Finn Visits

So I've reached the uncomfortable stage of pregnancy and would rather sit or lay on the couch than do ANYTHING else. Seriously. Battling ear infections, upper respiratory infections and out of control allergies sure doesn't help. However, when this cutie calls, one must muster up some energy to grab a few hugs, kisses, and snapshots! Nels and Teagan AND FINN drove down this past weekend to see us one last time pre-baby j. It was so wonderful seeing them because they've been in California the last several months. We are happy to have them a bit closer to home! While I still laid on the couch most of their visit, we did manage to visit the park for a few minutes. The day was too beautiful not to. Plus, I had to have some practice with the stroller before this baby comes. Thanks to Mr. Finn, I've got the BOB all figured out now. Kinda.... ;) Thanks for visiting guys! Now back to bed I go!! Two more weeks! I've got this. Let's hope the kinder kids are kind these next 9 days of teaching. Sure don't think any of them want to deliver a baby!

I know you're sick of jack....

Several folks have let me know that they think Jack is a super cute pup, but they are tired of seeing his post from OCTOBER remain at the top of our blog. SO SORRY!!!! WORST BLOGGER EVER here. I think I had even promised that I'd get better this fall since I took a hiatus this summer. Sorry again and sorry for the future too! Who knows how I'll be with this baby taking up all of my time. I hope to be much better!!! I have a hard time pulling my camera out on the weekends now that photography isn't just a hobby. I'll get better though because I know a few grandmothers who will bug me until I post baby photos!! ;) We had one of our dear friends snap a few shots of us two weekends ago. We love Ashlee with Ashlee Newman Photography!! Didn't she do an amazing job? This is us at 34 weeks preggers. When I had my 35th week check up, Doc said baby j was doing simply fantastic. He/she was measuring just under six pounds on Feb 4th when I had my final ultrasound. My next appointment is on Feb 27 and I'll be 38 weeks! We'll find out then if anything is happening. Baby's head has been super low the last several weeks so I'm interested to see if I reach our March 12th due date.

Meet Jack!

Brent's sister, Hallie, got a new puppy! Hallie and her boyfriend, Cody, are the proud parents of this cute little black lab named Jack. Champ wasn't too sure of Jack at first, but he tolerated the pup for our sake. I think they would be great friends if they had the time! Isn't he cute??

18 weeks

Just got home from a check up! Baby J continues to grow and has a strong heartbeat in the 140s. I've gained 8 pounds so far and I finally have to wear a belly band! I've "popped" in the last couple of weeks AND we have family time each night by lying calmly with all hands on belly to feel this little squirt jump and kick and bounce around! God is great and life is good.

fair parade

I was in much need of a day off. My allergies, sinuses, and asthma have just about worn me out. Champer and I slept in and then made our way around the block to watch this years Comal County Fair parade. It was wonderful as always. We didn't meet up with any friends this year, just chilled together. We did meet a new friend though. He was super sweet.

the view from my walk

Champ excited for the parade!

He got a present!!! A free poop bag with dog treats inside! haha

Cute little grandpa whom we chatted up with. Brent had to work so this man was my 2012 buddy

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lovely cowgirls

funniest dancers ever!

God's word

NBHS marching band!

Champer giving our friend a lick for his 83rd birthday! What a fun birthday morning.

Who says Unicorns aren't real? Just come to NB and see for yourself!

my favorite of the day- marching band firefighters dressed in kilts! awesome!

Surprise!

Well it's not a surprise anymore, but about a month weeks ago we had a few of our NB friends over to tell them that we are going to have a BABY!!! Crazy!! (It was pretty last minute and only called those we knew were home an in town. I was super big on keeping this on the DOWN LOW! So, if you didn't get a call it was because I was super sneaky and knew you weren't home, haha! I also wanted to tell everyone myself ;)!

We told our parents, siblings, and dearest friends first but didn't tell our community and the rest of the world (aka facebook) until after 12 weeks. I really wanted to keep it quite so that I could have the chance to tell my work friends and most importantly the families of my new students. I wanted to be extra sensitive to all of the mommies who were entrusting their babes to me as the new teacher. Well, everyone knows now and everyone is sooo happy! It was the hardest not to tell our community of friends that we see all the time.

The funny thing about this last minute party is that we simply decorated with a few baby things and my ULTRASOUND on the food table. Of course all of the women were making sure the food was set and attending to kiddos. The men started pigging out and Brent and I just sat back and smiled. Finally, someone saw the children's books and asked me if I was trying to get them to donate money to my classroom. Haha...not the sharpest bunch I guess! Just kidding! They all eventually noticed, freaked out, hugged us, rubbed my flat belly, and drank the wine that I so badly wanted!!! Good times all around! Here are just a few random pictures from the evening.

The table that nobody noticed ;)

Sweet nighties (or whatever you call these things) from my teaching buddy, Karen

best card in the whole world! Thanks bestie, Sheri!

the only two books I've read for the last two years (not really, but kinda!)

Chad and Jason

Adam, Kevin, Nate and B

Monica and me! Love this lady!

Kael and Bella

Avryn and Jackson!

Miller beauties!

Monica, Andrea P, Alyssa, girl with eyes closed (thanks B) Andrea F, Lindsey, Laura and Lisa

Brent and Laura, St. Mary's Soccer stars!

Canyon Lake

I thought I lost these photos, but I just found them! We enjoyed the beautiful home of Jean and Scott back in July. They went on vacation and we watched their sweet puppy and about 1,000 boats go by! We sure had a fun little stay-cation. Here Brent is showing off his skiing stills. Two weeks before we stayed at their home, Scott and Jean took us out on their boat. SO much Fun!