a little "p" in the pod!

 We have a little "p" in the pod! Justin and are expecting a baby in April 2013!! 

As I stated in the previous post, our three-year anniversary was very special and memorable. And for obvious reasons- it was on that trip that we found out we were pregnant! I took a pregnancy test almost as soon as we got to our bed and breakfast. I was honestly really nervous about taking the test. I never wanted to take a test and see a negative, because I thought I would be really disappointed and it would be hard for me to enjoy our trip. At the same time, however, the anticipation of "not knowing" was unbearable and I just wanted to see if it was a yes or no. I honestly thought that I was not pregnant. Besides the obvious reason, I felt like my normal self and wasn't really having any symptoms.

I took the test and Justin and I looked at it together. Now we are both very educated and smart (at least I think so!) people, yet we had one of the not-so-bright moments in our lives. We looked at the test and the vertical line was very dark and the horizontal line was pretty faint. Justin thought it was an impossible result and I was thinking that he thought I was holding the test the wrong way and it should have really been a negative sign. After looking at it for several minutes, it was clear that there was a plus sign, but we had a hard time registering it. We were both basically like, "I think we're pregnant." We decided to go out to dinner and take another test later. That night I took test #2, making sure that I knew exactly what I was doing and what do you know- another plus sign! We are pregnant!

tests #1 and #2

We were both very excited but also had a mixture of feelings. It is one thing to talk about starting to have children and then it is another thing to realize that is actually a reality! It was actually really hard for me to process it. It seemed so abstract, like I wasn't really living it. So what did I do? The next day we went out and bought a digital test. I thought if I saw the word PREGNANT then there would be no questioning, no doubt and it would be easier for me to grasp. So we took test #3 and there it was as clear as day (or clear blue!)

is it real yet?

We really did enjoy our anniversary trip and it was extra special knowing that this would be our last anniversary for a long time where it would be just the two of us. We had fun discussions around parenthood and wondering what our child will be like. The baby also enjoyed its first trip to the beach!

 baby's first trip to the beach!

5 weeks

Our little bundle of joy is due April 10, 2013! We are both very excited for this next stage in our lives.I enjoy reading this verse:

"I have prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him." -1 Samuel 1:27

We prayed for our timing to start a family to be the Lord's timing, and even though I become overwhelmed with feelings and thoughts like: Am I ready to be a parent? Am I going to be a good mom? Do I have any idea what I am doing? I just remember that we had prayed for this little baby even before it was there and it is a complete gift from the Lord. We both have always wanted to be parents and we are so excited and blessed to be entering into parenthood. Little babe- we can't wait to meet you :)

 mom and dad :)

Quick stats:

How far along: 13 weeks 2 days

Maternity clothes: I have bought a few items but have not worn any yet- some of my work pants though are not able to button! 

Number of times I have vomited: 8. Been in the clear for 2+ weeks now! Thankfully none have been at school but fish sandwich day almost got me. 

Food cravings: None really. Maybe fruity gum. Justin always joked that when I was pregnant I would have no cravings because when we first got married I craved things all the time. 

Anything make you queasy or sick: Water (weird?) I drink it with my fruity gum or with something that I really want to eat. Smells: mulch, fish sticks/sandwich

Have you started to show yet: I think I have a little bump, especially since I notice some dress pants fitting tighter, but to others around me I don't think it is noticeable. 

Ultrasound: We had one done at 10 weeks and were able to hear the baby's heartbeat (178) and see the little babe moving all around. That's when it became really real for me. Seeing how it was only about an inch long and yet it was still squirming around and so active. Number of times I've watched the ultrasound DVD: 7 :) Number of times I've looked at the sonogram: too many to count (it is on my nightstand and I look at it every night after I pray for our baby and before I go to sleep).

isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen?!? :)

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Justin and I celebrated our three-year wedding anniversary a little over 1 1/2 months ago. To celebrate our anniversary I really wanted to take a trip away. We had been praying since about January that we could go away somewhere very nice and that we would have the funds to do so. As August approached, we decided that we wanted to go to St. Augustine, Florida, but we were deciding on whether we should stay two or three nights. I wanted to stay three nights, making our 7 hour drive somewhat of worth, the only problem is that it cost more money. We found a cute little bed and breakfast and saw that they were having a July special of spend two weekday nights and get a third free! The hubs called them up and asked if they were having any specials like that in August- the answer: NO. Boo :( We decided to wait a little bit to make reservations, just in case any specials came up over the next few days and we continued to pray. On August 2nd, Justin checked their website in the morning and still no deals, however, after lunch a special popped up! Buy two weekday nights and get a third FREE! Thank you Lord :) We jumped on the offer and made our reservations!

We got to St. Augustine on Monday, August 6th. After checking out our beautiful B&B room, we walked around the town. St. Augustine is the oldest town in the United States and has a very historical feel with a Spanish influence. That night we ate dinner at a delicious Spanish restaurant, explored the fort while watching the sun set. What we also loved was that right in front of our very comfy bed was a large screen tv- which meant that we were able to watch the Olympics every night :) At home, we don't have any tv channels and we were not able to watch any Olympics unless we went over to my parent's house (and we are huge Olympic fans!).  

 our room 

 the tub!

 I called these the "bowser" balls from mario 64

 beautiful

 school is in session :)

On Tuesday, we woke up at at breakfast overlooking the marina and then headed to St. Augustine Beach. The beach was only a 5 minute drive from the B&B. The beach was beautiful and was deserted. Justin hates over-crowded beaches so it was nice to have the whole beach [almost] to ourselves. We left right when the storm was rolling in. By the time we showered and were cleaned up, the rain had stopped and we went out on the town again. Justin enjoyed eating frozen chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick and sampling different kinds of jerky, while I enjoyed the oldest school house in the US!

  

On Wednesday, our anniversary, we checked out another beach. I love the beach! I love hearing the waves and walking along the surf. For dinner, we went to a Spanish Tapas restaurant. We had planned on ordering tapas, but seeing how all of them were seafood- and I do not like seafood- we decided to order main meals. After dinner, we walked around the town and checked out the oldest house in the US. 

 

On Thursday, our last day- we packed up and I couldn't resist going to the beach one last time. We went to a national park and spent 1 1/2 hours walking along the beach. After I felt like I got an adequate amount of ocean time, we took left for home. On our way home we made a pit-stop to the St. Augustine outlets :) 

I am so thankful that the Lord opened the doors and made this anniversary trip possible for us. I loved every moment of our trip, the fact that we were able to relax, go to the beach, watch the Olympics and spend quality time with the man I love. This anniversary was a very memorable and special one for us and we are blessed!