TABT 2009

Labor Day brought another edition of The Annual Backpacking Trip (TABT). This was the 9th year of TABT and as always we had a great time on the trail. Our journey this year took us to a 25 mile section of the Appalachian Trail in central Virginia.

The boys of TABT 09.

It's always fun to log some miles on the AT.

View of The Priest from Spy Rock.

Return to The Priest.
Barry and I made our first trip to The Priest in 1997 which was our first backpacking trip.

Sunset from the summit of The Priest.

Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of TABT and the current plan is to head West to the Rockies. Preperations are already being made and we'll see you next year.

Baby Update! 36 wk ultrasound pics!

Well, as excited as I am about it all, somtimes when I log on to our blog and see the countdown to baby's due date, it just freaks me out! Only 19 days from today! Wow!! Last week, we had our 36 week ultrasound and learned two major things: baby is BIG and BREECH! The estimated current weight of the baby (7lbs., 5oz.) seems like a nice birth weight to me ... not a weight for a baby that has 4 more weeks to go! They said the baby's overall size is 83rd percentile, and the head is almost off the charts at 95th percentile! This is so foreign to us after Matthew who hangs out more at the other end of the spectrum! (I weighed somewhere in the 5lb.-range at birth. Tim was a large baby, weighing in at 10lbs., 4oz. and there are some good-sized heads in the family. If they're even somewhat accurate with their current measurements, we may be having a Tim-sized kiddo! Yikes!) Either way, I'm so grateful that the baby is seeming quite healthy!

As far as the breech presentation goes... After an examination during week 34, we learned the baby was head down and unlikely to turn from that point on. I was so excited! Then, I woke up one morning during week 35 and said, "Tim, something feels totally different. I think that baby flipped over on me..." Wouldn't you know it, we found out a few days later that our precious little one did! At this point, we do have a c-section date scheduled, just in case the baby does not turn back over, and we'll get at least one more looksy (checking on the baby's position)on an ultrasound next week.

I'm praying that the baby does flip and we can try this whole childbirth thing the natural way. However, I have peace about the c-section if that is what must happen ... especially when I think of that head size (ouch!). :) I am DEFINITELY praying not to have to do BOTH labor (only to find the baby doesn't fit the exit) and then have to have a C-section. The beauty of it all is that God knows exactly how it will go, and we can trust Him with every detail.

Here are some pictures of the little (or maybe not-so-little) one... We had some trouble getting clear 4d face shots, b/c the baby had hand and foot up by his/her face. Oh well! :) Enjoy!

Sprinkler Time

Last year, Matthew received a great sprinkler toy from his Uncle Barrett, Aunt Michelle, and cousins Alexa & Anna. Unfortunately we never used it last summer, but had such fun with it this year. You can limbo, use it as a soccer goal or play volleyball with it! Here are some photos of Tim and Matthew enjoying summer fun with the sprinkler in the back yard. (The first photo is my favorite!)

Summer Playdate

One of the best parts of summer this year has been getting to spend time with friends and letting our kids play together. In this case, my friend Rochelle and I used to play together when we were kids; now it is a joy to watch our kids interact. She and her husband John have 3 really great kiddos (so far): Kayla, Preston, and Braylon, who is only a few months older than Matthew. Matthew about laughed himself silly on their trampoline and had such fun playing with their kittens. I am so grateful for friendships that continue throughout life's phases and for the time I was able to spend with Rochelle this summer!

Zoo Fun!

We've had such fun throughout the summer hanging out with my brother and his family. We have done at least one or two outings each month, but between me not having a working camera for awhile and then just forgetting it, I don't have very many pictures to show for it. My nephew Jagger and Matthew are only 3 1/2 months apart in age; and I'm so greatful for the way God worked all that out! They both enjoy playing together very much. It's been really fun to get together with them so often this summer!

Choo-Choo! Of course for Matthew, the highlight of any trip is riding on a train.

Chloe waves "Hi!" to the people and animals we pass on the train.

Not a very clear picture (taken from the train ride), but it was really neat to see a mama Kangaroo with a joey in her pouch.

There was a big animated dinosaur exhibit at the zoo this year. It was just a little TOO realistic for Matthew. I kept trying to make it fun and have him growl like the dinosaurs were doing, but he was terrified of these huge moving creatures! It was hard to get a picture because he did NOT want to turn his back on these things. He finally just let loose in a full cry of terror - my poor little guy!! I rescued him and got him safely through the rest of the exhibit. He still talks about how many great animals we saw at the zoo, but "those dinosaurs are scary!"

Pregnancy Update

Well, I'm currently in my 8th month of pregnancy (according to the 9 month way of looking at it), and so far I'm still feeling pretty good. Here are a few of the pictures we've taken during the last two months...

This just may be my favorite pregnant picture yet... I just wish Tim and Matthew could really experience what I've been feeling because I think this whole process is amazing!

(July) 6 months down ... 3 to go!

(August) 7 months down ... 2 to go!

I've been so very blessed to be sharing this journey with a few other friends who are experiencing pregnancy for the first time - one of whom is Jolene. Our lifegroup held a shower for her at the end of July, and just this week she had her baby (Sept.2nd)... a boy! Congratulations, Jolene & Philip!! And welcome, baby Nicholas!!

Here's a photo of some of the gang who made the shower possible.

My good friend Michelle and I have more than a few things in common.... To name a few, we are both having our second child (although this is my first pregnancy), we have due dates one day a part, and we both happened to be wearing the exact same shirt (and outfit, practically) at the shower. We thought we'd pose for a picture to see if maybe Old Navy wants to use us as models for their maternity line!

Me and some of my pregnant pals ... Jolene, Michelle, & Jenn!

Children are so special, no matter how God brings them into a family. I believe that the uniting of a family through adoption is truly miraculous. And it is so fun to be experiencing this miracle as well! Our journey hasn't always been easy, but I often find myself thanking God for His perfect plan ... tears, joys, and, for now, those kicks in the ribs!

More FIRSTS for Matthew!

During July, Matthew got to do a few things for the very first time.

Much to my dismay :), Tim and Matthew had their first father-son video game session. My brother gave us a little device that hooks up to the TV and has some of the old video games. Matthew had a ball playing pac-man!

Oh the look of concentration!

Much to Matthew's dismay, he had his second visit to the dentist (I forgot my camera the first time).

Although the look on his face may not say it, he actually enjoys going to the dentist. His favorite part is when they let him fill the little cup of water by pushing the button. And then, as long as he's been cooperative, our very thoughtful dentist let's him pick from a prize box when it's all over.

Then, one day our teenage neighbor, Cody (pictured here with his girlfriend), showed up with tickets to the Indians game. I was unable to go, so Tim took Matthew to his first Major League Baseball game.

Go Tribe!

Matthew was keeping an eye on Slider, the crazy tribe mascot, and seemed to really like his first baseball game. Ever since then, I periodically catch him singing "Take me out to the ball game!" My little guy sure loves anything with "myew-gicks." (still working on the correct pronunciation of "music," that is) :)