BH2 Ultrasound in Motion

Walkin' in Memphis

If it hadn't been for the pool, the best host & hostess, and meeting our amazing new nephew, I don't know if I would have survived the heat. As I was leaving the airport, the sliding glass doors parted, and this thing, this blanket of heat swept over me and I just about got back on the plane. I really didn't know how I'd survive the week, let alone do anything outdoors. It's true, I love Seattle that much more...I love it's 70 degree and sunny summers, I love the mild weather year-round...

So, despite almost vomiting due to the heat, I reunited with my two loves, Charles and Bella and went "walking in Memphis". (I intend to completely overuse that quote.) I had taken an overnight flight and was able to sleep for the 7 hour leg from LAX to Memphis. Yes, I was a bit tired, a bit gross, and A LOT sweaty, but how could we pass up Graceland during Elvis week? We did the mansion tour and explored the property. My favorite part was walking in the Hall of Gold Records among many other Elvis fans when Bella asked (loudly), "But, where's ELVIS?" An older lady chuckled, smiled, and responded, "Honey, he's not here, but someone just saw him in Michigan!" Too funny... and a little bit quirky.

After dutifully checking off Graceland on my "Things to do in Memphis" list, we ventured on to the Bergeson's to meet up with the rest of the family. Talk about Southern Hospitality! We had the greatest time staying with them with all the Swanson's. Bella LOVED all the attention from her Uncles and swimming every day. Her tan lines are so incredibly significant, but like her mama, she doesn't burn apparently. This trip was vacation at its best: I didn't have to cook a single meal, I napped whenever I wanted, Bella had plenty of people to entertain and look after her, and I was poolside for the most part if I wasn't napping or eating. To top it all off, I got to hold 6 week old Josiah and spend time with family. There was plenty of BBQ and ribs to go around. The only other thing on my "Things to do in Memphis" list was go to Beale street, which we accomplished the Sunday before we left. We got some quality time with the Monty's, Beth & Josiah, so Beale street was that much better. Who'd a thought I'd walk on Beale 20 weeks pregnant and with my 2.5 year old? By the end of the trip, Bella was calling me "Mamaw" like a sweet Southern Belle...so impressionable and sweet.

BH2 Half Way

All is well with BH2! Measuring right on target. Ultrasound looks good. Still pretty amazing the second time around. Can you fall in love 3 times? I think I did just that today! Ultrasound lady said she was able to determine the gender, but kept it to herself as asked.

The Weight

…and responsibility of parenting has really been on my mind lately. The magnitude of this job, really, is just unbelievable and magnificent.

Bella is growing up so rapidly. She’s this little person who interjects, interrupts, who ponders before decisions, who has preferences, who says things like “Xyz is my favorite” and “I Love xyz”, who rationalizes, who offers opinions. She instructs, she constructs, she plans, she role plays. And, in no time, she’ll be flying the coop to conquer the world if she’s anything like her parents.

This sounds all crazy-worry-mommy-like, but really, Charles said it the other day, we’ve got 15.5 years to equip her with everything she needs to be an independent, positive, strong, God-fearing, good person. There are things like us wanting her to be able to defend herself, cook for herself, stand up for herself, change her own tires – trivial things when really what’s most important is that she continues to nurture her relationship with Christ. 15.5 years is no time at all in the big scheme of things and considering how fast time has already passed.

What does this mean and how do we create the desire in her to want to be this God-fearing, good person? How do we foster her desire to make day-to-day decisions so she'll live the way God wants her to live?

Good thing we’re not parenting alone. Charles and I had a long talk about this last night and I’ve been praying about it – and the bottom line is, it’s not just Charles and I raising Bella, we’ve got a third parent--Jesus--in all of this. What a blessing.

In my search for enlightening parenting articles, God led me to this really great article that described four cornerstones to creating this “want to” in our children. To summarize:

• Kids today need to hear that there are absolutes when it comes to right and wrong. And when they do, they'll want to know more about what is right and what is truth.
• Next is the concept of rewards and consequences. We need to teach them decisions really matter. The impact of good decisions needs to be stressed as much or more than the consequences of sin, or you run the risk of just scaring kids.
• Reveal to kids how the world is constantly trying to influence their choices and desires.
• For kids to truly want the truth of the Bible to guide their lives, they must see it as the obvious place to go. How you position the Bible will make all the difference in the world as to whether kids embrace or ignore Scripture.

Sound simple? It could be if I could just submit it to God instead of constantly worrying about it!

The children’s message at church today seemed directed at putting my mind at ease. Pastor talked to the kids about the inheritance that they would receive from us as their parents. He joked about maybe a special watch, the house, tons of cash (ha! Or debt?!)—but he said we were already leaving them a HUGE—and the most important--inheritance just by bringing them to church to hear God’s word. Imagine that! We are doing something right!

The bump!

18 weeks

16 weeks

It feels silly to always be asking Charles to take pictures of my bump--especially since I want it "just so". Something about taking them myself on the iPhone makes me still feel petite!

Snippets

Every day we get reminders from either Bella or others of how fast time is flying by and how fast she is growing up! I've recently just finished her baby books and those, also, served as a reminder of how much she's changed and how much our lives have changed!

Here are some snippets:

Scene: car ride back home from camping.
Bella: Mommy, can I watch Dora & Boots?
Me: No, not right now.
Bella: Daddy? Can I watch Dora & Boots?
Charles: Bella, your mother said no.

(Charles and I then had a good laugh about how she's already starting to work each of us separately. Clever little thing she is. She'll soon figure out it's much more effective if we're not in the same room...)

Scene: Beach Camping in 50-60 degree weather all weekend.
Bella: Mommy, can I go swimming?
Me: When the sun comes up, we can go swimming. (Knowing full well that the sun wouldn't come up all weekend.)
Scene: The rest of the weekend the sun came up.
Bella: Mommy, the sun came up, can we go swimming now? (She now asks every time the sun is out...)

Scene: Picking up Bella this afternoon from daycare. She's running around with her three buddies Evie, Claire, and Mia. I walk up and watch, waiting for her to notice me.
Bella's teacher: (Tells me about the day) Oh, it's fun to watch them play. They're such a clique. If I don't separate them as far as possible, they talk all through nap time!
Me: A clique, huh?
Bella: Oh yeah, today they were all about princesses and babies. They're inseparable.

Signs of things to come!

Camping and a Wedding, July 30-Aug 1

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Get your own

What I love so much about this amazing state is you can travel just a few hours away and feel like you're in a different country, a different world. This state has so much to offer and we can't get enough of exploring it year-round.

We escaped on Friday towards the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry to head to our final destination: Clallum County where our friends would get married. What a beautiful setting! What a unique wedding weekend: they had all of their friends and family camp out nearby the ceremony site for the weekend where all sorts of fun ensued. It was also a unique wedding because Aaron (Hoobie) is a Makah Indian who has incredible roots in the area. So there were traditional Makah ceremonies at the reception. What an amazing and proud culture! It was truly touching to hear their speeches.

There was lamb roasting and traditional Salmon bakes. The kids had an incredible time. I had a great time--the scenery and the kids having so much fun really just made my weekend.

We drove up to Cape Flattery which occupies America's northernmost point, and is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful spots on the Makah Indian Reservation. From the newly renovated cedar-planked trail and five observation perches, sightseers may catch a glimpse of otters, sea lions, seals and whales, or just get a flattering view of the historic cape. There are also fantastic views of the forbidden Tatoosh Island, the former Makah fishing and whaling camp.

It was a great weekend. There are too many place we want to take all of our family & friends--so start planning on visiting!