We've moved to Colorado! (not really...)

Ok, so we really didn't move to Colorado, but it sure felt like it today! Yesterday, on my way to school, you could see little snow flurries, but nothing too much. However, throughout the day, the weather would alternate between huge flakes and ice rain. During the late evening through early morning, however, it just SNOWED! And you have to remember, we DON'T get snow here in East Texas, or at none that sticks, so this was a shock! Woke up the next morning to a white outside, with about 6 inches of snow! Today was a teacher's workday, but I had already decided not to drive the 40 minutes to school and just take the day off (they still wanted the teachers the come in 2 hours later). Luckily, about 8:30 this morning, I receive word that school has been canceled for teachers also. So, anyways, we got out about 8:00 to go play in the snow and take pictures :)! However, unfortunately, we no longer have electricity (I'm at in-laws now)...neither does my mom in Tyler, or my sister in Bullard, or my aunt in Flint, and so on! Over 20,000 people don't have electricity -- what we pay to have a little snow fun!


Our camp road covered in snow!


Couldn't believe how much snow was piled on the tree.


Where we got married. The snow makes it look like Colorado with the log buildings!


Our lake -- beautiful!


This is our house...for now!


Nate and I standing in front of the gazebo.


Pretty tree, I think :)


More pretty frozen trees!


Our white front yard!


Showing how much snow we got!


Our camp boss clearing the camp road. We are supposed to have a camp from Dallas come in tonight -- hope they still come! Just found out we have electricity again -- yeah!

It is all supposed to melt today, with temperatures being in mid-50's tomorrow, so we'll just have to wait another 5 years or so for this to happen again!

Valentine's Day

I know Valentine's Day isn't until Sunday, but Nate decided to do our "date" Thursday night. I really wasn't expecting anything special -- he just said that he would make me a special dinner. So, I got home that day from school, went to the bedroom to do my prenatal yoga while Nate cooked dinner, and as soon as I walked out, there was this scene:


It may not look special to you, but it was to me :) The lights were dimmed, he had music playing the background, and the candles were lit. Yes, it is at our coffee table, which we rarely eat at, but it was a nice change from our kitchen table. Much more romantic :)


He had printed out each course so I could read each one while waiting. On the back of each paper was written a "discussion question" for that part of the meal. They ranged from "What did you first see in me that attracted you to me, and do you still see that in me?" to "What are you most excited about for the future for us as a couple and a family?" It was really a good time of conversation as well as eating wonderful homemade food! Anyways, this was our started course -- it was fabulous!


Our main dish -- and all homemade (yes, the cordon blue chicken was homemade!). For some reason, I couldn't get this picture and the dessert picture looking as clear as the first. Again, it was wonderful!


And our dessert, which was the perfect end to our meal.

It was a wonderful Valentine's Day meal. I have to say, I'm so very lucky to have a husband that treats me so wonderful!

36 weeks!

So, I had my last shower, and once again, we were blessed by all the gifts (overwhelmed once again!). It was such a cute shower -- they had everything decorated in camo :)


Once again, another cake picture -- and it was an incredibly delicious cake! I took the leftover cake to school the next day and it was all eaten in no time!

Me standing with my cake!


The hostesses got together and made a basket of goodies for Tristan. This diaper bag was in it -- isn't it just the cutest?! Perfect for a little boy! It also had five Baby Eistein DVD's, which was great because I wanted to start a collection of those. It's funny -- I've only seen one of their DVD's, and it was in an old village house in the middle of nowhere in Asia!


This picture was given to us by the leaders of the camp we live at. It matches his room perfectly and I love the saying on it "His eyes are on the sparrow and I know He watches me" -- so I'll always be reminded that He is watching over Tristan.


Someone brought this for us -- a huge camo teddy bear! I can see Tristan playing and climbing all over him when is gets older!

I went for my 36 week checkup today. My doctor was shocked by how much he has dropped -- she kept saying how low he was. However, no real dilation, so no progression there, but again, I still have 4 weeks. I still have stuff to do to get ready for him so I'm in no hurry for an early arrival! His heartbeat ranges anywhere from 130-160, so definitely a strong heartbeat. I go every Wednesday now until he is born -- no more free Wednesday for me! Time is flying by so fast!

Only 5 more weeks to go!

So, 5 more weeks to go! I find it funny that I don't feel this big, but then I see pictures of myself, and I am shocked how big I really am getting! Feeling great -- no aches or pains, no heartburn, no swelling/fluid retention...yet... Tired after school (leaving the house by 6:30 every morning is hard!), but nothing a good weekend's rest can't fix. I have my final shower on Sunday -- thank goodness! It's so hard to organize everything when you still have showers and gifts to receive! I'm starting to become really anxious for him to get here -- so ready to have a little boy here :) Nervous about how to take care of a baby, but I guess every mother feels that way with her first child. It's strange to think that our lives are about to change dramatically -- maybe even more than moving to Asia! I don't know...maybe a close tie. I'll tell you later which was more of an adjustment (but I'm guessing this little boy is going to win :) I just keep thinking that he can come anytime now. Our plan this weekend is to get a bag ready for the hospital, just in case!

Showers and Gifts!

So far, I have had two baby showers (with one more to go next weekend) and have received so many wonderful gifts from people! We have been so blessed by how people have given to us -- both shower gifts and hand-me-downs (swing, infant car seat, bassinet, stroller, etc). Here are some pictures of our showers, and please forgive me, they are in random order -- too hard and time-consuming to get them in a good order (at least for me :).


This is the cake at my school shower. It is absolutely adorable! One of the interpreters (and a dear friend) made it herself. She is so talented in making cakes. And it was wonderful -- extra pound gained here :)


A Thomas Kincade puzzle I got for Christmas (I love framing puzzles) that we (mostly Nate) finished recently. After we glue and frame, it will be going up in Tristan's room. We thought it would go well with the deer head and antlers that are already hanging up in his room :) He is destined to be an outdoor-sy boy!


This was my cake at my home church. So cute and so good! 2nd extra pound gained here :)


Here is Nate and I standing behind our table at the shower at my home church. Aren't the decorations the cutest?!


This is the quilt that my grandmother (Mamaw) made for me. It is so beautiful and I had no idea she was making me a quilt, so it was a wonderful surprise. Definitely one we will preserve and cherish!


One of my co-workers (the deaf ed teacher that took over my job after I left) made this blanket and door hanging thing for me. It is a soft cowhide fabric on one side as well as a cowboy pattern on the other side. She also made a bib just like the blanket, but I may be too scared to use it -- too cute to mess up!


This is at my home church's shower. Blurry picture, but I still wanted to post it. It is of all the pregnant women at my shower :) I'm first, due in March. Shannan, my sister, is second and due in April. One of my dearest friends since I've been little is third, due in May. And last, but not least, is my college roommate pregnant with twins (girls, we think!), due in July.


These are two of my college roommates who came from Canton and Dallas to the shower. It was great to see them! I've only seen them once since my wedding.


Some cute clothes -- I think the "totally handsome" and the frog outfit is just adorable :)


Some more cute clothes -- I just love the John Deere outfit!


This is Nathan's and my favorite gift! Camo cowboy boots -- it just can't get any better than that!


And lastly, my 34 week picture. I'm definitely growing now! Luckily, I'm still feeling great and little Tristan is not causing me any problems or any real aches. He's such a good baby already!

Big or Small Baby?!

Well, I had always been told that you will give birth to a baby similar to the size you were when you were born. Well, for me, that was 8 lb 13 oz. But everyone has been telling me how small I am for this far along (34 weeks yesterday), even had a friend (nurse) estimate the final weight to be 5.12, and I started thinking that maybe I might, after all, have a small baby. I mean, so far I've only gained 22 lbs (ok...4 lbs in the past two weeks -- must slow down on the baby shower cakes now!). However, I went to the doctor yesterday and asked her if it is possible to guess the weight of the baby so far. Without even thinking twice, she said "6 lbs". What?! Isn't that the size of a regular full-term baby?! Then she said "And from here on out, he can gain 1/2 lb a week, but hopefully he won't." So, calculating that...I could be having a 9 lb baby -- if I'm not overdue! She said my height hides him well, and that he is probably a long baby as well -- taking after Mom and Dad :) Good thing is, I've heard that the bigger the baby, the quicker they sleep through the night because their stomachs can hold more milk and they don't get as hungry as smaller babies. Hopefully that is right! 6 more weeks...crazy!

I have had two showers so far -- one at my home church and one at school. Both were so much fun and we got lots of great stuff! I hope to post pictures up soon. Right now, due to our internet problems, it's not possible to download pictures. Maybe this weekend, so be sure to check back :)

Decorating the Nursery :)

So, I'm 33 weeks on Wednesday, and finally getting something done to the nursery! It's about time, huh?! We debated on a John Deere theme or a camo theme -- camo won out since it was easier to find. If you know me, I like doing things the easy way :) But, we still have some John Deere touches in the room. Both are green, so they compliment each other, at least I think! Anyways, here are some pictures to help you visualize Tristan's room so far:


Our 2nd crib (first one went back to the store -- mattress wouldn't fit!) with all the camo bedding and decor that came along with it. Isn't it just perfect for a little boy?! We actually like this crib much better than the first. Matches the bedding much better.


The curtains that came with bedding. A little short, but again, we're not picky :)


Nathan's deer head (the rest of him is in our freezer, of course!) that looks directly into the crib (from the opposite wall) -- Nate says to watch over Tristan. It may sound a little creepy, but it's actually cute in the room. Gives it an outdoor feel.


Not room decor, but Nate's mom gave this to us recently -- isn't it the cutest stocking?!


My mom gave this to us recently. They are so perfect. Camo fits the room, Nate loves fishing, and we live at a camp! Couldn't have fit us better :)


Ok, again, not the best picture, but here I am at 32 weeks. I'm growing, but I still don't feel this far along. I guess I always thought pregnancy would feel more like pregnancy...if that makes sense! I feel quite normal, except for the belly pooch, the additional 18 or so pounds, and the occasional kicks and squirms. He's definitely in there, but he's been a really good baby so far -- just hope that continues once he is born!