Our 2nd birthing class was insane! I loved it, but gees…it was torture… we had to hold ice in our hands for prolonged periods and focus on our breathing while our husbands put clothespins on our ears…self inflicted pain to learn how to breathe. I couldn’t believe it! As if I need one more thing to make me uncomfortable… =)

BUT all that to say…it really does work. I was able to sort of block out the achy hand and pinched ear lobe and think about my breathing. I just don’t want to go back next week because the lady seemed excited about another “breathing exercise” that I’m not sure I want to be a part of.

My back has continued to do well, and my swimming is amazing! I am walking 2 mornings a week and swimming 3 mornings and it is wonderful! I am so thankful for that. Saturday will be 2 days exactly since my spine surgery…who would’ve know that 2 years later I would be months away from expecting my first child? Such a blessing, God is faithful.

Kate hasn’t really been moving quite as much these past few days. I guess she is running out of room in there- but I’m calling the doc just in case. It’s weird how she’s gone from total 24/7 kick boxer to almost no movement over night. I have also been having some braxton hicks contractions, and those are quite fun. I'll keep you updated.

I have no new pics for this post, so I think I’ll add a funny…

Baby Shower!!

Yesterday was an amazing day and God has richly blessed us and provided for our little girl in such a fun way! Our shower was awesome, we enjoyed seeing all our Biola family in one spot!







Our friends came together and brought such great food and gifts for Kate. We were generously showered until our cup ran over... truly, God provides for the needs of His children, there is just no other way to describe the generosity of His people. It's amazing to think that 6 years ago we came here not knowing anyone and now we are surrounded with this loving Biola family.

For more pictures go to our photo webpage.
Click on the button....

Last night we got to catch up with some old friends we used to know from Talbot. We went to Downtown Disney to the Rainforest cafe to eat dinner and had a splendid time. Here's Lorna and I (she is about 5 1/2 months pregnant with her second child!!).

Here's her daughter Alaethia.




Lorna wanted a pictures of our babies touching...hee hee!


Right when we got back to their hotel, Michael and I felt an earthquake...it was so rolly....that's 2 in one month!

Today is our first baby shower and it's at work. We are so blessed to work here at Biola and to have such an awesome community of friends! I am so excited about it. I am sure I will have plenty of pics to post later on...

Until then, here's a story....
Sunday night, Michael and I were very tired and we still had 3 loads of laundry to fold. While folding the laundry, I saw something on the floor I needed to put away and walked into the other room. I came back and Michael was facedown on the bed (his arms underneath his body like he had fallen). Being a bit more jumpy than usual....I went into hysterics...screaming at him asking what was wrong. He looked up at me and said, "what is wrong with you?" I said, "I thought you were dead!!"

He was laughing until he saw that I was really crying...trying not to go into early labor. (I really thought I would!)

He never plays tricks on me and wasn't intending it to be a trick....needless to say it was NOT funny at the time, but now I am cracking up at how edgy I am these days...

Ahh..the joys =)

We're Havin' Ribs Tonight!!

Kate has found her mommy's rib cage and she loves to kick and play with those strong little bones she feels underneath her feet. It is a fun game....for one person alone =) ha ha!

Well, I have a new video...and not for the faint of heart. It is a tummy roll unlike any other that I have caught via video so far (yet I see them every day!)...watch carefully to the lower right of the screen where a little foot is kicking and then as my entire stomach changes shape as Kate swims around in her little home.

Watching in Wonder- 30 Weeks

Michael and I stare constantly in wonder and amazement as we gaze upon "this basketball belly" as Michael calls it. One would have to be crazy not to believe in our majestic God after going through the journey of pregnancy (and I haven't even experienced parenthood yet)! The miraculous order and design of the human body is truly a work of art.



Well, we have had some really neat blessings lately that are "worth writing home about".
ast Saturday, Aunt Anita (Hengiman) our adopted CA aunt, called and said she wanted to take me maternity clothes shopping (again!). I was thankful because as you can see, I am growing out of my 2nd trimester clothes! It was so nice, we actually got to bring Jesse Hengiman along too and we spent 6 hours wondering around the stores just browsing. I got some nice things and we got to eat out together at Macaroni Grill- my favorite!! It was a lovely day! Thank you so much Aunt Anita! You are such a blessing in my life. (Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera on hand.)


Then, on Monday night we were asked to meet my friend Katrina at a park for a little surprise. When we got there, she had set up a table with pie and plates and forks and we ate by the fountain.



Afterwards, we walked up on a footbridge and they showed us the moon rise. IT WAS HUGE and orange and beautiful. Quite a site I must say.

She planned it perfectly, don't know how she did it! Thanks Katrina, that was very special of you to do for us...








Well, that's all for now...please continue to pray for us as we are being asked at work about what our plans are after Kate comes. We have such peace right now and we know that God is working out details that we cannot even see. "Without faith it is impossible to please God..."Hebrews 11:6

Please pray for His provision for us as well as growth in our faith!

Lots of Happenings!

Life is going great here! It's so fun to see things come together for little Kate. God hears our prayers! And He answers! And each time...I'm still amazed. He does care about the small things.
My friend called me up the other day and had found/purchased a breast pump for me...such a blessing and huge burden lifted!

We also walked to a garage sale down the street on Sat. morning, where we found friends we had known in school. They didn't know we were expecting and wanted to give us all their baby stuff! I got a bouncy chair and some clothes and went home and got crafty! I re-covered the boy-ish looking chair with some flannel yellow fabric with stars I picked out from JoAnn's for $1.80 and now it looks just like new! We love it! I even ventured out to make little a little hang-y star and heart!

It vibrates and plays music...brilliant!

Also, last night, a huge miracle happened! We got our hands on (what seemed like) California's last Dutailier glider!! It's the thing I really really wanted for nursing- because it feels SO good on my spine! It's a neat story....Apparently the one we picked is on backorder for life and we weren't getting it! Turns out a store I called yesterday in West Covina had a floor model that broke the guy said, "we just got one in! I will hold it for you!" Later we found out that his manager yelled at him because it was the floor model replacement! But, we still got the chair! Yipee! God is so good!

Also, after picking up the chair, it was getting late and we grabbed a bite to eat. It was my first attempt at Chinese food in 7 1/2 months (it is usually my favorite but Kate has made me dislike even the smell!). I still read my fortune cookie just for fun- certainly not looking for divine wisdom but I like what it said. It read, "Children will play an important role in your life." I think God can speak to us through anything.

This weekend was a big weekend for us! We re-arranged all our furniture to fit Kate's little crib and changing table. Her wall is getting girlie already... The crib will go to the left of the dresser/changing table...

And this is up on the other wall. It was so fun to hang things up and makes it feel ever closer to meeting her!!..which by the way is only 10 weeks away, Lord's will!

Other happenings:
Michael planned a Bocce ball tournament at work, and it started last Wednesday. We are having such a nice time on our lunch breaks eating and playing bocce in the shade! Explaining the rules to all 36 players...

Jason's on our team, thankfully! Look at that roll!

Melrose and Karen, Bocee beauties.

And yes, even pregnant ladies can play too =)
Click here for more bocce pics: biolabocce.spaces.live.com

Hope to hear from you...leave a comment below so we can see who's reading! God bless!

3rd Trimester Here We Come!

I am 28 weeks. I made it to another huge milestone...the THIRD TRIMESTER!! and moving right along...all outwardly that's for sure. Here are some picture updates of Kate's home.

So, it was a long weekend, a nice 3 days of rest and relaxation. Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day. Labor day now has a new ring to it to me...I mean, I am going to be in labor in 3 months! Ahhh!!

My mom and I chatted on Sunday night for 2 1/2 short hours...she found a diary of when she was pregnant with me. It told of the delivery story and how my dad was so happy and it was just so fun to hear a young woman like me going through the same things I am experiencing...but it is my own mom and it was me the baby! I hope to have some nice things to pass down to Kate. I started a book to her this weekend that I 'll give her one day when she's older.

We went to the beach Saturday, surprise! and Michael played like 5 games in a row. He had to quit while he was ahead because I was ready to head out after 6 hours, but I think he got a workout indeed! Then it was church Saturday night.....awesome message and great fellowship afterwards. The church provides a meal and you just come eat and chat...too cool.

We also spent a fair amount of time home this weekend, so it was a nice compromise of being out and about and in and snug. I got some new picture frames and made a little collage on the wall...making room for pictures of new baby! Michael is always reading and learning about the things to come...

and then to the Henigmans for a lovely BBQ on Labor Day....

It's always so nice to be down in Fountain Valley with the cool breezes and sweet company. God has truly blessed us with a nice outlet to get away from our daily work week and routine.


If you are reading this, please pray for Michael and I if you feel lead. We are standing in front of a new faith mountain and waiting for the Lord to direct our next steps, as He has so faithfully done in the past. We are about to begin a new chapter in life and have no idea what the future holds. Pray that God will provide a way for me to stay home with Kate for this is our desire. We have NO idea how this can happen at this point, but we are trusting that our God will provide our every need according to His purpose.

Thank you for your prayers!
Blessings!

Little Hands and Feet

How is one supposed to concentrate on working with tiny little hands and feet nudging my belly all afternoon? It's very hard indeed...but very sweet.

Our Little Squirt's Growth Spurt

Well, today my suspicions were confirmed...my middle of the night cereal runs are not my imagination. I am starving and Kate is apparently growing! The doc said I am measuring right on now, having grown 3 centimeters in 2 weeks! Way to go little baby (and thank you Lord for healthy growth)!

Here is a pic taken last Sunday at church with some other preggo friends of mine from our Sunday school class...

Although in order by height, Chrissy (red) is due in January with her second, I am due Nov, Eileen (green) is due December with her 3rd boy, and Teya (floral) is due in October, 3rd boy!!

I was teasing them that I cannot be in the boy club...

Fetal Olympics

I finally caught Kate's gi-normous movements on video!

Check it out!

And in this one she has success and actually finally kicks the pencil off my belly! We've been working on this for quite some time =)

Last night we recieved a package from an angel.

It is actually from a woman whom we have never met, that knows my sister. What was inside was too beautiful for words and completely made by hand.

What a treasure and a blessing! Our daughter will be so nicely dressed.

Handmade gifts are the best! We will cherish this forever. God reminded us of His awesome provision and love through this gift. He tells us not to worry, but that he will feed and clothe us even more so than what he does for the birds of the air the fields covered in lilies.

Michael's hidden talent

My husband has a hidden talent. Well, he as a few but some shall remain hidden. Today I reveal one though. He can catch a fly with his bare hands. He hasn't merely conquered this task once or twice...but dozens of times to my amazement. Just when I think the fly is too fast, he snags him- mid air!

So, this weekend we had some little univited guests in our home. I said aloud, "we really need a flyswatter"...but was quickly reminded I was mistaken. Michael began the dance, around the rooms, hands in the air, "waving like you just don't care".

Well, this fly was fast and furious and I have to admit to my discredit, I was doubting.

Finally, the trained eye of this human flyswatter of a man had caught the pattern of the fast moving pest. Then, SWIPE!! Midair, fly noise ceased...Mr. Fly is trapped in the world's fastest human flyswatter hand on the face of the earth and wife is happy....

True: I have seen him catch over six flies in one day with his hand. That is talent folks. Pure.

"What a man, what a man, what a mighty fine man! Yes he is."

Here I am growing and growing and loving it!

26 week update.

Hope you are having a great week...blessings!!

The 100 Day Countdown begins

We have made it to the final 100 day countdown until we meet Kate! ...that is: if she comes on time…November 23rd.

That’s only:
10 more doctors appts
14 weeks
42 more swims
70 work days
100 showers
200 teeth brushings
2,400 hours

You get the point…we are anxiously awaiting our little joy!

I passed!!

One of my favorite things about this pregnancy (besides feeling Kate move around inside me) is hearing her heart beat. Today we went to my 25 week appt and like always we got to hear that nice strong reassuring sound. We got a pretty good video today... please excuse the big belly camera shot and just focus on the sound =)






Also, I passed my glucose screening test, so no gestational diabetes for me...yipee! I think I will go back to my normal icecream fixes.

This is a picture of our freezer at the moment... Ben and Jerry's Half baked baby....Cinnamon Bun, Creme Brulee, and Cake Batter...oh yea..not to mention Cherry Cordial and Mint chip....does life get better??

And lastly, doc says I am measuring perfectly (1 week smaller actually) so I am doing great...gaining enough and that makes me one happy mom to be!

mOnDaYs

5:30 am BEEP BEEP BEEP....wake up! You have a glucose screening test in one hour, after a 12 hour fast!! Yipee!! In the car, and going to be on time so we don't have to wait in line...well, maybe not. Not only was I hungry but we were not on time. Google maps isn't always accurate in case you guys didn't know =)


Well, overall the test went well, I will get the results Thursday at my Dr's appt to see how my body is processing sugar. Please Lord, don't let them be abnormal because I would really like to avoid the next 3 hour testing!!


Anyway, I was just thinking about the syrupy liquid they gave me and told me to guzzle in 5 minutes and I just wondered why I couldn't be chomping on some Half Baked from Ben and Jerry's or something. I mean, if you are going to eat sugar, eat some real sugar you know?


All day Kate has been dancing like crazy. I think she is still on the sugar high that I slowly came off of this morning.

I hope if you are reading this, you are having a great day!

Funnies at 6 months...

Icecream Icecream Icecream! Right now it's





that really tickles my fancy.


Alot of folks have been asking how I'm feeling (as is normal with pregnancy) and I am so happy to report, that I am flyin' high! My back is great, feeling better now than in the beginning, so that is a miracle. Maybe it's the icecream.

The other day I was walking home from work and I looked over as the sun cast my shadow on the ground beside me. This is my self portrait of what I saw.

That, my friends, is a pregnant lady. Wow. It just sort of made me laugh to see my shadow...

We are having such a nice summer. This weekend the beach was just beautiful.

Yesterday we attended our first class in a series of classes that we are taking through the hospital. Last night, we began with the Newborn Baby Care class. It was hilarious!

We learned SO much!

We was so excited to go and when we got there we were given a newborn baby trivia sheet of 20 questions. We only got 9 right...so needless to say, we were glad we went.

First, choose your baby...so this is Michael and "Kate"
After a little lecture on various helpful topics...we got to get down and dirty...or clean I should say.
Time to bathe the baby...We were cracking up the whole time at how much we DIDN'T know! We learned alot about bathing... sponge bathe so you don't get the ambilical cord wet, and no full bath until it falls off..

You had to make it as realistic as possible. See? Handling baby "Kate" with such care.
Next, dry, dress, and diaper her..

Can you feel the love?
Good job honey!!

And now off to learn how to swaddle... we learned 2 different ways.

This face surely says it all! 2 hours of baby doll playing was enough for dear old dad...but he really did love it. We both learned so much and can't wait to get to our next class next week!

Boy, this is going to be quite an adventure... it already is!

Letting Go

Last night I talked to a friend that has recently moved away. We got into a discussion about how we go about change in our Christian walk- practically speaking. We ask ourselves at certain moments...so how do I REALLY really let God have control of this weakness or a particular area in my life?

I know we have some part in this sanctification process but it cannot be fully happening within our own strength. I know we are commanded to participate in certain behaviors and refrain from others, but do you ever feel like there is just something that you don't practically know how to change in your life? No matter what you try, you really can't figure out how to shake it? Anger, thought patterns of fear or worry....just keep reoccurring....

As it were, the lesson today from good old Oswald (click here to read) enlightened me to the fact that "sanctification is an impartation, not an imitation."

Whew! That takes such a load off! It is a process as well and we are not doing it in and of ourselves. It's "letting the perfect qualities of Jesus exhibit themselves in my human flesh. Sanctification is "Christ in you . . ." ( Colossians 1:27 ). It is His wonderful life that is imparted to me in sanctification— imparted by faith as a sovereign gift of God’s grace." (Oswald again)

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us . . . sanctification . . . —1 Corinthians 1:30

Just sharing what God gave me today. What do you think?

On to other matters, like playing with Kate =)
Lately, I've been noticing some similar patterns in Kate's movement. I think she gives high fives! Last night before bed (when she is most active) I was poking my belly and she'd poke right back in the same spot I pushed on! Today I was pushing on my abdomen and she kicked me 5 times in a row on my 4 fingers in the same spot! I probably would've just heard this before and thought, aw...what a coincidence. Coincidence, I think not!

Also, if I haven't felt her kick for awhile, I will get Michael to come and talk to her. When he puts his mouth right near my stomach and talks to her he always says the same things and we definitely believe she knows his voice because she will start moving! Not always right away but within a few seconds. It's so fun.

Yesterday was my 22 week appt. and we got to hear the heartbeat again, it was so exhilarating. I know this makes perfect sense, but I just wasn't expecting it to be so much stronger and louder. She is one pound already!

More updates to come...
are you there? Leave a comment! We love to hear from you.
Blessings friends and family!!!

Chocolate and Carrot Kate

I have a friend who loves to bake, it's her hobby actually. She and I get together sometimes and she encourages me to make fun things. On Wednesday night, we made these little beauties because, well, I was craving them and she loves them too! We made them last year at Christmas time and they are pretty much to die for if you are a mint chocolate lover.

Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies

*Allow for chill time, see below.

3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
3 boxes of Andes mint candies

Heat oven to 350°F. Over low heat, combine butter, sugar and water. Heat until melted and add chocolate chips until partly melted. Remove from heat and stir. Pour into large mixing bowl. Let stand 10 minutes to cool slightly.Beat in eggs one at a time on high speed. Reduce mixer to low speed and add flour, salt and baking soda. Beat until well-blended. Chill 1 hour (dough can be very greasy/liquid before chilling but hardens and is easy to shape after chilling).

*Roll into balls, place two inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Place an Andes Mint on top. Swirl with a spoon.
Indulge.

So I was sitting in my bosses office for a meeting with some students and he was talking to me very intently about a procedure I needed to perform for their records. I was looking at him and thinking to myself, "Abby listen to what he is saying!" But, Kate was kicking away inside me and I was sort of smirking and couldn't concentrate! Luckily he didn't ask and I was semi aware of what he needed from me. It's just so funny to feel her at these random moments, especially when I'm supposed to be working.

This is what my pregnancy email informs me about Kate's development this week:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long -the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.

That's just so neat.

Long Weekends Rock!!

This weekend, we went to La Jolla to go snorkeling. We go about every year now and I just love it! It has taken me a few times to get used to the water but now I think I am going pro (not really *tee hee!)
The water was 67 degrees with a 15-20 foot visabilty. It was so clean and clear.
Here's a picture below of the La Jolla cove. I highly recommend this to anyone nearby...it's one of those must see's of CA!
Here's a proud Michael of his new snorkel gear (he got for his birthday! Thanks mom!)

We saw a whale actually on our trip (ok, ok, so it looked like a whale. Ok, it was me =) ha ha!!

We brought our picnic lunch as usual and sat on the grass at the park above the cove before "going under" in the aquarium of the ocean below.

Someone had just gotten married here- it was so purty.

The shoreline is just beautiful for walking after a nice day in the sun and water. In the later afternoon, we went up the street to the shopping area for dinner and a coffee together. We needed to have some one on one time, and this weekend was just what the doctor ordered! Just to be enjoying one another alone (as we squeezed each other's hand at EVERY stroller and baby and family that walked by thinking...that's us in a couple months!! AHHH!~)

Thanks Love for this wonderful weekend!

Also, I wanted to post a picture of the special quilt I recieved from my mom when she came out to visit last weekend. This quilt belonged to my dad and his family, we don't know what year it was made unfortunately, but mom wanted me to have it. I was so excited, because as you can see, it's YELLOW my favorite color. I hope Kate likes yellow.... =)

I love all the old fashioned patterns of checks, floral and solids. The backing is a yellow fabric with little boys and girls on it, it's so cute and babyish! It's also very antique looking in person, so that goes with my stilo.

Thank you mom, this is so special to me. I will take very good care of it and hopefully pass it on down the line to my kiddies too!

Today I got a really sweet email from a special friend that I haven't seen for years, but stay connected to via email. I just love technology! Her email encouraged me so much.

I am so grateful for the friends God has placed in my life who lift me up with words of love along life's journey. I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. Aren't you?