"Just Be Leaf"

I found this cute title in a scrapbook magazine and thought that it was appropriate for our blog. Two reasons; first my class and I have been talking about how leaves are changing color and falling from the trees (what a gift from God!) and Second I think that it is so important to “just be leaf” in the wonderful gifts and plans of our creator.

Daily Charlie and I count our blessings for the roof over of heads, food on the table, and love that we share. In the past 5 months we have been touched even deeper by God’s gifts. The joys that accompany being pregnant and expecting a little one are so wonderful!

Last week we went in for our 20 week ultrasound. What an experience!! We both teared up a bit as we watched the movement of our babies arms, heard the heartbeat, and even got a glimpse of their face with 3D technology. The pictures included will test your creative visions ;) The one with the head makes the baby look like an alien. At our ultrasound we also recorded the sound of the heartbeat and Charlie was able to put it on his phone as a ring tone. When ever I call he gets to listen to our baby's heart. Yeah we are a little obsessed, but we just think it is such a precious miracle to be able to hear! After our ultrasound we also had a prenatal appointment. The doctor said things are looking good; I have gained 3 lbs. in the last month, my belly is a little more obvious, and the heartbeat is 155 beats per minute. One of my friends told me that with a heartbeat that fast she thinks we will have a girl, but obviously Charlie doesn’t agree with her. We held out at the ultrasound and didn’t find out the sex!

Besides going in for appointments we have been staying busy with teaching and farming, but have found sometime to garage sale the last couple of weekends. It was been fun planning for our baby, finding clothes, talking about expectations, and just spending time together. We even sorted the clothes by size just to see what we have and what we still need. Hope you enjoy the picture of Charlie taking stickers off the clothes and enjoying every minute of sorting while watching the Vikings get beat by the Packers. Yeah!! We are Colts fans :)

The Rock'n and Roll'n has Begun!!

That's right the I felt the baby move for the first time this week. It is a cool feeling; like a bubble popping or someone flicking you with their finger from the inside. At first I just thought my pants were getting too tight, but it is the same kind of feeling off and on through the day, usually when sitting. What a wonderful miracle!!!

On to my second exciting event this week! My sister-in-law Jen (who is also pregnant, but expecting on Dec. 25th) and I went to a great gathering at a bar in Mankato. Okay, I know you are thinking, but they can't drink. Well, actually at this event we could because it was for pregnant women. Pub 500 hosted Pregnant Pause, sponsered by MN organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Four local bartenders competed to make the best tasting non-alcholic drinks, there were door prizes, and the best part is that we each recieved a diaper bag loaded with free items. Who doesn't like free things? It was a blast!

Last Hurrah of Summer

One of my favorite times of the year is the Great MN Get Together – State Fair. We went up only once this year, but it was a day full of eating, meeting up with family, and enjoying the sights. Charlie’s first comment as we entered the gates was “This will be the last year without a stroller.” As we people watched through out the day much of our attention was on strollers and which seemed to be the best. I am not sure if we have one picked out yet, but we sure have a better idea of what we are interested in.

On our very important list of things to do we investigated every possible yummy treat we could find. Some new ones on our list this year were the deep fried fruit (okay), chocolate tornado (good for only one try), and deep fried pickles (I don’t know if it was just pregnancy, but I will definitely try them again next year!).

We also spent our day walking around with my parents, Jake & Jen (Charlie’s bro. and his wife), and the Gary Dahms family. We got our fill of the scents at the International Bazaar, tried out the feel of the decorative snow in Grand Stand, and tasted some great kettle corn in Heritage Square as we listened to a polka band. We even got to see my cousin Missy ride horse in the Coliseum and visited with the Gene Dahms Family. While resting our tired feet at one of the band shells we saw Michelle and Dale Kaisersatt and sat with them for a while as we enjoyed a really funny comedian.

We ended our 12 hour day with a picture by the Dinosaurs, a bucket of Sweet Martha’s cookies, and a couple glasses of ice cold milk.

Check back in the beginning of Oct. for an update after our 20 week check up and ultrasound. Hopefully we will have some pictures to share, but we will all be surprised about if it is a boy or girl. If you hear us referring to the baby as a boy it is because Charlie is convinced it’s going to be a boy, but we will be happy with a boy or girl.