Oh, so thankful!

So, today was Thanksgiving. We didn't travel, didn't get to see lots of relatives that we haven't seen in a long time, didn't do much more than what we usually do with my family when we come in on a Sunday for lunch. My dad's family got together, as they do for most Sunday lunches, had Thanksgiving food, and just spent the day together. It may sound like a boring Thanksgiving to most people, but actually, it was great. It was such a good time to reflect on what I am thankful for -- something I never really took time to do on past Thanksgivings. But I feel that I am so thankful for so many things this year. Here are a few:

I am so thankful for...

Being with family on such a wonderful holiday instead of half a world away from them.

Even though I wasn't able to be with my mom's side of the family, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to see them this Christmas.

My family, for all their support, encouragement, and prayers those 18 months that we were away...far, far away...

Tristan, who will be here in March -- having a doctor tell you it will be hard to get pregnant, then being pregnant within 4 months -- what a blessing!!

My husband, who takes care of me everyday, makes sure I'm resting enough, feeling good, and who loves me more than I ever imagined possible.

Being blessed by people around us -- a couple lending us their truck for 3 months, a church for allowing us to stay in their missions house for however long needed, a camp for letting us stay in one of their houses to set up home for little Tristan...I could go on!

Being cold outside, but being able to walk into a warm house -- such a precious gift.

Clean water!!!!!!!!!!!! Not having to worry about getting giardia from my water, vegetables, or fruits!

Living in a country where people speak my language -- amazing feeling, that's all I can say.

Living in such an amazing (not perfect but amazing) country -- it's a honor to be an American.

Ok...I could go on and on, but I have so much to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Kids and Pregnancy

So, I think more kids at school know about me being pregnant than actual teachers. It's so funny how amazed and interested kids are about pregnancy. There is not a day that goes by that my Deaf ed students do not mention me being pregnant or ask questions regarding it. They have asked me when it will be born (March 10 -- which to them is such a long time away!), what I will name it (I've been told by two of the Deaf ed 1st graders that the name should be "Sam" -- "s" at the temple), why am I not fat yet (that time will come), how does it grow, and "You are just joking...you're not pregnant!". Then, during lunch duty, I've heard it from the hearing students as well. Today, one 1st grader girl tattled on another student, saying that the other student said I was having a baby. Well, to her surprise, I told her, "Well, I AM having a baby." You could hear all the kids just gasp. Humorous, I thought :) I have a feeling I'll be answering a lot more questions as time goes on!

Pregnancy Photo

So, on Wednesday, I will be 22 weeks (I'm not sure why the little pregnancy gadget is always a little ahead). I've had several people ask for a picture, so I thought it was about time to post a picture. It's a lousy picture, so forgive me, but it will have to do for now :) Starting to get that baby bump...