana (7 inches & 11 ounces)

Weight gain/loss: I just about freaked on the scale this morning, up 3 pounds. So that's a total of 6.4 pounds gained so far. But I'm thinking I know what the culprit is (other than baby). My doctor said I don't have to gain anything but if I do then to aim for 10-15 pounds. This will put me back to my pre-pregnancy weight basically right after Bubba is born. Then I'll get my ass handed to me by Anna the rock star personal trainer friend I have lined up for the summer!!

Maternity clothes: I found the softest red sweater from Old Navy for Christmas! SO happy!

Movement: loving it right now, the kicks are all over. It's now more of a reality that this is happening since I feel Bubba frequently now. I'm feeling SO much more connected to the baby, I love that it's so obvious to the world (and to myself) that I'm carrying my first born child.

Sleep: I have no complaints, just up a lot to pee.

Cravings: the absolute overwhelming desire for chocolate is well, overwhelming! One of my weight gain culprits I'm sure. I'm also on a huge carrots and ranch dip kick... Mmmmm.... Veggies and dip!

Symptoms: I am not exaggerating when I say PRAISE THE LORD for Zantac! It's saved me from heartburn hell. I am SO grateful that my doctor gave me a prescription for it. HURRAY!

And then there's the horrible bathroom trouble I've been experiencing. Sorry folks but I'm going to talk about poop for a second and my inability in this department. I had what my doctor diagnosed as "terminal constipation" before my Endometriosis surgery in 2008. I suffered every 6-8 weeks with what I called an attack back then. After surgery I've only dealt with a few attacks but now since my second trimester started I've been anticipating one and well... TA DAAAAA!!!!! Sunday night I had that ever so familiar pain. So I got the "poop stuff" my mom so eloquently calls it (restoralax) and I'm waiting for relief. I'm still on my prune juice and Metamucil regime. I'm almost doing cardio every day to help... If ANY body has a tip for me to try then by all means tell me!!! Don't be shy!!!

Best moment of the week: it's got to be all the extra movement I've been experiencing and the closeness I feel to Bubba because of it.

Happy Wednesday once again!! No dinner with my folks tonight, they're busy (sad face). But tomorrow we're going for our 21 week ultrasound... I can't even express how crazy excited I am for this!!!!

N.



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20 weeks pregnant!

How far along: 20 weeks! Half way until I get to meet my baby.

Size of baby: Mango (6.5 inches & 10 ounces)

Weight gain/loss: I lost a pound this week which puts me at a gain of 3.4lbs so far this pregnancy!!

Maternity clothes: I was getting SO frustrated this week, I was at Old Navy in Langley but no maternity clothes. Then ended up at both H&M and Old Navy in Metrotown Saturday and AGAIN no maternity sections. So tomorrow after my prenatal appointment I'll finally go to Guildford and try to find something for Christmas.

Movement: I thought that I felt a true kick last night a couple times in a row but I'm not sure. I definitely expected that Bubba's movements would be stronger now but I keep forgetting that he/she is sleeping most of the day.

Sleep: I have a sore throat and stuffed nose right now so sleep isn't that great. But I honestly can't complain it could be MUCH worse.

Cravings: chocolate everything! I just want chocolate. I'm also craving veggies with ranch dip, I had some at Cams work party Sunday and I couldn't stop. SO good! And I had to have an egg salad sandwich yesterday which was weird cause I haven't had egg in a while.

Symptoms: I found the perfect combination of Metamucil (2 tbsp) followed by a huge glass of water, three times a day. Then a small glass of prune juice once a day. It's wonderful to have that working for me finally. Other than that I continue to breathe fire (heartburn) on a regular basis.

Best moment of the week: two moms here at work found out about my pregnancy by asking my co-worker about me cause they were too shy to ask me! One of our regular subs brought her daughter over last week and we met. Afterwards her daughter apparently told her mom that I look like a teenager and I'm WAY too young to have a baby! Hahaha... am I really that young looking? I also had some fantastic conversation with Cams boss on Sunday night at the staff Christmas party. Everyone kept asking me how I'm feeling, I was the only completely sober one, that was fun!!

Well... Happy Wednesday! Take care for now :) it's starting to look very Christmasy at our house, it makes me super happy!

N.

19 weeks pregnant!!

How far along: 19 weeks! (WOW! I'm basically half way already)

Size of baby: Mango (6 inches & 0.5 pounds)

Weight gain/loss: I realised that I never updated last week, but I've gained 4.4lbs the last two weeks in total. I can't believe I'm sharing that with the public! I'm honestly a little nervous by that number only because I know I'm only supposed to gain like 15lbs altogether but I'm wondering if there are different factors that have contributed to my weight gain (other than the obvious baby), so I'm going to make some changes that try that instead (like eating less fruit & carbs which are basically just sugar and instead eat more veggies & protein, which I'm seriously lacking in).

Maternity clothes: No Christmas outfit yet :'( But I'm hoping to get to the stores soon.

Movement:Yes! Lots of movement, definitely getting more pronounced like I know that it's Bubba kicking rather than my stomach growling. I'm waiting for those intense kicks so that Cam can feel baby too. But I always announce to him when Bubba's awake and moving, he likes to know his baby is active.

Sleep: It's starting to get bad but then again it can always get worse than it is now. I'm
waking up a lot and it takes more effort to move from side to side (I just naturally sleep on my side) but that's okay. I'm sure that I'll be missing even this kind of sleep come spring.

Cravings: I miss wine, it's just one of those things you miss when you're not allowed it anymore. And I definitely miss my spicy tuna roll, but I realised I can put spicy sauce on pregnancy approved sushi rolls so that's making me a bit happier.

Symptoms: Cam says that I'm having a "textbook pregnancy" whatever that means cause I'm sure he hasn't read any literature on pregnancy yet. Which suprises me since he's such a book worm. But currently it's just the struggle to be drinking water, I'll get really thristy and normally would chug a litre of water no problem but now I immediately get sickly after too much water at once. I am also currently on a Metamucil routine (which we all know what that's for) and I'm starting gluten-free as well because I believe it's causing me a lot of discomfort.

Best moment of the week: On Monday at bible study we were singing some songs and as soon as we started singing Bubba started to move around A LOT! It made me so happy because Cam was sitting right next to me and I think that's the first time it heard Cam sing. I didn't want to sing at all, I just wanted to sit back and enjoy my baby enjoying the sound of it's fathers voice.

That's it for now... almost time for me to get back to work. My momma is making me dinner again tonight (it's our Wednesday tradition) and we're helping decorate their Christmas tree! I'm SO excited I can hardly contain myself.
N.

Baby weight

Before I got pregnant I had the realization that my health was not where I wanted it to be. And I was quickly walking down the road of morbid obesity. Before I peed on that preggo stick I committed myself to waiting on the baby thing and whip my ass into shape. My baby deserved an incredible environment to grow. Yet, the plan sorta changed when the pregnancy test screamed positive. Now what was I
supposed to do?

I honestly had a flow of different emotions, disappointment that my Bubba would grow in this obese body and fear that the weight I would gain would be impossible to loose after the delivery. Visions of my diabetic, obese and sick Oma flooded my mind. Don't get me wrong, I was incredibly happy to be pregnant and happy to know that I am indeed fertile but was it the right timing?

I truly believe that God has His hand in every part of my life and this wasn't going to be any different. I prayed every day on my way to work last year for a baby, I'm not even exaggerating EVERY day I prayed. So God answered, obviously He didn't see my weight as an issue. I keep reminding myself of this fact. So far the scale has only moved up 2 pounds. I'm 18 weeks, so 2 pounds I think is a huge accomplishment!! Especially since Bubba could now be weighing in at approximately half a pound.

I am finding it interesting to look in the mirror and see my waist rapidly disappear. And a bigger and bigger baby belly appear. I swear I am going to be a house!! A huge, pregnant, monster of a house. And then I think, oh gosh! The stretch marks, the loose skin after I give birth, the saggy boobs, will my body EVER be healthy? Will I EVER get back into those size eight jeans I once wore when I first met Cam? I'm just trying to be honest here.

I'm also struggling with how I'm eating now. I've struggled with whether I should commit to being gluten free and dairy free for a very long time. I keep going back to how great I feel when I stick to it, yet I never seem to be able stay on it long-term. I'm concerned with how it's affecting my pregnancy and Bubba. I'm concerned that the food I'm eating right now is affecting Bubba's development and that if Bubba will be negatively affected if I do suddenly go gluten free now (today).

A lot goes through my mind these days.

Happy Saturday
N.

18 weeks pregnant!

How far along: 18 weeks!

Size of baby: sweet potato (5.5 inches & 5 ounces)

Weight gain/loss: I'm weighing in on Thursday mornings now, so I'll update this tomorrow.

Maternity clothes: going to Black Friday this week, I want to get a Christmas outfit.

Movement: just discovered yesterday that after I'm done exercising Bubba moves around A LOT! Another motivation for me to get moving.

Sleep: I'm having a harder time turning around at night now. I'm still waking up a lot for the bathroom, o well!

Cravings: so I totally caved in and had Burger King last Thursday. But as for cravings recently, not really.

Symptoms: well, just the usual. I know that if I eat food that's not so great then I get heartburn. If I don't drink enough water then I get a headache. So really, I don't have much to complain about.

Best moment of the week: feeling all the movements last night. But Sunday (not the best moment but...) I woke up with a headache and immediately drank water thinking it would help. Instead I threw up so violently that I burst blood vessels in my face and down my neck. Lucky me! Haha, I'm going to look SO FABULOUS after I deliver Bubba I'm sure, with my face all spotted. Oh well, that's okay I'll have a beautiful baby to cuddle.

Happy Wednesday!

N.

17 weeks!

It's Wednesday again! Therefore, another baby Bubba update. Enjoy!!


How far along: 17 weeks

Size of baby: turnip (5 inches & 5 ounces)

Weight gain/loss: I'm weighing in on Thursday mornings now, so I'll update this tomorrow. I'm a little nervous, I had a BAD long weekend with going over calories.

I weighed in, down another 0.2 pounds which means I've basically gained nothing so far this pregnancy.

Maternity clothes: I haven't bought anything new... Just enjoying mixing things up.

Movement: I definitely felt something last night while lying down and watching tv. It was a very soft fluttering type sensation. I felt it again in the middle of the night and a little now that I'm sitting and relaxing for my lunch break.

Sleep: I'm waking up a lot more often at night and its taking me a bit longer to fall asleep but that's all.

Cravings: this week has been bad again for cravings but I'm just not giving in anymore. I want a whopper with cheese again from Burger King but I haven't indulged.... yet.

Symptoms: a little bit of heartburn again and my hips feel very loose these days. I'm trying to walk a lot more, that's when my hips get sore. And lots of burps... haha, I'm so gassy it's quite entertaining to Cam.

Best moment of the week: feeling what I'm sure was the baby last night. Although I was experiencing some gas, if it was just gas then I'll be SO disappointed :'(

Happy Wednesday! I'm a lucky girl, my momma is making me dinner tonight!

N.

16 weeks pregnant!!

It's Wednesday again! Therefore, another baby Bubba update. Enjoy!!

I'm going to do a picture every other week, so look for my 17 week photo next week :) okay, so I lied, here's my 16 weeks photo.


How far along: 16 weeks

Size of baby: Avocado (4-5 inches & 3-5 ounces)

Weight gain/loss: lost 2.6lbs this week which means that since finding out I'm pregnant I've gained 0.4lbs total.

Maternity clothes: I feel like my maternity wardrobe is better than what I had before I got pregnant! I'm LOVING getting dressed in the morning.

Movement: not yet :'( but I know that there's a chance it can happen soon and that makes me SO excited!!

Sleep: the time change over the weekend threw me off a bit. But otherwise, sleep is good! Dreams are getting weird though.

Cravings: ummmm, they've mostly gone. Other than wanting a spicy tuna roll and having chocolate Cheerios almost everyday. I'm doing great with my calorie counting, I think that's helping.

Symptoms: honestly, nothing to complain about. I finally understand why women love this trimester so much. My energy is back, heartburn basically gone, cramps are gone, things are good!

Best moment of the week: when I stepped on the scale yesterday and realized that I'm doing GREAT! It was the best feeling to know that this belly is all baby and my hard work is paying off :)

Happy Wednesday! I'm looking forward to a relaxing night tonight while my hubby is stuck doing homework (poor Camy).
N.

15 weeks exactly!! Happy Halloween!!

How far along: 15 weeks

Size of baby: I find this out tomorrow

Maternity clothes: the other day I picked up a pair of maternity jeans and black maternity pants, two tops and a super cute sweater. Then I got maternity underwear and I swear if you're preggo and not wearing these underwear then you're missing out!!!!!

Movement: not yet :( still the same old growing pains. But I'm sooooo looking forward to that first flutter.

Sleep: no problems here, thank goodness! I'm loving all the naps I get when I can get them.

Cravings: other than the fight with myself to stay out of the Halloween candy bowl, just Pho from Pho Rex has been on my mind. Oh, and Mi Mexico, ok maybe the need for fruit cups and orange juice still surfaces every so often.

Symptoms: heartburn like you wouldn't believe!!!! Thank goodness that I've kicked my ass into gear and will bust my butt to eat healthier. That should combat the horrible fire I'm getting daily, I feel like a dragon.

Best moment of the week: when the doctor on Monday said I can definitely keep working full time. That was a huge encouragement to me to get moving, track my eating and take care of myself and my little pumpkin.


Have a very safe and fun HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
I'll be the momma cat with the round pumpkin belly at my parents front door with the candy bowl.
N.

staying full time!

So I went to the doctor yesterday and was cleared to work full time. I'm quite excited that everything is healthy and the symptoms I've been experiencing are just a normal part of pregnancy. The cramping was especially scary, but doc said that my tummy is just growing, that's all!! The doctor was funny cause she called my work "mommy work" which is a very appropriate description. We'll re-evaluate every prenatal appointment with whether or not I should continue to work but as of now, I'm full time!!!

One thing that came out of the appointment was my doctors very real concern about my weight. I know, I was FAR from where I wanted to be when I got pregnant. BUT I did work hard to loose like 20-25 lbs before I got pregnant. So basically I just need to get back to the healthy mentality I was in before my nausea changed things. I can do it, I feel very empowered to take care of me and Bubba! Plus... they weighed me after I drank a liter of water, ate a big meal and was wearing a whole bunch of clothing (geeez!) so I'm going with the number on my own scale.


Look!! I worked out today, so happy to get back on the bike. I can definitely keep this up.

After the YES to full time work I went to the mall with my mom to get maternity jeans (and celebrate!). Buying jeans that I feel great in and that fit and look great was such a fabulous idea!! I even got maternity underwear which is THE BEST!! I must buy more cause they're that fabulous.

Of course I asked my mom to come for support, to speak up when I forgot to mention something and to remember what the doctor says cause I often forget. But the really neat thing was that she got to hear Bubba's heartbeat. She was grinning ear to ear, talking about it afterwards. Bubba is her first grandbaby so to hear the heartbeat was really special to her, I'm so glad she got to be there for that.

Anyways, I've been the worst with the photo updates (sorry) so the next photo will be week 15. I'm definitely showing!!

Happy almost Halloween!! Cam is searching for my cat ears :)
N.

14 weeks & 2 days

I can't believe that it's already been another week! So here's the next update... Enjoy :)

(Picture to come)

How far along: 14 weeks & 2 days

Size of baby: large navel orange (4.5 inches)

Maternity clothes: most definitely, I'm still fitting into my "fat pants" from last year but that'll change quick. My sister sent me her stuff (thanks again Jess!!) so that's helped with some tops but I still need to find some jeans and tights. Any good tips?!

Movement: not exactly, but I occasionally it feels different in my lower abdomen. It's SOOO hard to explain and words have somehow disappeared from my vocabulary, but whatever feeling this is, it's reminding me there's a person in there somewhere.

Sleep: work has been challenging this week, so I've been sleeping about 11 hours a night these last few nights. It's been glorious!!!

Cravings: I want pizza really bad and orange juice, mostly just orange juice though.

Symptoms: the new thing is this headache I can't shake. I broke down and took Tylenol even though I really didn't want to.

Best moment of the week: when I came home yesterday from work to a clean house, thanks to Cam! Then my brother Jason took me out for dinner and treated me to a delicious feast (it wasn't pizza, but it was still gooood!).

That's it!!

N.

Boy or Girl??

It's definitely too early in my pregnancy to find out the gender. But even when we would be able to find out, Cam and I agreed that we want to be surprised at the birth.

What I find interesting is that this question is the first I'm asked from everyone and very frequently I get the "I can't believe you don't want to know" response. Usually I respond that it's the biggest surprise in life and so we will wait but honestly, YES OF COURSE I want to know!!! But patience is a virtue and Cam has an abundance of it.

So what's your guess? Mine? I think this babe is a boy. I've been looking at boys clothes, picking out boys names, thinking about boy stuff. It only occurred to me a week or so ago that this baby could be a girl!! Just because I think it's a boy doesn't mean it is a boy, remember we aren't finding out until I push the baby out. So someone's gotta call it's a boy but I very well could hear "it's a girl!!!".

So why am I so intent in thinking that the peach sized baby I'm carrying is a boy?? Now don't think I'm crazy or anything but around the first week of August I had this very vivid dream. Do you ever get dreams were its more reality than dream? Well, I do and when I do it's very very real. I had one of these dreams and in it I was in a hospital bed in a hospital gown and in labour pushing. Then all the sudden a screaming, beautiful, perfect baby boy was put on my chest and the dream was over. Then a week or so after this I had another vivid realistic dream that I was lying in bed with a very large baby belly, I could feel and touch my belly and it was hard. I didn't think much of these dreams until my cycle never came two weeks after the belly dream and then the pregnancy test said positive.

So does this mean I'm having a boy? I'm not sure, but I really wouldn't be surprised. I was definitely pregnant at the time I had both those dreams, I just didn't know it. How crazy is that?? But of course, there's a good chance this baby is a girl! We'll just have to wait another 26 or so weeks to find out!

N.

13 weeks pregnant!

So a friend of mine did this on her blog when she was pregnant with her second (ahem, kortney). So I decided once I hit my second trimester then I'd do the same and start taking weekly photos.

So here is post #1


How far along: 13 weeks!

Size of baby: peach (3 inches long)

Maternity clothes: yep! Black maternity pants, still can fit into my fat jeans from when I lost a bunch of weight before I got pregnant. A few pregnancy tops and will be receiving a box from my sister full of more stuff (YAY!).

Movement: nope, too early for that but I do feel a lot of stretching type sensations in my lower abdomen. A few minor cramps too when I bend over too much at work.

Sleep: looove sleep, I can't get enough sleep. I'm fast asleep by 10pm and take naps when I can get them. Now I'm finally having a harder time sleeping on my tummy.

Cravings: I just had to have a whopper with cheese no onions or pickles the other day! I caved and gave in, it was glorious!!

Symptoms: tired, a lot of the time I'm just tired. I'm trying to find motivation to get out walking again.

Best moment of the week: telling some of the kids at work that I have a baby in my belly! It's so surreal to say.

Now finally it's second trimester!! So happy to have reached this point. It's going by so fast. I'm loving it :)

N.

Priorities

Apparently I can't do it all, according to my husband I'm not superwoman, I'm super mom! So back in the spring as I was planning my life for the fall I never thought for once that I couldn't complete my goals. Even if I was to get pregnant.

I mean why wouldn't I be able to work full time daycare, go to night class and grow a baby in my uterus? I mean come on, I can do it all right? NOPE!

I'm so grateful for the fantastic company I work for. A company that loves children and believes in investing in their education. But also in their employees, enough to communicate concern. Especially if the one they're concerned about is pregnant, exhausted, stressed and could burn out sooner than later (ME!).

So after I shed tears, prayed, realized how I'm truly feeling and the reality of what's happening in my body, I made some serious changes. First, I dropped my ECE night class and praise GOD that they refunded me the full amount. Then I committed to trading shifts at work for the later shift which means more sleep. And now I'm in conversation at work about going down to part-time.

This means a lower maternity pay, but you know what? Money isn't everything and as Cam mentioned before, his baby and his wife's health mean much more than a few hundred dollars a month.

So yah, I'm not superwoman. I'm a 27 year old super mom growing a miracle and prioritizing the importance of that miracle. I love you Bubba, with every fiber of my being and I will do anything and everything for you!!

N.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tears of joy!

When we told my family about Bubba coming my mother burst into tears and couldn't stop! We decided to save our news for our Kroeker family Whistler trip. Cam was intent on getting cigars for the boys so I insisted on getting my mom a board book. On it I wrote: for my Omie, love your grand baby coming April 2013. When we got to whistler, after an incredibly horrible drive up for me which involved fish n' chips, nausea, brothers deodorant smell and very strong smelling mint gum. The front desk at the hotel invited us for a free drink and appies at a mixer and if you know my family we never say no to free food and booze. So we had to tell our secret sooner than planned cause if I wasn't drinking the free booze then there would be some raised eyebrows!
I came out of my bedroom with the book behind my back and announced that I had something to give mom. I handed her the book and she started to read it out loud. When she finally realized what it said she looked up and was like "wha?!" I then said "yes! I'm pregnant!" She then burst out in tears, dad had the biggest smile I've ever seen and my brothers were beyond words! Cam handed out the cigars (which they smoked our last night out there). I had to admit that Cam was right to save our news for the trip even though we knew weeks prior. Hardest secret to keep!!
Since then we've told friends personally and went public after our ultrasound. The amount of love and support has been incredible! We are so blessed by everyone who is sharing in our joy. My good friend Amy was in tears the other day telling me that my pregnancy is making her so happy! My mom has had friends crying when she shared the news! My auntie Lori was in tears when we told her and our good friend Dave made sure I knew how happy he was cause he knew the surgery, pain and uncertainty that came before this little one.
My brothers are even experiencing their own celebrations with people giving them overwhelming congrats! My best friend Nantina is showing off my ultrasound photo to people like a proud aunt should! My grandpa told me that it's about time!!! Hahaha... So THANK YOU! To everyone... every single one of you who have shed tears, given us hugs, came over with gifts (kailee!), said congratulations, made me dinner (twice, Alissa), and loved us through the journey to get here and will be there on the day of to help me get Bubba out (Kortney). YOU'RE the best!! And we love you!!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The moment we found out!

The moment my life changed was when I peed on that stick (pictured below) on a Saturday morning in August! It was incredibly emotional and shocking all at the same time. I did NOT expect to have gotten pregnant so quickly after we started trying in May. The gynecologists gave us the green light in April after I finished my MVP hospital program for my Vestibulodynia. We conceived the end of July!!! Good thing we were so diligent with our birth control before, who knew I was as fertile as my mom was at my age.

With all my hopes and dreams, tears and fears about motherhood. That moment the pee stick said positive was one of glee, excitement and crazy happiness. I'm going to be a mommy, I'm carrying a beautiful baby! I can not wait to feel it moving and kicking. But the first few weeks of this pregnancy was scary with intense cramps that got me worried. All is well though and baby is happy, healthy and growing strong! Keep growing sweet Bubba, mommy can't wait to meet you :)


Happy thanksgiving!!!!!
N.

exciting news to share!!!

I'M PREGNANT!!!! Yep, that's right. 9 weeks & 5 days along and we're so thrilled! We had a dating ultrasound yesterday morning and it was so fantastic to see our baby's fluttering heart. I just about cried, he/she may have looked like a peanut on screen but our little babe sure stole our hearts and got us a little teary eyed. I love baby Bubba with all my heart!! I can't wait for April 2013 😀





Our lives are never going to be the same, and I can't wait!!!

Blessings & excitement
N.

Daycare vs. Preschool

After my first full week of working daycare... it's official, I LOVE it! So much more than preschool even. I hope that I can continue most of my ECE career working W&T daycare rather than preschool. However, having Christmas, spring break and the summer off is something I'll definitely miss. O well, give and take right? If that's the only con then I can live with that.

Speaking of cons lets make a pros & cons list shall we?

Pros!

* daycare only has 25 children each day (some only come certain days) so I really have the opportunity to get to know each child. Rather than the 80 children that I would have total if I was in preschool.

* the ratio is awesome! 25 children for 5 teachers! Instead of 20 children for 2 teachers, the support from the other teachers is so helpful. You don't feel so stressed and overwhelmed with redirecting and reminding so many on your own. Chaos is much more controlled.

* I get a 15 minute break at 9:30am and then a hour break at 11:30-12:30pm. Such a great part of the day to sit back and relax. In preschool you let the morning class out at 11:30am and by the time the children are dismissed and all your parents have asked their questions and your door is closed, it's about 11:45am. Then you have to re-set the class and prep for the afternoon. By the time that's over and you get to eat, it's noon. Then it's chow time until 12:25pm when you need to quickly run to the bathroom to be ready to re-open at 12:30pm. Stressful? Yes!!!! Do you get to eat all your lunch? Not all the time.

* daycare has nap time and I get to be in there for the first 45 minute shift! All my kids sleep great!!!! So majority of the time I get to sit next to the sweetest kids and rub their backs and play with their hair until they start snoring away. Then I sit back and watch them sleep and pray quietly for each and every one of them. I don't get that in preschool.

* we get to play! All day long! When I get to work at 7:30am I walk into free play time. I play cars, play dough, puzzles, duplo, doll house, kitchen, the list goes on. We listen to children's music and after free play inside is over and after circle is done we do free play outside! So much time to play, I love watching them learn through play. Preschool has free play too but not nearly as much, their free play is shorter cause of the time crunch.


Cons!

* preschool is closed 2 weeks for Christmas, 2 weeks for spring break and 8 weeks for the summer. In daycare I get 10 days paid vacation that I get to take whenever I want. As well as 20 flex days (unpaid). It's really a great deal, but I like my Christmas off :)

That's my list!!! I'm so happy to be where I am, it's so much fun :)
N.

Whistler

This marks the end of my eight weeks off for summer, tomorrow I'm back at work! I'm nervously excited to get back into the classroom and get to know a whole new group of parents and children. I still absolutely love my job, it's just going to take a little while to get into the new routine. But that's okay.

This weekend we were at whistler and loved every moment. I love the beauty of British Columbia and I think whistler really speaks to that. I'm sad to be leaving today, but we'll be back again another time for sure!


Happy labour day!!!!

N.

Location:Blackcomb Way,Whistler,Canada

Blueberries

So I was at my good friend Alissa's house yesterday. When I got there she suggested going to the local farm to pick blueberries. Which doesn't sound like a big deal I know, but if you knew me then you'd know I despise picking berries. Cam LOVES picking berries, he did it as a child and we always get invited to go picking with his parents every summer. When he asks me to go he always bribes me with chocolate strawberries and Starbucks. But how could I say no to Alissa's darling 6 month old daughter and the idea of fresh blueberries? So I went, without a fuss and without a Starbucks.

When Cam found out that I willingly went picking he was jokingly confused and furious. He requested a homemade blueberry pie immediately and so I figured I'd give it a try. You know, I've never baked a pie before.


Just waiting to go into the oven


All done and waiting for Cam to get home from work. What do you think?

N.

pretty flowers

My husband really has a wonderful gift given by God to make landscapes gorgeous! And I am always excited when the flowers make their debut.





These are just a few I took pictures of today. There are many more ready to bloom in the next few days. And our vegetable garden is flourishing. We absolutely love our backyard oasis. The fish are even getting much bigger in their pond, hopefully I can get a close up picture of them soon.

I think tomorrow I'll be spending a lot of time outside :)
N.

Broadway CCC (child care centre)

This week I'm subing at a child care development centre (fancy language for daycare) for W&T. I thought it'd be a great opportunity to see the schedule in action.

I was slow at first with getting back into the swing of things and daycare is incredibly different from preschool. I knew it would be but not as much as I've been experiencing this week.

So today I finally "got it"; the flow of the day, the rules that are different, the 25 names of the children and their individual personalities. I felt like a teacher again today and it was AWESOME! I'm so glad to be working child care come September. I'm loving all of it!! What a fabulous opportunity to spend some real quality time with the children in my care. It's going to be so much fun!

I'm already not looking forward to saying goodbye tomorrow to the kids I've met this week. I got so many hugs today! And I overheard a mother tell her daughter at drop off, "you are smart, you are beautiful, you are important"! It made me grin ear to ear.

I'll be glad to have my break back come Monday. But this experience has just made me more aware of how much I love my career and how excited I am
for September and my future as a W&T teacher.

Goodnight :)
N.

Bike intervals

So my brother has been seeing a personal trainer for a while now for his work outs. He's lost a lot of weight so of course I asked him to ask his trainer "what's one simple thing I can do at home?". Of course he came back with something hardcore! Bike intervals, 3 times a week for 16 minutes each time. This is to help promote fat loss (not just weight loss). Jay added that I'll want to die every time I do it, and as soon as I can't beat my calories lost then I need to move up the level (meaning it gets tougher!). So I've been doing it... and I've almost thrown up a couple times, I sweat like crazy (gross!) but I LOVE the challenge. So guess what? I kicked ass this morning, my previous success was 204 calories lost and today 229 calories lost!!!!!! So crazy happy about it that I'm having sushi tonight... but no worries, it's in my calorie count for today, so it's alright :)


PS. I always feel so darn awesome after my work outs.

Happy Saturday!
N.

Location:Stehr Residence :)

mint yogurt & pretty nails

I got new nail polish, now my cracked pretty pink nails are all sparkly! I love it :) o, and that's my new favorite frozen yogurt in that picture below. I got a big 2 liter tub at the store for like $2.86 or something, it's the best EVER!!!! And I make sure I have enough calories in my day available to have a bowl, every day since I got this stuff... YUM!


Happy frozen yogurt eating on this wonderfully lazy Friday!

N.

Working hard!

Making that number on the scale go down means hard work!!!


Do you see that sweat on my forehead?? Gross right?? :)

At least all that hard work means this:


Looking and feeling FANTASTIC!!

Yep, I'm not going to stop, I'm crazy happy and excited to get my bum out of bed in the morning and out side working up a sweat!

Happy exercising!
N.

Pretty toes!

Yesterday was a VERY busy day... So busy in fact that I never even saw my hubby (sorry Camy). My best pal Nantina is getting married Saturday in a very small backyard barbecue wedding and I am the matron of honor! So of course manicures and pedicures had to happen, awesome!!! I'm so in love with my nails right now which is a big step up from my constant abuse of them (big toe nail ripped off by door, remember that one?). Maybe this means I need to make this an every birthday type of luxury?? I'm thinking so!


Onto more wedding errands today... ONE MORE SLEEP!

N.

Yes, I live in my parents basement & it's awesome!!

Way back in March 2011 my parents approached Cam & I and asked if we'd actually move into the basement of their home if they bought a new one. This was both a big surprise and a wonderful blessing. A surprise cause it was always the running joke that we'd live with them. And a blessing because we wanted a yard for Cam to garden, cheaper rent and more space.

I got super excited when we started looking and even more excited when we found, "the one". We moved in July 1st, 2011 and things were fantastic. Then I found myself defending our home to those that asked where we lived. I said that, "the market is so expensive we can't get a place", or "the rent is cheaper and we need to live somewhere so we might as well."

It was as though I was ashamed of the fact that we weren't in our own home and that we had to live with my parents, that we had no choice. That it somehow made us less successful people since many friends of ours owned property. I look back and I'm ashamed that I thought that way.

We chose to live in my parents basement because yes, it's helping us save for the home we want. An actual house that's unattached, with a yard for a play set, large dog and my husbands gardening.

But that's not the only reason, having coffee on the deck with my mom in the morning is such a treat. Being able to walk up a flight of steps to spend time with my dad and ask him questions about his work is the best! It's moments like those that help me grow in my relationship with them. My mom when she was 42 lost both her mother and father. Therefore, my time spent with my parents, even if it's living in their basement is valuable and important to me. My kids will have their Omy and Papa around much more often than if we were a drive away. That'll be very special when the time comes.

So yes, I live in a basement suite in my parents house and it's AWESOME! And I'm sure when Cam & I buy our home, we'll miss this suite and my parents very much.

Blessings,
N.

just a few things...

My hubby picked these beautiful roses for me! He also installed our new towel racks in our bathroom and curtain rods in our living space. You can see a bit of the curtains in the photo, I sewed most of them myself! Of course with the help of my mother in law.
This part of my home is now my favorite, I'm eager to get the rest of our place done now.


I also got a new Starbucks mug with the money I got at work from all my kids. I saw it and HAD to have it, I mean look at it, it has an elephant on it!!


One last picture to share then I'm done, I promise! Us on my birthday at the beach, right before we got gelato. It was SO FUN! What a great birthday this year. Thanks to everyone for the wishes and love sent my way, it made turning 27 a lot easier.


This weekend my bestie is getting married and I get to be matron of honor! I'm very excited, the wedding is a small backyard BBQ and its going to be a big party!! FUN!!!

Until next time,
N.

Morning at the beach

I love the days when Cam wakes me up a little bit early and waits for me to get ready for the day. We then get into the car, grab a Timmies coffee and go for a walk in one of the many beautiful areas around us. This morning it was Crescent Beach, I absolutely love the beach. Actually, I absolutely love where I live. I don't want to live in any other province in Canada or in any other part of the world. I'm perfectly content living my life here in beautiful British Columbia.





Just gorgeous isn't it? Can you spot Cam in the first photo?

Many blessings for a fabulous day ahead, we're BBQ'ing hamburgers for dinner. YAY!
N.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

summer is here already?

I've been thinking about what I would write here to mark the end of my first year as an Early Childhood Educator. I had all these stories going through my mind and things I could say about how of a great year it was, and it was! I guess I'm just really sad to be here now on July 1st and not going back to the W&T 140th location for another year. I won't see those incredible faces of the threes that I taught this year make their way into the class as four year olds in September. I won't see my co-worker every day and chat about the happenings in our lives and her reminding me to "stop thinking about it!". I had so many parents on Tuesday say the words, "we can't wait to see you next school year" and me saying back "actually, I'm being moved to a daycare location and another assistant is taking my place here at 140th." I even had a mother get quite mad at me that her child had to say goodbye to "Teacher Nicole for forever!". Did I really have THAT much of an impact? It didn't really feel like I had while I was surviving my first year of ECE and preschool, I had fun... don't get me wrong, this is the job God created me to do. But I never felt like I was THAT much apart of these children's lives. Yet, the cards and the gifts I was struggling to hold onto (there were so many)... the hugs, so many hugs! No wonder I cried on my way home from work those two days of graduations and goodbyes. Every day that I was there never once felt like "work", it never once felt like an obligation, nor was it ever a bore. I was there because it was something I was honored and privileged to do day in and day out and I am SO excited to do it all over again in daycare in September. I'm already setting up subing jobs for the summer cause I'm going to be bored here at home with nothing to do and I'll miss it. I know that I'll miss those children, the joy in their eyes, the hugs they give freely, the overwhelming excitement over the littlest of things and the incredibly long amounts of time for them to accomplish anything (they're just learning!). I love it all.

It makes me constantly pray for patience for when God will bless us with a baby and a family of our own. There are babies all over, everywhere I look women are pregnant and children are born. It makes it hard to keep off my mind, and surrender that to God. I am very thankful however, that the vestibulodynia treatment is working!!!!!!!!! and that I'm enjoying the intimacy in my marriage for the first time, now we're just waiting for that pregnancy test to say positive! :)

Now that I will have an incredible amount of free time on my hands for 8 weeks straight, I'll be writing on here a lot more! Be ready to be updated!

Blessings on this Canada day!
N.  

found what works for me!

After months (more like a year) of pursuing whatever it was that would help me loose weight and live better (& never finding it). Well.... I found it!

My body I've learned SUCKS at processing grains, sugar and processed milk products. I get the worst digestive upset, bloat, nausea and cramps. It's hell! And at times so bad I need a hot water bottle and bath to calm the pain.

So I read some stuff (a lot of stuff) about those particular foods. Then I read a bunch of stuff on IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), endometriosis and digestive problems in women.

The choice was clear, continue like I was and likely gain more weight while feeling miserable all the time. Or change my eating dramatically and see what happens.

I took out all grains (rice included & limited corn intake). I've dramatically limited my sugar (except fruit). And cut out all processed dairy, I still eat full fat plain yogurt.

I've lost 7 pounds so far in just under two weeks! Success FINALLY!!! I'm feeling like me again and I LOVE it. Never going back to eating what makes my body feel like garbage.

I know now that grains & sugar are the culprit, I popped some popcorn yesterday and had a nibble of chocolate and instantly the cramps, nausea, and bloat were back. I'm positive that I can live a kick ass life without grains!! Don't you think? Life isn't about pizza and crazy bread.




I'm seriously loving life right now!
Blessings,
N.

garage sale treasures!

I went across the street this afternoon to a garage sale and ended up getting some things. I'm very happy with the treasures I've found. Take a look for yourself!


I'm most impressed with that tub of blocks. I got them for $1, and that book was 50 cents. All those foam puzzle letter/numbers were there and in great condition for $1. It's like at least $30-$40 worth of stuff! And my neighbor said that she'll donate me more stuff down the road now that she knows I'm an ECE educator.


I'm saving this stuff for myself and future child. Some new parents want everything brand spanking new for their children. Although there are things I won't compromise on (car seat, stroller, crib, cloth diapers). I'm not willing to spend thousands on all new things when I know I can get used stuff for cheap and save. Used toys for example have exploration, learning, love and discovery already found in them from another child. I think it's important to recycle those toys and pass them on. So I've already started collecting for my child's library and toy chest before they have even been conceived!

In other news, we've picked a color to paint the bathroom and bedrooms. It's called, cream puff by Behr paints. I'm so excited to be rid of all the ugly and make this home feel even better. We want it looking good for when Cam's sister Michele her hubby Scott and their girls (jackie & ashley) come for a visit at the end of May!!!!! Maybe we'll even have our area rug bought by then :)

Well, happy Saturday!!!!
N.

A loss too soon

Someone who I knew of from the church I grew up in died suddenly on April 20th in Budapest during her travels. She was 19 years old. It's a serious reminder of how fragile we truly are and how important it is to cherish our life, our families and friends.

Please keep the Olsen family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn their loss.


Rest in peace Ariel, have fun partying it up there in heaven

Blessings, N.

Go Canucks Go!

Come on Canucks... I believe in you! You can do it tonight! :)

Love, N.


Showing my love & support today!

School... STILL!

Trying to do homework in the back yard can sometimes be impossible with this cuddly distraction!



All in all, being back in night class hasn't been too bad. I'm absolutely exhausted thursdays after my 3 year old day which makes it tough but I'm managing to get my butt there and be semi awake for the lecture. Thank goodness for friends in class to keep me occupied! The assignments this class aren't difficult either which is nice. Such a change from my CBC days of biblical research papers and twelve page psychology research assignments.

I'm such a dorkie college addict :)
N.

Last trip into Vancouver General Hospital

Today is my last appointment with the gynecologists and doctors who have walked with me through this process of treatment. Cam is coming with me, and although it feels very surreal it also feels very final. It's up to me now, and honestly I feel like I haven't done very well so far. I am supposed to continue on with my physio exercises and I have only done them a few times since my last appointment, Im supposed to do them everyday! I think that the fact that it was so positive when we left my last physio and I had done so well, I almost forgotten that this is an everyday matienance type of problem. I wasn't going to walk out of that office magically better and I experienced the reality of that the other day. No, things are not "magically all better". But alas, there has been progress! So that is worth a cheer and a big smile.

I am going to bring up the pregnancy topic once again to this gynecologist who is meeting with us. Im sure there will be words of advice, maybe some positive, maybe some negative. Maybe we will get the green light from her since we did get one from the physiotherapist, maybe not. But whatever the case, it's in our hands now. We have the information and are able to make this decision just us two, Camy & Colie. So... we'll have to see what happens with that very real, very life changing decision. It's interesting how I've wanted children for years and years and now that I'm at the point of my life to take the steps to get pregnant I'm all the sudden scared out of my mind! Funny how things work like that huh? You always think the future is so far away until it becomes the present.

In other news: Easter was fantastic! We had such a great weekend with my family celebrating my younger brothers 25th birthday on Saturday and then had our Easter dinner on Sunday. Cam and I went to church and I was very moved by the worship, sand art presentation and message. So much so that I had tears in my eyes during the entire length of the service. Yesterday Cam worked and I stayed at home cleaning and relaxing. Im definitely looking forward to my summer months at home, all to myself... subbing every once in a while at the daycare and enjoying the sun in my backyard. Maybe I'll pick a few books to get through and a walking route to take around my block on a daily basis. So excited, 12 weeks left of work!, I'll miss those kiddies.

Blessings on you this day!

N.

look what I made for Easter dinner? SO good :)

Spring break fun

A peek into how my two weeks of spring break went...


















It was wonderful :)

N.