Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition

Tyson and I decided to take a stroll down our city's main street during the annual sidewalk chalk art competition.  Some of the entries were really impressive.  Here are a few of our favorites.  

5 1/2 Months Along

I've been getting requests from some friends to post a picture of me with my "Baby Bump".  So, here it is- me with my baby Elise at 5 1/2 months along, (we'll be at 6 months in a week).  She is quite the kicker- especially at night when I lay down to go to sleep.  If she keeps that up . . . wow, is she going to be a fun newborn- up awake all night long!!

Due Date Moved Up

I just got back from a trip to New York and Indiana visiting family, (WSU had its spring break).  It was SO NICE to lie around and just relax, rather than have to get up in the morning and go to work on a sick stomach!   I loved it!  Family is the best.  Though the trip would have been even nicer if I wasn't nauseated, (sigh). 

Anyway, Tyson and I went to my in-depth ultrasound appointment today.  According to the specialist, Elise's due date is estimated to be a week earlier than originally thought.  Now, her due date is July 21st.  Yea!  The sooner the better for us. 

It's a girl!!

 It is officially confirmed now---- our little one on the way is a GIRL!!! We are going to name her Elise (Eee-lease phonetically).  We also got our first blood test back and so far everything is reading normal..  We're going to keep praying and hoping that our little Elise stays happy and healthy until the day we get to meet her in person. 

We're Pregnant!!!

It's official; Tyson and I are due to have a baby on July 30th of this year, (yes- that is my birthday too)!  We're excited and scared all at the same time.  I am 15 weeks along, and according to the doctor, our baby is over a week ahead of its growth schedule. 

This is a relief, seeing that for the past months, more than half of what I have tried to digest ended up being thrown up . . . gotta love morning sickness.  Thank goodness my morning sickness is starting to "ease off" . . . not that teaching in front of a bunch of university students isn't fun while fighting the urge to hurl, because it is, don't get me wrong on that.  But, all of you women out there who struggle with terrible morning sickness, and even suffer for your entire pregnancy, my sympathies go out to you!  You're amazing.  Morning sickness is not for the faint of heart, that is for sure. 

When all is said and done though, in spite of the lack of food that has stayed in my body these past few months, according to our doctor, our baby has not been deprived of any nutrients. Like any mother feels, I believe that as long as our baby stays healthy and happy, I cannot complain.  I'm so grateful for this blessing.

I announced to my students that I'm pregnant today and told my students that if my baby can be ahead in its growth under these circumstances, it is destined to be an all-star athlete, (most of my students are majoring in coaching and/or exercise physiology).  They got a good laugh about that. 

We'll find out the gender for sure in 3 weeks.

Thanksgiving in Arizona

Levi (2 1/2 years)

Tyson and I drove down to Arizona for the Thanksgiving holiday to visit 2 of my brothers, (Mike and Ben).  Mike and his wife, Jamie, just had their 5th child- a little boy they named Jacob.  He was only 2 days old-- so sweet and perfect.  Levi, who is 2 1/2 years old- I laugh every time I  look at these pictures of him with his belly sticking out! I wish it was still cute for someone my age to have a belly that big . . . .

                                                                                                       

Tyson, Levi (2 1/2), and Rachel, (5)

Gracie (9) and Me

Jacob (2 days old)

You want me to put my hands where?!!

I ran 20 yards today!! Yes, I know-- running 20 yards doesn't sound all that impressive, however you have to know that these 20 yards were ran as I interwove around opponents, in 30 degree weather, while carrying a football, and having some very hefty women trying to tackle me. Oh and just prior to running the 20 yards, I had been sacked twice by those women. 

(For some odd reason, my coaches decided to put me as quarterback today- a position I really know very little about and one that I have never played before in my life- and from my overall performance, you could definitely tell how new I was.) 

Oh, and why hasn't anyone mentioned where my hands must be in order to get a snap?!  Yikes- Tyson was laughing from the sidelines when he saw my reaction to the coaches instruction on that.  I'm just not used to being that up close and personal.  If you don't know what I'm talking about-- ask someone who knows football and you'll understand why I was a little squimish about it- or maybe this cartoon will give you an idea.