Prepared Childbirth

As they call it in today's world but we all know it as LAMAZE. Yes, Sonje and I started our classes last night, Wednesday, January 21st. Its a four-week long series. Not sure that we really learned anything of value last night but it was the first class so I give it the benefit of the doubt. Seems so crazy that we're already at the point in the pregnancy where we need to take our classes, pack our hospital bag in case of an early baby arrival, etc. It's gone by so fast. Yikes!! Next week I'll turn in my pre-registration paperwork. Holy goodness, this baby is going to be here before we know it.

Creative Beach Photo

Oh.... Diane and I also did some beach photos too but I didn't want to upload a gillion photos of me- that would be a bit much. But, this photo was pretty creative so I thought this was neat to include. I'm walking on the pier and my shadow is casting down on the sand.

Pregnancy Photos

As a nice little break from everything that is going on this week, my friend Diane Huseby spent yesterday morning with me taking a bunch of pregnancy pictures. There's no doubt I've got the belly thing going on. Here's just a little sampling of the photos Diane took around our town. In about another month, she's going to take more pictures and Sonje will be coming along for those too.

Grandma Florence Speer

My grandma is one of the most important persons in my life. We have a bond that is indescribable. We've always been super close. I've had the opportunity to live with her on and off throughout my life. This holiday season was rough. At the beginning of December, she went into the hospital. Due to my pregnancy, I wasn't able to visit her in the ICU. Not seeing her, talking with her, holding her hand, was very difficult. She was too ill for me to be around her. While normally the holidays bring peace and joy, this holiday was filled with prayer requests, tears, hope and fear (combined), etc. After the new year, my mom and aunt were advised that there was nothing the doctors could do. They made an agnoizing decision to take her off her support. Although most patients pass on within 24 hours, grandma's poor body kept her going for 5 days. I can't begin to tell you how difficult it was for my mom and aunt to watch my grandma's body change in ways I don't even want to describe here. Its awful!!! On Saturday morning, 12:10am, grandma Florence Speer went home in peace. I don't know that I've ever experienced this much pain before. I know Sonje and I are blessed to bring this baby into the world but my heart achs. I can't imagine my grandma not holding or seeing me with my baby. This Sunday is her closed casket viewing and Monday morning she'll be laid to rest. Please keep me and our family in your prayers.

I'm so sorry baby that you didn't get to meet your great grandma speer. I hope i'll be able to share her memory with you and that you'll know just how special she was to me. I know she had prayed for your existence.

In loving memory of Florence Speer. All my love!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Belly 2007

I don't know why but I have been horrible about taking belly shots. I thought I was going to keep a photo record of my progress and yet, I have no pics. Here's one picture that was taken Christmas morning. Bella (my niece) and I are showing off our big bellies. Wish the photo was a little clearer. This picture was taken with our new video camera rather than our digital camera so unfortunately, the only photo I have thus far is hard to see. My pregnancy isn't over yet and I already feel guilty for not taking more pictures during my pregnancy.