18 weeks and counting...

The word on the streets is that I'm in the middle of the easiest and most fun part of a pregnancy. And I would agree - it has been fun! I feel good and am excited for all that's ahead. Here's a picture of me by our orange tree in our backyard. I think I look pregnant and Brandon notices my belly more while hugging me; but strangers still might not guess that I'm pregnant. I've been doing a lot of reading lately about pregnancy, labor, exercises - these library books will keep me busy for awhile.

This morning, I read Matthew 2, which tells the story of the magis' visit to Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Some time after their visit, God warns Joseph in a dream to leave for Egypt to escape Herod's killing of young boys. They move to Egypt and then eventually to Nazareth. It doesn't say if they knew anyone or had any family in either location. It encouraged me and reminded me to trust God as we plan on moving to Riverside in May (before the baby). God is indeed the One who will lead and provide for us - all three of us. There is much to wonder and consider and dream about between the lines of the story in Matthew 2. What did Mary think of Joseph and his dream? How their families missed them and wanted them near. Was Joseph scared to lead his family into a new country? How was their marriage affected? And how did Jesus grow up with all those transitions? God led and ruled over it all.

Large Onion

The little one is officially the size of a large onion. We are not talking about a small onion, a green onion, or even a medium sized onion. We are talking about a LARGE onion!

This whole pregnancy thing sure is an educational experience for a guy. For instance I had no idea that a little baby could be compared to so many different fruits and foods. I have also learned the benefits of squatting during pregnancy to help in child birth. Many things I have learned would probably be inappropriate to share on this here blog.

Avocado-size baby/growing-belly

Here's picture #1 of me, the mommy-to-be. My belly is growing and at 16 1/2 weeks, people who know me would say I look at least a little pregnant. It's kind of strange to have a growing tummy and I'm happy to be done with nausea and extreme exhaustion. I'm on to better things now like headaches and ache-y hips. But I am thankful for all of it. And the second trimester has been quite lovely, I'd have to say. It's fun to be pregnant and it's fun to be pregnant with Brandon. He seems to enjoy my growing belly as much as me. We go for the ultrasound appointment in one month and I'm looking forward to it. In the meantime, we will talk about names and weird aches and wonder when I'll first feel the babe's movements. Kristin