In Need of an Update!!!

Hi all -- It's been a couple weeks (a couple rough weeks), but I'm back . . .

As surprising as it may seem, my pregnancy became somewhat masked by the tragedy that has befallen our family. Within about 7 or 8 days, Clint's side lost 4 family members, and we lost our dog, Dill. Unfortunately, I don't have many photos of the family members (I had met 2 of the 4) . . .

This is a 5-generation photo of the Herren side. Grandpa Don Herren passed away last week, and I am so lucky to have met him.

I don't have a photo of Grandma Margie Mosier, but she also was a special woman, and both hers and Grandpa Herren's services were quite unique and spectacular.

This is Dillinger. He ate a sock last week (or something similar), and it seized up his digestive tract. We had to put him down amidst the rest of the chaos. He was 3 years old. I just can't seem to get over it.

The things I'm thankful for:

-I was touched by these people in one way or another (Grandpa Herron for his candor; Grandma Mosier for her devotion; and Dill for his  . . . well, fortitude).

-Natalie was able to spend quality time with these people, and has good stories to remember them by.

-They lived good lives.

-We had fantastic support around us through it all.

So . . . aside from all of that, there was good that came too. I met some of Clint's close school friends while we were at his home, and I'm pretty sure the baby was kicking and rolling around this last week.

I haven't gained any more weight (none in 4 weeks, actually), but my belly is much more basketball-like than it was. We go for another ultrasound and checkup today, so I am excited to see a bigger, more active baby in there. They say that Dad should now be able to hear the heartbeat by putting his head on Mom's belly, so we'll have to check that out. I will take a new photo tonight to update you all a little more.

My first baby shower is coming up in 3 weekends. I am excited!! However, I've gone a little crazy on all of the cute clothes I keep finding on clearance racks, so I'm kind-of hoping that I don't get a ton of outfits as gifts (although I'm sure I'll love anything!!).

I am really wanting to start on Peanut's bedroom . . . it's cleared out, but it needs paint. And I can't pick out the paint color until I have the bedding . . . I wonder if I can buy one little piece of the bedding so I have somewhere to start. And don't worry!! I think I can find an able body or two to do the painting!

This month also brings a wedding shower and bachelorette party for my good friend, Sara. I can't wait!! Even though I can't partake in the alcohol consumption, I will surely be welcome as a DD. That's fine with me.

I also started my new role at work on Tuesday. So far, it's been hectic, especially after missing 4 days . . . but I think I am doing alright so far, and the real test will be after my first event Monday and Tuesday next week.

Finally, our friends Sarah and Tom have agreed to be our Peanut's godparents. They are our age, have similar beliefs and lifestyles (at least in most ways), and will probably be planning for a family very soon. I am sooooooo excited for this!

That's all for now. I will try to post more in the morning.