Monday, September 30, 2013

The Slippery Slope

Every couple gets screened for Down Syndrome around Week 12. Josh and I were apprehensive about it because well, who wouldn't be? I gave blood and had an ultrasound that measured the back of the baby's neck. Some algorithm gave us 1 in 32,000 chance of the baby having Downs. I guess that means we are basically in the clear.

Josh couldn't go with me so this was his response when I told him the good news.


A while back I read this blog post from a mom who didn't realize her daughter had Downs until she was born (I guess in Italy the test is not routine). Her honesty and the pictures that detailed the event...wow, just wow. I cried about it then, I can cry about it now just thinking about it. It is that moving. Here, you read it.


Did you read it?

The whole matter of genetic screening is a testament to the advancement of medicine but also there's a point where you wonder if it is creating more strain than necessary. Early on in our pregnancy I gave blood to do the genetic screening. The doctor called with the results and told me I tested positive for one of the genetic deficiencies. 

I was too flustered to get the details right or ask which one it was so Josh could look it up. He said the baby would be okay but would have to be on a special diet for the rest of its life. Josh needed to come in to get tested for the same deficiency. If he tested positive the baby would have the problem, if he didn't then the baby wouldn't. So we spent weeks worrying and praying about it everyday. Turns out Josh wasn't a carrier so the baby was in the clear. 

Immediate relief. The waiting game is a slippery slope and what often comes out positive also comes out negative. 

My growing stomach is a constant reminder of God's goodness, grace, and favor on us. Every time I look down or get a glimpse of my reflection I raise up a thankful heart to the Lord for this bounty of blessings he is giving us. 

Friday, September 27, 2013

Friday Favorites: Special "We're Having A Baby" Edition

Babycakes at his birthday party with his favorite book.  


/ / Web Favorites / /

Womb shots, kinda cool - kinda freaky. You decide.

Just in case, you never know. Right Melissa?

Why do I always like the most expensive things?

I am going to get one of these, hand's down the cutest nursery item ever.

Zara Mini Lookbook, adorable!

This dad is hilarious. Is this reality? If so, we're in for a shocker.


Feels like fall, have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Ugh, Eggs!

My brother in law, Blane, thinks things like watering eyes while cutting onions and depression are simply a case of mind over matter.  -_- As you can imagine we banter about it from time to time. I can tell you what else is not a case of mind over matter, pregnancy food aversions.

I haven't been that sick. Praise the Lord! I'm not throwing up or unable to get out of bed. I do get more queasy as the day progresses and by night there's usually some smell or some type of food that I really don't feel comfortable around. 

My current hit list
  • Anything to do with eggs. Lord, have mercy!
  • Anything that leaves a strong taste in my mouth or has a strong smell
  • Chipotle 
  • Italian food
  • Saucy foods
My Mil gave me a great tip early on that has helped tremendously. Don't let yourself get hungry. Eat at regular intervals. In the beginning I couldn't get a handle on the queeze but since she told me that I haven't felt that bad. Those little words of wisdom are game changers!

I know I have it good. There's one gal in our church who threw up everyday and could only eat at 3pm. :/ Can you imagine? Oh wait, maybe you have. Reply/text/email me your pregnancy cravings and aversions. I'm dying of curiosity. 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

New Beginnings

I'm a few weeks behind but still, this was worth the mention. Moved me deeply.

"New York City Ballet presents NEW BEGINNINGS on September 12, 2013. Filmed at sunrise on the 57th floor of 4WTC in lower Manhattan, this short film captures an extraordinary and moving performance of Christopher Wheeldon's After the Rain. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a tribute to the future of the city that New York City Ballet calls home."





On September 11, 2001, the New York City Ballet was on a European tour that had taken the company from Edinburgh, Scotland to Athens, Greece and finally to Parma, Italy, where the company was scheduled to perform as part of the Verdi Festival at the Teatro Reggio that evening. As news of the events unfolding at home in New York began to make its way to the dancers of the New York City Ballet, the sense of fear and loss became more and more overwhelming, and Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins ultimately decided to cancel the evening's performance. 

By curtain time, the sold-out audience had arrived at the Teatro Reggio, and stood in silence and mourned with the Company and the rest of the world. Martins addressed the audience from the stage, saying "We came here to dance, it is what we do, but our hearts are breaking and it is simply not possible for us to perform this evening. But we will be back tomorrow, and we will be honored to perform for all of you then."

NYCB did perform at the Teatro Reggio the following evening, September 12th, 2001, and 12 years to the day after, New York City Ballet offers NEW BEGINNINGS, which features an international team of collaborators, including director Davi Russo who was born and raised in New York City, British choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, American dancer Maria Kowroski, Danish dancer Ask la Cour, and a ballet set to a score by the Estonian composer Arvo Part, which provides a moving backdrop to a film of profound and powerful beauty.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Busting at the Seams

You know, it's tough hiding a pregnancy. You can't get your nails done when friends want to go. You decline sushi. You can't drink coffee. Your clothes aren't really fitting and you aren't feeling that well. You can imagine how relieved we are to have hit the "safe zone" and feel free to tell our family and friends. I'm sure our parents feel relieved as well. My mom has been busting at the seams!

This weekend we told Josh's grandparents, then the extended family, then our close friends.

These were just some of the well wishes we received over the weekend.







(I would post Kevin's but in keeping with his M.O. it was far too inappropriate for 'Mature Audiences'.)

Everyone's joy brings us even more joy. :) Thanks for the love!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Two Plus One

Hello my long lost friends!

Before you jump to any conclusions, let me jump there for you. We are having a baby! (You'd think after dreaming of writing this post for years, I'd have some clever way of making the announcement. But I don't, so I didn't. :p) We are all the things first time parents are - thrilled, nervous, being very careful, relishing in each step, and worrying about each step too. 


Now that we are in the clear, I have much to catch you up on. See you tomorrow!

xoxo, J