hmmmm....

I don't really have much to write or anything profound to say, but I felt like I should be posting something tonight. Maybe it's because Sean's at work and I don't really want to just sit around doing nothing. Although, once in a while, that's not a bad thing... ;)

We've really been torn between living here in Alaska or going somewhere that cost of living is not so much. His mom and step-dad live in TN, and it's beautiful there. I have family in MT, and we really and truly have the whole country to choose from, we just want to be somewhere where we know somebody. Have family close by. It's tough. We really do love it here in beautiful Alaska. Beautiful Alaska. Other states get names like "Sunny California" (which I also miss our family and friends there immensely) but Alaska truly is beautiful in every sense of the word, in every direction you look. So many different terrains, so many different sights, so much beauty - for lack of a better word.

I've really been enjoying the days getting a little longer, and have been taking (or trying to take) sunset pictures as often as I have the chance. This month, the sun setting, reflecting off the water of the inlet, the volcanoes backlit by warm pinks and oranges, have been breathtaking.

I'm trying to learn the settings on the manual function of our camera, and wishing I had the know-how to make them work the way I see things. So many of my shots come out grainy, but God sure knows how to paint a beautiful sunset nonetheless. :)

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I hope you're all enjoying your surroundings as much as I have been! I'm looking forward to the summer when we can get out and hike this beautiful state, take many more photos, and make many more memories! ;D

In mid-week 26... ;D

Here we are, in the midst of week 26...

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...AND my own shock (and dismay) I just came to the realization that you can all see our unmade bed in the mirror. That's nice. SO, please know that....next time I'll cut that out of the shot. JUST KIDDING!!! heehee.... I *can* still make the bed, but I was sick, so it just didn't happen.

Baby has been kicking a lot the last couple days, and we've gotten to see movement from the outside world, which amazes us, and which Sean finds very entertaining... ;)

Pretty soon this little person will be here... :)

A few of my favorites...

SO many kiddos at school have been wondering about/staring at my belly for the past 3 weeks, and I've gotten a lot of comments from some of them - no negative comments, just....funny. Put the way only kids could put things. For example:

• Are you...wait. You're... ARE YOU?? pregnant?
• Are you REALLY pregnant?
• So, you're pregnant, right? (hair toss over her shoulder)
• J: "Is your baby gonna come out yet?" Me: "Nope, not till it's ready to come out." J: "Cuz you're not married yet?" Me: "Nope - I'm married...." J: "Oh." (walks away) (J is an adorable kindergartner.)
• So, there's a baby in there?

I get SO many stares, and it must be hypnotic 'cause they seem to zone out on my growing belly.

The looks have gone from the obvious "don't-stare-too-long-or-she'll-see-me-looking" to the complete-and-total-loss-of-self-consciousness-open-mouthed-gawk.

I can't wait to hear more as the weeks go on and the belly gets bigger.

Belly Pictures for Week 24

Lack of creativity for a title for this post notwithstanding, here is a pic of my belly for this week, taken yesterday. :)

Oh, how I love that "I've-just-been-sweeping-up-all-the-dog-hair-ALL-OVER-THE-PLACE" 'do I've got goin' on... ;P heehee.... I love my pups. I can't believe they're still shedding in the middle of winter, but I love my pups, and can't wait to see how they'll react to Baby. A couple years ago, a friend brought over her son when he was about 2 weeks old, and Honey (we didn't have Zoe yet) just couldn't figure out WHAT the car seat was or why it was crying. When my friend took the cover off the baby, all Honey wanted to do was fix whatever was wrong and make him stop crying. ;) Adorable.

24

"24 voices, with 24 hearts,

All of my symphonies, in 24 parts..."

No - there are NOT 24 babies in here - no matter what it might look like to some... These are my favorite lines from a song by Switchfoot. It's a great song - and you should check it out sometime if you've never heard it - very moving...

Today, my friends, I am 24 weeks along...

We've been having more movement every day, and baby rolled yesterday for the first time (that I could feel - VERY weird, but very amazing feeling)... ;D

God has blessed us so much with this baby - and I just hope that we can raise up our child in the way he or she should go, teach our child well, and be able to stand back when it's time for him or her to make decisions. Holy cow - what a trip!

We had a great check-up today - a growing baby with a strong heartbeat - such a wonderful sound! ;D

Soon this little person will be here - I have no words...

I took belly pics today, and will post them tomorrow... :)