My Top 10...Milestones of Pregnancy

10. Finding out I was pregnant

I had an inkling that I was pregnant, so on my lunch break I went to Walmart to get some tests, but waited until I got home. When Matt got home I told him I thought I might be, so I went to take the test. Matt really wasn't fully aware of how that process worked, and how fast it would be, so he answered a phone call. Immediately the stick turned blue! I yelled out of the bathroom that he better get off the phone!! I told him it was positive and we were both a little stunned. He made me take another one...and after that one came out positive he started to tell me to take a third! But I told him two was enough :)

9. Telling our family we were pregnant

My brother was the first to know, because I had to tell someone and I knew he wouldn't be there when we were planning on telling my family. For Matt's mom and my parents, we bought them cards that had babies all over the front and it said "Goo Goo Gaa Gaa". The inside said, "That's baby talk for Congratulations!" Underneath we wrote, "Baby McClane debuting April 29!". Since we weren't able to tell them in person, we called Matt's dad and step-mom. They were all very excited.

8. 1st Sonogram

It was an amazing experience to see our little blob! :) The reality that we were going to have a baby hit us in that moment. It was very cool to experience that with Matt.

7. Feeling Baby Girl kick

I don't really remember a specific 1st time moment (I wish I had written it down). But I do remember the early sensations of movements. Never really felt the "butterflies" that people talk about...it just felt like a rolling sensation.

6. 1st time Matt felt Baby Girl kick

December 27, 2009. :) One date that I kept track of. I think he was expecting it to be more than what it was. She wasn't moving much at that point...it was like a little hiccup. But he could definitely feel her!

5. Shopping/Dreaming with Matt

We've really enjoyed going to the store and looking at all of the baby stuff. Makes it more of a reality that we're having a baby -- and it starts us talking about the future.

4. Naming Baby Girl

Still no name -- but we've had fun thinking about names. Looking at the Name Books is often more humorous than helpful.

3. Reaching 20 Weeks -- halfway there!

I remember this being a big moment for me. The reality that I was halfway done with my pregnancy was exciting but nerve-wracking all at the same time. To think we only have 6 weeks left is crazy!

2. Baby Classes

This was a great experience with Matt! It was full of helpful information for both of us, and was very eye opening for Matt. Also provided some humor too. :)

1. Latest Sonogram -- Baby Girl's chin

For both of us, this was a cool sonogram, because we got a great view of Baby Girl's face -- she has her daddy's chin! For the first time, I was anxious to see what she is going to look like.

My Top 10...

Things I am Thankful For (In honor of Thanksgiving)...

I usually find myself complaining about certain aspects of my life so I am going to turn those complaints into reasons to be thankful.

1. I hate getting up early - but I am thankful everyday to have an incredible job. I feel at home with the people I work with and I have a certain amount of freedom that I am very thankful for.
2. My husband irritates me sometimes - but I am thankful to be in a marriage blessed by God. I truly believe that Matt and I were made for each other and that the Lord has a great plan for us in our lives. I love my husband more than I knew I could love anyone.
3. I am sick of our cars needing repairs - but I am thankful that we have been blessed with affordable cars and been helped by generous people in getting those cars! Thank goodness I don't have to ride my bike for the long commute!
   
4. I am tired of being pulled in so many different directions during the holidays - but I am thankful that so many people want to celebrate with Matt and I. It is hard to complain about too many people loving you.
5. I hate that I have to constantly struggle with my weight - but I am thankful that I always have enough food to eat and that I don't have to worry about making ends meet. We live a very blessed life, now if I could show more control!
6. I hate cleaning my house and doing laundry - but I am thankful that we have a roof over our heads. And the laundry...I am thankful that I have so many clothes to wear.
   
7. I am tired of being gone more during the week than we are home - but God is using us in awesome ways in the lives of our students, and we are being blessed by them as well!
8. I don't like living in the suburbs! - But we have been making some great new friendships that will last a lifetime...and its an experience we will never forget! When else will I have the opportunity to live next to Lake Michigan?
9. I am getting tired of the 45 minute drive to and from work - but what great times I have just to be quiet with myself and relax before coming home. There are some great prayer times during a 45 minute drive (if I turn off the radio!)
10. Finally, I miss my family and want to move back to Bloomington - but I have a great husband who loves and supports me. We are blessed with time to learn how to rely upon each other only. If I was in Bloomington, I would probably be tempted to be with my family more often. But, if God decides to move us closer to Bloomington I won't argue. ;)

What about you? What are you thankful for?

My Top 10...

Top 10 Reasons I Love Being Married to Matt:

1. He shares and supports my love of Starbucks!
2. At least once a week, my sleep is interrupted with something hilarious Matt will say in his sleep. (like ordering Starbucks in his sleep)
   
3. We are okay being in the same room but doing our own thing.
4. He has this way of correcting me so I don't get defensive
   
5. He doesn't rub it in my face when I forget someone's name. (for example -- Anne: "So is Bob going to be at this party tonight?" Matt: "I don't know about Bob, but Joe is going to be there.")
6. He laughs for a long time at the little German children in the movie "Hoodwinked", which in turn makes me laugh.
7. He shares the lovesac with me.
8. He empties the dishwasher (yes he does!)
   
9. I get to see his dimples every single day!
   
10. Every time I lose something (and I tend to lose things often) he immediately knows where it is!