My Belly...

Well folks, here it is, the first picture of my expanding belly. We took this pic on Sunday where I'm 17 1/2 weeks. Pretty exciting, huh? I've got an appointment on Friday to make sure everything's good, and then we find out what it is 2 weeks after that. Then let the buying frenzy begin! I still haven't felt the baby move yet, but you better believe Nebraska will hear my yelp when that first kick happens. And before I forget, a big congrats to my dear, sweet, Erin, and her new addition Emily Anne. No epidural? Man, those Malaysian doctors are hard core! Click on the link to her blog for pictures of the beautiful babe!

In other news, I finished the first Sherlock Holmes novel. Did anyone out there know it took a Mormon turn? The entire 2nd half of the book is about how a man and little girl were picked up by the Mormons on their way out west and they even helped settle Salt Lake. But things took a turn for the worst when the girl grew up, fell in love with a mountain man, but Brigham Young said she had to marry the son of one of the "elders." Fascinating! I'm on to novel number two, Sign of the Four. Just as intriguing, but no sign of the Mormon trail...Is it sad that this is the highlight of my week?

I must mention the passing of our beloved prophet and president, Gordon B. Hinckley. It's hard to describe the impact that he had on my own personal testimony. I was fortuntate enough to hear in a few General Conferences, BYU Devotionals, and in numerous broadcasts, and everytime was a thrill. The Spirit bore witness to me every time that I was hearing the voice of the Lord through this man. His testimony, wit, and humility will be long-lived though he has left and joined his beloved Marjorie. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with the leadership of the Church.

That's it for now folks! We're hoping to hear about a job promotion for Justin this week, so check back for an update. And we found Fruit Loops with Marshmallows! They're pretty much the most expensive cereal on the aisle, but it's a small price to pay for my husband's happiness!

Getting started...

So, after many subtle and not-so-subtle suggestions, I've broken down and joined the blog community. Apparently there's about three more hours in a day where I'll have time to maintain this nobody told me about...

I hate to make every post about our impending little one, but since that's what everyone's asking about, I'm happy to indulge! This week has been the first that I have felt true discomfort when sitting for long periods of time. In other words, I'm looking to invest in a good rubber band. It's just that awkward phase where maternity clothes are still to big and my current wardrobe is close to wearing out its welcome. Despite this inconvenience, the excitement grows! As does my belly...

Other fun news, it was 0.9 degrees outside this weekend! Okay, not exactly fun, but newsworthy! Justin and I had a 15-minute deep conversation about the logistics of time travel (where exactly did Einstein go when he skipped over that minute in the DeLorean? And why did he come back still going 88 mph? Doc wasn't in the future controlling the car, and Einstein certainly didn't have his paw on the accelerator...aaahh, sweet pillow talk) and Justin is lamenting the difficulties in finding Fruit Loops with Marshmallows. If someone's got a secret stash somewhere, just tell me the time and place and I'll be there with an envelope full of money! I'm halfway through the first Sherlock Holmes installment, A Study in Scarlett, and I am thoroughly enjoying it, having never partaken in Sir Doyle.

So, the photo is when we were at Wrigley Field last July. It reminds me that there will be warm weather again. Someday. But not today. Stay warm out there everyboday!