Our active child

Several weeks back, I mentioned being able to feel the baby - which has been super exciting. About 2-3 weeks ago the movement got so much stronger (and of course more frequent) that Tyler's finally been able to feel it as well.

On May 14th we went to a wedding (absolutely gorgeous, will post pics later). The wedding was of two of our JAMZ staffers, one of which is famous for his tumbling skills. During the wedding - after dinner/before the dancing - they had a little show off time for the groom and his buddies...they all entertained us with their amazing tumbling skills. During this time, although I know it's dark for the baby and it couldn't possibly have seen anything, I feel like it was mimicking what was going on right inside my belly! Ever since then, this child has several tumbling sessions throughout the day - including right now as I sat here doing my devo...so I thought I would share.

Here's what I feel like is going on in my belly. This is actually footage from our Vegas event, and the star is the groom from a few weeks ago :) Enjoy!

Here's a link I actually found to the wedding! please excuse the language in the description :)

***A GAME - like where's waldo - can you find us?! :)

Boy or girl, mom will give gym lessons at home since she happens to have taught little tykes gym classes in high school and a bit in college:) ... until it's time to take real lessons - I feel the talent building now :)

So, I'm hoping this little person understands that it can't move around this much for too much longer. If it does, it may just pop out a side of my belly!

That's my smile for the day.

It's official!

It's official - we're back from our training weekend and I no longer have to go in to the office (I do have some projects I need to finish up, but I get to do them at my leisure!). I think it will sink in by next week considering how incredibly exhausted I still am from the weekend!

We left for Santa Ana on Wednesday after working a half day and worked that night, ALL DAY Thursday - Monday at noon. I think the earliest we got to our room was 10 PM each night...except Sunday night I was crawling in to bed at 2 AM (from work, not hanging out!) Typically, I would be used to this type of schedule, however, this little girl was used to having 1 day off in between each 8 hour work day, so it was a challenge. Not just the work aspect but crying each day.

The office had a dinner for me on Thursday. Super cute - the girls wore short black wigs and everyone wore purple. We didn't get many pics, but I'll post a few in the weeks to come.

I got a precious gift -that oddly enough, 2 days prior I was just telling Tyler how I'd love to have one of these! They got me a charm bracelet from Tiffany it's the toggle bracelet with these four charms: 'Love' to represent Tyler; a heart to represent my dad; a crown to represent how I used to call myself the queen (they still refer to me that way :) ); and a bear to represent the baby. Super cute.

Going in to this weekend, only the office staff new of me leaving. The first announcement was made to our staff on Friday - in our small group of directors, followed by me giving a speech on Saturday to our Head Instructors (the leaders)...I cried on Sunday at the end of the day as I gave my close of day words, because the talent in the company has finally gotten all around where I've been striving to get it - I won't bore you with details since not many of you are in to the cheer and dance specifics :) - then of course on Monday. Tyler made a slide show for myself and two boys that I share the 13 year milestone with...but of course for me it was like watching my time with the company before my eyes knowing this was it. OH my goodness. I'll try to post it if I can get it from Tyler.

Thank you for your prayers over this past weekend! I felt them, that is for sure.

So here I am - as mom mom and sister say, I've joined the retired club :) ...like I said before, I'm not just planning to not go back to work (somewhere). I will continue to pray about that. BUT for the time being I'm going to focus on our home, the baby, and adjust once the baby does come to whatever life God has in store for me at that point.

So...if any one's up for coffee, breakfast, lunch, going on a walk, taking a dip in the pool or laying out - WHATEVER...my daily schedule is now completely open :) Praise God...and thank you to my husband who wants me to just sit at home, relax and catch up on my soaps (ok, he's probably teasing about that).

Pregnancy & personal update

I haven't really shared too much about the pregnancy since I've been trying to catch up on the pics. That and I forget there are so many family and friends I don't see or talk to regularly to keep updated (if you don't call and ask, I don't think about sharing...not rudely, my mind just moves on).

SO, here's the latest. I had a Dr appointment last Wednesday. Apparently I've gained 20 pounds since my first appointment. Although the largest weight gain occurred between the first two appointments, it is at this time that my doctor brings it to my attention that I should be watching what I eat...and oh by the way, working out too. Sadly, that comment is stuck in the back of my head even though I know I only gained 4 pounds during the 6 weeks between the last 2 appointments :) And of course, now that I have this 'warning' I'm feeling hungry 24/7. Quite interesting how that works!

The last two appointments have just been check ups. Got to listen to the heart beat. According to the doctor, it's rather fast, so her prediction (which she states is by all means not 100% accurate) is GIRL. :)

Next appointment: the dreaded diabetes check :)

Last month we also had the sonogram where they made sure the bone structure was all there and progressing 'normally'. In case you haven't heard or asked, we did not find out what we aer having, nor are we going to. Apparently that appointment was our 'one and only' opportunity to do so. I think after the miscarriage and the wait of even getting pregnant this time around has really brought on a different appreciation for this pregnancy. We're just overjoyed that the Lord has brought this life to us and it really doesn't matter to us what it is. We love it regardless :)

We have registered for our birthing class and are also signing up for some other fun classes (did I just refer to a birthing class as fun?!) that Kaiser offers.

With my 2 days off a week, I don't think I'd realized how tired I've been over the past few months. Last week, in trying to recuperate from a long weekend (will post about that later), it was tough to get myself to be productive...but I drug myself up to do things. I feel bad to know Tyler's at work. I cringe at the thought of having the following convo: TYLER "what did you do today" CONNIE "nothing" :) So I try to cross as many things off of my to-do list as I can each day I'm home.

I haven't really had any cravings either...which is probably good for the weight gain issue. Unless the desire to lay in bed and do nothing all day is a craving?!

Tomorrow is my last day of work - in the office. We'll be heading to Santa Ana for our annual training...which is my last hurrah. 13 years with the same company. 4 years seasonal and part-time, 8 1/2 years full time (apparently 12 1/2 years). Although the Lord's been working out for me to identify myself with him and not this job, it's still a tough thing to swallow. I will no longer be 'Connie with JAMZ' (cue tears)...please pray for me. This is going to be such an emotional 6 days for me - Tyler's packing our own box of tissues and I think I might go get some waterproof mascara.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.