Preggers I: 22 Weeks

 
How far along? 22 weeks

How I am feeling?  Large... and finally feeling like I sort of have the hang of summer maternity clothes... just in time for winter to arrive (it has already arrived in Colorado)

Weight gain/loss:  Weight gain... just about the right amount.

How big is baby? The size of a papaya... 10.5-11.8 inches and 12.7-20.8 oz

Sleep:  Very well because I'm exhausted at the end of every day -- but I miss my husband like crazy.

Boy/Girl Prediction:  Boy.  I really think its a boy.

Baby Nicknames:  Baby, or Jitterbug... also I call it "your baby" a lot when I'm talking to Chris.

Best moment this week:  Feeling our little Jitterbug moving.  I usually feel him/her at the end of the day, when I'm laying still and laying down.  I love it! 

Food cravings:  Nothing really... wishing my hubby were here to cook for me.

Missing:  My husband... and a Friday night cocktail.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, and starting to get the hang of my maternity style.

Movements:  Yes -- best parts of my day!  They aren't able to be felt from the outside, but I definitely feel them on the inside.

Labor Signs: No.  Thank goodness!

General Attitude:  Loving my time with baby and missing my hubs.

What I am looking forward to this week:  Wearing some of the maternity clothes I bought this past weekend in Dallas.

Milestones:  Well... my wedding rings started to feel tight this week, but I think that is more about the heat and humidity of Austin rather than my point of the pregnancy.  I'm glad my most pregnant months will be occurring in the winter, when my fingers are smaller rather than in the heat of the summer.

1000 Words

1000 Words

Anticipating the Fair...

"Our State Fair is a great state fair.  Don't miss it, don't even be late.  It's dollars to donuts that our state fair is the best state fair in our state."

Name that movie...

...

...

...

The answer is right there in the song...

I've now had this song in my head for nearly 48 hours as I prepare to attend... no, not the Iowa state fair like in the movie, but the TEXAS STATE FAIR!  As a DIE-HARD Rodgers and Hammerstein musical fan, and one who can sing and recite any song or line from this movie if asked, I am a little ashamed to say that I think the Texas State Fair will be even bigger and better than the Iowa State Fair.

I have been doing some research on the Texas State Fair website... and this experience is going to be UNBELIEVABLE!

via

Here are just a few of the attractions that have caught my eye regarding the Texas State Fair:

• Fried Cookie Dough
• Ostrich Races
• Celebrity Chefs Demonstration
• Ice Cream Sampling
• The Life and Times of Big Tex
• Giant Sing-Along
• The Backyard Circus
• Pee Wee Stampede
• Red, White, and You!
• Pig Races
• Youth Swine Skill-A-Thon Contest (What the ????)
• Live Music

In addition to the aforementioned activities, apparently there are the 2013 Big Tex Choice Awards to think about...
 

via

 2013 Big Tex Winners
 Best Tasting: 
Deep-Fried Cuban Roll
A filling of slow cooked pork shoulder, chopped ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and secret sauce is spread onto a slice of Swiss cheese, rolled up in pastry dough, and deep fried.  Roll is served with a side of majo sauce for dipping.

Most Creative: 
Fried Thanksgiving Dinner
Mama’s homemade stuffing and diced roasted turkey are rolled in a ball.   Next it’s dipped in southern cream corn and rolled in seasoned corn meal – all fried to a crispy golden brown. Served with old fashion giblet brown gravy.   The zesty orange cranberry sauce fills your dipping needs and results in a complete thanksgiving dinner, FRIED! 

2013 Big Tex Choice Awards Finalists

Awesome Deep Fried Nutella® – Cream cheese and Nutella® are whipped and spread over flaky Phyllo dough sheets, rolled up, and deep fried. Served with a drizzle of honey and shaved almonds.

Fernie’s Deep Fried King Ranch Casserole –This stick-to-your-ribs TEXAS SHAPED creation is melted cheese, salty, spicy, goodness that is dipped in a zesty southwestern egg wash and coated in panko bread crumbs.  Deep fried golden brown and crunchy on the outside; steamy and creamy on the inside! Served with a side of red, white, and blue tortilla chips and your choice of our homemade “salsafied” sour cream or cheesy queso.  Each one proudly flying the flag of the Lone Star State and deep fried in the Heart of Texas!

Golden Fried Millionaire Pie – Sweetened, fluffy cream cheese filling is loaded with golden pineapple and Texas pecans then wrapped in a flaky pie crust and fried to a golden brown. Topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and candied pecans.

Spinach Dip Bites – Creamy and delicious spinach artichoke dip bites are coated with crispy tortilla chips and flash-fried until golden brown. Bites are served with salsa for an additional kick.  

Southern Style Chicken-Fried Meatloaf – Homemade meatloaf slices are coated in an authentic Texas chicken-fried breading and deep fried golden brown. Served with garlic mashed potatoes, Texas cream gravy, and a ketchup/brown sugar glaze for dipping.

Texas Fried Fireball – Pimento cheese, pickles, cayenne pepper, and bacon are rolled into a ball, dipped in buttermilk, covered with a jalapeno-infused batter and deep fried. Served with chipotle ranch for dipping.

Oh my.

What a day of Texas State Fair culture-shock is ahead of me!

Friday Letters: One Week in Austin Down

•  Dear Austin,  Thanks for a great first week.  I'm exhausted, but we're off to a great start... and my time with you is 1/3 of the way over!
• Dear Texas State Fair, HERE I COME THIS WEEKEND!!!!
• Dear Hubby, I will be back in your arms in less than two weeks.  I miss you like crazy...
• Dear Lexie and Lloyd, Life without animals is not a life I care to lead for very long.
• Dear Grey's Anatomy,  You start WAY too late for this tired pregnant lady.
• Dear Baby Jitterbug, I have loved feeling your little jabs and pokes this weeks.  You make me feel like there is a creature in my belly, dancing and squirming and trying to create more room.
• Dear Feet, You are so tired.  You could really use a foot rub from your hubby.  You could really use a foot rub from your hubby like every night this past week.
• Dear Grad School, Every day, I get close to BEING DONE WITH YOU!  When I complete that last assignment, the feeling will be SO sweet!
• Dear Vail, You got snow this week.  I'm sorry I missed it.
• Dear Austin, You are really hot this time of year.  I'm not really sure how to dress for your weather.

Awkward Conversations...

I have heard that sometimes experienced mothers have a tendency to tell first-time pregnant mothers about the horror stories about pregnancy and birth.  So far, this has not been my experience... thus far (knock on wood).

What has been my experience are several... awkward conversations.

One such conversation involved an experienced mother talking to me about the importance of preparing my peritoneum for birth... and the repercussions of not doing so.

Another such conversation involved a woman, who is not a mother, telling me that pregnant women usually don't "show" until 6 months of pregnancy, and so I must be having a really big baby because I'm showing so early (21 weeks).

So far, each of these conversations have made me laugh... but I'm hoping that conversations don't become more... um... awkward, uncomfortable, and descriptive as the pregnancy continues.

As I'm writing this, I feel our little jitterbug rolling around in my belly... it feels like he/she doesn't have enough space.  :-D

Wednesday

Today, I am SO glad its Wednesday because it means I am halfway through my first week in Austin.  That's not to say my practicum placement here isn't off to a great start -- it definitely is. 

That being said, I have been here since Saturday, and so I've spent so many more nights here than I have working days.  Yesterday morning, after spending four nights sleeping in Texas without my hubby, I couldn't believe it was only my second day of work.  I've been here long enough that it REALLY needs to be halfway through my first week by now.

The other good thing about Wednesday is that Monday and Tuesday I work 11-7, but Wednesday-Friday, I work 7:45-3:45.  So although Tuesday  night has a fast turnaround -- about 12 hours between leaving work and reporting the next day, it means that I can actually get out and explore a little of Austin or run some errands Wednesday afternoon.

... And... as ashamed as I am to say it... the other bright spot of Wednesday are the season premiers/shows that are on tonight:
Modern Family
Nashville
Duck Dynasty

Happy Hump Day!

Greetings from Austin!

I wanted to post this on Sunday morning, but I didn't figure out how to connect to the internet at this place where I'm living until Sunday evening.

So, a little late -- GREETINGS FROM AUSTIN!!!

My best friend, Kelley welcomed me with open arms, and arranged a great Texas football Saturday night for me!

Look at this huge Lone Star!

Tailgating Texas style... notice my water.

 Hook 'em horns!

What a HUGE Texas flag... and LOOK HOW GREAT OUR SEATS ARE!?!?!!?

Here come the Long Horns!

 Go Texas!

 Texas touchdown... right in front of us!!!

 Panoramic shot of the stadium

The band spelling out TEXAS

Great time at the game!

HORNS WIN!

 TEXAS WINS!!!

The University of Texas's bell town turns orange when the Long-Horns win!

 Austin is off to a great and exciting start!

Preggers I: 21 Weeks

 I wore such cute maternity outfit to church this morning, but I forgot to take a picture until about 9pm, when I had changed in to an old tee-shirt and hubby's workout shorts.  So, here's a sight of me that only the privileged few, who hang around my house near bedtime get to see...

How far along? 21 weeks -- and I really feel pregnant, pretty much all the time now.

How I am feeling?  Okay.  Noticeably pregnant.  This was the first week that strangers have asked me when I'm due, or made other comments about my being pregnant.  So, I guess, I'm feeling noticeable.

Weight gain/loss:  Weight gain... just about the right amount.

How big is baby? The size of a pomegranate

Sleep:  Pretty well.  I've been so busy this week, that I've slept well except for I haven't gotten enough of it.

Boy/Girl Prediction:  I think a boy.  We had the 20 week ultrasound this week where we could have found out the sex, but we did not find out, and the doctor has a pretty good poker face.

Baby Nicknames:  Nugget, Baby, or Jitterbug because the baby was moving all over the place during the ultrasound

Best moment this week:  Seeing our beautiful baby dancing and jab during our ultrasound.  It was the COOLEST thing to see the little arms and legs and face... and the heart, umbilical cord, diaphragm, kidneys... it was crazy.  It was so awesome to watch the baby moving the arms and legs because I hadn't felt anything yet... but he/she was in there dancing all over the place.  

Food cravings: Hash browns and hamburger casserole.

Missing:  My husband, and my home.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes... and starting to fill them out.

Movements:  Yes, I believe so.  :-D  Friday night at dinner was the first time... then I felt a few more Saturday evening... and then more Sunday morning.  So, yes, I'm pretty certain I'm feeling baby movements.  I think it helped for me to see the baby moving on the ultrasound because it helped me have some idea where I was going to be feeling things.  Also, the Dr. said that my placenta is right in the front/top of my uterus, and so it is acting like a little pillow and dampening the feeling of Baby's movements.  I wouldn't call them flutters -- for me, they feel like very little pokes.  Perfect, sweet, gentle little pokes.

Labor Signs: No.  Thank goodness!

General Attitude:  Trying to keep an attitude of strength, gratitude, and optimism for the weeks ahead.

What I am looking forward to this week:  Feeling more baby pokes.

Milestones:  Yes, quite a few --
First week that strangers have commented that I'm pregnant.
Our 20 week ultrasound -- our Nugget is looking great, and measuring perfectly healthy.
Hubby and I created our Baby registry Friday evening before I flew out to Austin... an exercise in excitement, tears, compromise, and anxiety.
First real feeling of little baby pokes.

Off Again...

I'm off again...

this time to Austin, Texas for my LAST Orientation and Mobility Practicum placement.

I am up, down, back, forth, and inside out about leaving.

I am ready to finish my practicum.  I am READY to check this off my list.  I have worked SO HARD in order to be able to be away for three weeks, and so I feel like THAT was the hard part -- all these weeks and weeks and weeks of preparation... going to Austin and completing this FINAL placement is the easy part.

I have so many fun and exciting things to look forward to in Texas -- time with my best friend, football games -- starting tonight, I'm going to the Kansas State v. Texas game!!!  I am going to one of the premiere places for vision research in the country and I will have such an amazing opportunity to learn things not only about Orientation and Mobility, but also about teaching students with visual impairments in general.  This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.

Three weeks is a long time to be away from my husband.  This trip isn't a long weekend, or a conference, or even a week -- three weeks is a LONG time.  I miss my home, my animals, the man who is the love of my life.

When I was freshman in college, for Spring Break, I toured Cuba with the choir.  It was amazing, but during the last day before I left on this trip, a male friend of mine started blurring the line between friends and more than friends.  I remember not wanting to leave him to go to Cuba, and as soon as I had those thoughts, I just told myself that this was unacceptable.  I remember walking across campus, and I told myself that I was headed to CUBA, and I was not even going to think about this guy until I came back.  I was going to have the time of my life in Cuba, and this guy was not going to rob me of this amazing experience.

I want to give myself a similar talk as I board the plane to Austin... but this isn't some guy who might become more than a friend... this is my husband.  This is the man I've chosen for the rest of my life.  This is the man is the one who's child I am carrying.

Austin, here I come.
I am up, down, back, forth, and inside out about leaving.

IT'S A...

BABY!

 We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday and it was the COOLEST thing!  We got to see our little jitterbug moving all over the place -- arms and legs and hands and feet were moving like crazy... and I still haven't felt ANYTHING!

We did not find out the gender, but anytime anyone asks me if we know what we're having... I always reply with, "A baby."  I'm amusing myself if no one else.

Our baby's head was right up by my belly-button, and his/her arms and legs were in front of the face, so we didn't get that stereotypical profile picture... but we have a few pictures that we're in love with:

 Here's the little face poking through (on the left) and an arm and hand.

 

Here is a great shot of the tiny little foot and five little toes.

I'm not a big fan of the 3D ultrasound pictures, but this was a cool shot they got of the legs, and knees, and an arm and elbow.

 We were so blessed to find out that everything looks really good, and as far as the doctor can tell, both Baby and I are doing really well, and staying nice and healthy.

We are so in love... and so anxious to FEEL those baby movements.

Overcomer

Last week, I heard a song for the first time and it has been in my head every since.

Not only has the song been in my head, but God has been using it to convict me every time I hear it.

Before I heard the song for the first time, it was introduced on K-LOVE radio, and the DJs were talking about Mandisa's new song, Overcomer.  Something they mentioned was that Mandisa's new video had recently aired on Good Morning America, and that Good Morning America host, Robin Roberts was featured in the video.  Also, former Senator, Gabrielle Giffords was in the video as well.

My first thought in hearing this was,
"Oh, come on Mandisa.  Really?  These are the woman you wanted in your video?"

I am so ashamed that this was my first response.  Because I don't agree with these womens politics, I instantly let my opinion of Mandisa fall by her association with them.  I never ever considered letting my opinion of these women grow by their association with Mandisa.

Then... I heard the song, and I was COMPLETELY convicted about my attitude.  Here these woman had agreed to give God the glory for their journey and recovery by being in this video, and I had dismissed them because of what I knew of their politics.  I was so, and I am so ashamed that my view of them was so myopic and politically-driven.

The Lord still has so much work to do on me.

Then, I saw the video, and was surprised to find that it really focuses on overcoming health-related obstacles.  To listen to these words, I was taking encouragement for any obstacle I was facing -- large or small... but to see the video, it tells a very clear story about people facing physical adversities.

Watching the video reminds me of my sister, who eventually lost her life to cancer.  To be an overcomer, you don't necessarily have to win your fight... to be an overcomer, you simply have to fight.  You let God do your fighting... or as the song says,
"You're an overcomer.  Stay in the fight to the final round.  You're not goin' under cause God is holding you right now.  You might be down for a moment, feelin' like its hopeless, that's when he reminds you, you're an overcomer."

I hope you enjoy this song, and video as much as I did, and I pray that those who shared their journey in this video are blessed for their appearance in this Christian, God-glorifying song.

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Treasuring the Present: 4 Days

Today, I am treasuring the fact that I have 4 days and nights before I leave for Texas.

• I have a lot to do... but I have 4 more days in which to get as much as possible done.
• I will miss my hubby... but I have 4 days and nights left with him before I leave.
• I will miss my animals... but I have 4 more mornings of their greeting me, and 4 more afternoons of their excitement to see me, and 4 more evenings of their gratitude at getting fed.
• I will miss our wonderful home... but I have 4 days to try to get the place in as best shape as possible for my hubby and critters who will still be here while I'm gone.
• I will miss my students... but I have 4 more days to prepare work for them, and let them know how capable I believe they are of doing their best in my absence.
• I have plenty of packing and organizing to do... but I have 4 days to plan, and make lists, and get these things done.

Sunday night, I had a nightmare, and it was the kind of nightmare that I had to convince myself that it wasn't true when I awoke.  When this happens, which is not often, I have to wake Chris up.  The process of my becoming awake enough to wake him up, and saying those words, "I had a bad dream" makes me believe that, yes, in fact, this was just a dream.  Also, he always puts his arms around me, and  I know that I am safe to go back to sleep.  When this happened the other night, I was so grateful for his presence in bed next to me.  I wasn't filled with dread for our impending separation, but was full of sincere joy for the moments we do get to spend together.

I am really making an effort to cherish these last 4 days instead of dread them.  It does help that every day, God seems to bring something my way that makes me more excited about Texas.  On Saturday, it was talking to my best friend and finding out that we'll be attending a few football games together.  On Monday, it was a huge box of summer maternity gear that a friend from church is going to loan me for my trip.

Hubby and I have no doubt that God will sustain us throughout this last 3-week separation and provide us with everything each of us needs, but in the meantime, we are treasuring these last four days together.

Preggers I: 20 Weeks

How far along? 20 weeks

How I am feeling?  Nervous about heading to Texas next weekend.  This will be my last practicum placement, and I will be in Austin, Texas for three weeks.  Baby and I don't want to leave Hubby for three days let alone three weeks.

Weight gain/loss:  Weight gain...

How big is baby? The size of an artichoke or a banana.

Sleep:  Pretty well.  A little harder to roll over

Boy/Girl Prediction:  I'm not sure... it hasn't really been on my mind this week.

Baby Nicknames:  Nugget, or Baby

Best moment this week: Probably not the best moment, but I am learning that my center of gravity has definitely changed.  I've tripped a few times, and even fell on Friday, which led to an extra visit to the Doctor's office just to make sure everything was okay.  Things are certainly changing. 

Food cravings: Pasta -- also, not a craving, but I basically have not liked steak since about 6 weeks of being pregnant.  This is SOOO weird for me, and I keep waiting for my love of steak to return, but so far, it is the last thing I want in my tummy.

Missing:  My love for steak.  Hubby and I went to a really nice steak house for his birthday, and I ordered Halibut.  My fish was really good, but that's not really why one goes to a steak house.

Maternity Clothes:  Yes -- and I'm a little nervous about my upcoming departure for Texas because I don't have all that many summer maternity clothes.  I have more fall and headed into winter clothes.

Movements:  Nope, not at all.  Gas movements, yes.  Stomach growling, yes.  But baby movements -- nope.

Labor Signs: No.  Thank goodness!

General Attitude:  Nervous about leaving my hubby for three weeks, and trying to cherish every moment with him.

What I am looking forward to this week:  We have an ultrasound appointment on Thursday.  We are not going to find out the gender, but we're really excited to get to see the baby and how much he/she has changed.  The last time we saw him/her, was at 8 weeks, and the baby looked like a little bean.  I can't imagine the changes we are going to see.

Milestones:  Halfway point.  Holy cow! 

Anticipation...

One week from today, I will be in Austin, Texas ready to start my final Orientation and Mobility practicum experience.

As I think ahead at this week, I am completely torn.  I am trying to be excited for all that I am going to learn, and the fun I am going to have.  I am trying to be excited for a few weeks off of my normal job, and in a completely new place.  I am heartbroken at the idea of being away from my husband, and it is A LOT of work to prepare my students and my job to be away for that time.

I go from being sort of excited about some things planned, to bursting into tears.

Points About 3 Weeks in Austin That Make Me Burst Into Tears:

1. Three weeks AWAY from my hubby -- this is going to be the longest we have ever been a part -- even longer than we were a part when I was in Tucson.  I leave on a Saturday, and return on a Saturday -- so its 3 full weeks away.  Tucson was a Sunday to a Friday.
2. Three weeks away from my critters.  No dog, no cat, NOTHING to greet me when I walk through the door.  Nothing to cuddle and pet at the end of the day.
3. A new school to learn; new teachers to work with; a new area to learn
4. More grad school assignments to do
5. No vehicle in Austin -- if you're reading this and you have a car I could borrow for three weeks while I'm in Austin, PLEASE let me know.  I would be very grateful.
6. Trying to keep track of my Colorado job WHILE I'm in Texas and working full time as an O&M teacher.
7. Austin is hot right now.  Not quite as hot as Tucson, but I don't have very much summer maternity gear... and Austin is really hot right now.
8. Hubby and I have a hard time finding time to talk on the phone when we're both working.  When we don't talk on the phone frequently, I start to make sure that when we do talk, we have arguments instead of conversations.
9. I will miss the physical contact of marriage -- holding hands, a hug hello, a kiss goodbye, and hubby rubbing my belly as it grows.

Points About 3 Weeks in Austin That Make Me Excited:

1. My best friend and maid-of-honor from our wedding lives in Austin and will be less than a mile from where I'm staying.  Kelley and I have not lived in the same town since her Sr. year (my Jr. year) of college at W&L
2.  THIS IS MY LAST, MY LAST PRACTICUM PLACEMENT!!!
3. When I am done with this placement, I AM DONE WITH THIS CERTIFICATION!
4. Kelley and I are making arrangements to see a University of Texas football game, and possibly a Baylor football game while I'm there.
5. Kelley has a church home in Austin, and so I will be able to jump right into her fellowship instead of having to attend church without anyone I know.
6. The school where I will be studying and teaching in Austin produces the majority of the research in this field, and I will have such an opportunity to learn while I'm there.
7. I have friends that live in Dallas, Texas, which a few hours away from Austin.  I will not have a car, but I am hoping they might come see me while I'm just a few hours away.
8. Austin is such a fun city, and I will get a real chance to enjoy three weeks there, with a real local before I have a baby.

I am really trying to focus on the exciting, positive parts of my time away, but it is really hard to be excited to leave my husband.  We're not talking about a long weekend, or a week -- three weeks is a LONG TIME.

I know this is a wonderful opportunity for me.  And I know that Hubby and my marriage is strong enough to survive three weeks a part... but there is a reason I married him.  Life is better WITH him than it is without him.

All of these thoughts and more are running through my head this week, as I prepare for, and anticipate my departure.

 

1000 Words

Friday Letters: Happy Birthday Hubby!

YAY!  Friday the 13th!!!  My hubby and I both love Fridays the 13th, because we both have birthdays on the 13th of the month, and it's a lot of fun when our birthdays are on a Friday.  I was actually born on a Friday the 13th, so no fear here.

In honor of my hubby's 33rd birthday, today's Friday Letters will be dedicated to the different sides of him.

• Dear Hubby, The Husband,  You are the most wonderful husband I ever could have imagined.  You have so many qualities I always knew my dream man would have, and a number of qualities, only God knew my dream man needed to have.  You are so loving, so patient, so helpful, so caring... I cannot imagine my life without you.

• Dear Hubby, The Joker,  You are hardly ever seriously and you can always find something to laugh at.  Sometimes it drives me absolutely crazy, but more often than not, I am so grateful for your light-hearted influence in my life.  Because of you, I laugh much more often, and I really appreciate this.

• Dear Hubby, The Hunter, You are so handsome when you're out hunting for meat for our table.  You are even more handsome when you come home, safe and sound, with meat for our table.  I think it is so sexy that you enjoy the wilderness, and are wise and resourceful when you're out there.  You look great in camo, and I love that this is a hobby that you love.

• Dear Hubby, The Family Man, Family is so important to you, and I think that is such a wonderful quality in you.  I love that you love your family.  In the same breath, I love that you are not controlled by your family.  You are your own man, with your own plans, and although you are very close to your family, you are not controlled by their apron-strings.

• Dear Hubby, The Tech-Guy,  I wish I understood this love of technology that you have... but I am grateful for it.  I do not love technology, and most days, I don't even like it.  I love that when I need help with something, 9 times out of 10, I do not need to call a Tech Support hotline, or email help.me -- I ask you, and you are able to fix the issue, or at least save me hours by pointing me in the right direction.

• Dear Hubby, The Daddy, While you are a wonderful Daddy to our cat and dog, this is your last birthday that we are celebrating without a real life baby of our own.  I cannot believe that our love has made a baby -- a one-of-a-kind, both-our-DNAs-put-together, there-has-never-been-a-child-like-this-on-the-earth-ever-before baby is growing inside me, and it is our child.  I know that you will be a wonderful father, and you have already demonstrated how much you love this baby.  I love carrying your child, and I am very excited to be your partner on this journey of parenting.  You will make a wonderful Daddy, and an even better Father.

• Dear Hubby, The Teacher, You love your students SO much.  I remain in awe over your excitement and passion for teaching, not only each year, but every day.  You truly love what you do, and you pour everything possible into the lives of your students.  I love that you love your calling, and it is such an honor to watch you fulfill it every day.

• Dear Hubby, The Sport's Fan, You are I are sports people, and I LOVE that we share this pastime.  I think God knew exactly what he was doing when he made you a diehard baseball fan, and me a diehard college football fan.  We can enjoy each others' teams without worrying about an in-home rivalry, our seasons barely overlap, and we can both sincerely enjoy the sport that the other loves so much.  I love watching Cardinal's games with you because I know how much you love them, and I love it when you watch Michigan games with me.

• Dear Hubby, The Adventurer, Anything can become an adventure with you.  A hike, a drive, a trip to the store, a walk along the river, or an evening out, any of these can become an unexpected adventure at any time.  Sometimes this drives me nuts, but mostly, I love this about you.  Life is never boring, rarely expected, and often surprising because of your adventurous nature.

• Dear Hubby, The Romantic, If I had to choose a favorite trait about you, I'm pretty sure this would be it.  I never ever have to doubt your love for me, or attraction to me.  You are so affectionate, loving, and romantic.  From verbal terms of endearment, to casual physical contact when we are near each other, to other forms of intimacy, you are so romantic.  Our romantic flame burns brightly, and I am so grateful for your romantic nature.

 Happy Birthday, Babe!