Ryan and I have been living in Louisiana for about 5ish months and it's about time we have a family fix! My older sister Tiffany just moved to Louisiana with her husband Clint. Clint is also stationed at Ft. Polk - he has actually been here longer than any of us (before his deployment). It's so nice to have them just across town. Ryan has even run into them a couple of random times at the PX. Fun family surprises!
Next week we are getting a visit from part of my family - coming to help Tiffany and Clint get settled and also visit with Ryan and I (and the baby belly of course). This will be such a nice little visit to get me by until we go back to NC for our Christmas vacation. I also think Ryan's parents might have a plan in the making for a visit, so hopefully we will get to see them soon too.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
HEALTHY Baby Boy
We are having a BOY!! We are so excited, but the most important part is that it is a HEALTHY boy. Up until recently I think we took the healthy part for granted.
For the past week Ryan and I have kept a very difficult little secret (we only told select people). On top of everything else going on, we found out my Quad Screening came back 'high risk' for a Neural Tube Defect. The doctor didn't give me any details other than that and then told me that I was going to have to go to a specialist in Lake Charles for a high resolution ultrasound. Panic quickly set in as Ryan and I realized that our baby may be facing some very scary stuff. Ryan was a rock through it all by being the best support I could ask for. I, on the other hand, was an emotional wreck. The worst part of it all was waiting....
We headed to Lake Charles yesterday to see the specialist and get the ultrasound. We were told that we would know the results immediately. Basically, Neural Tube Defects occur mostly in the spine and brain (Spina Bifida being the most common defect). They also can be shown in the kidneys and heart. After a very in depth ultrasound, the Doctor was able to rule out all possibilities of a defect. We were able to see that our baby had a straight enclosed spine, normal brain function, a healthy heart, and all good other things! In fact, our baby's growth is just a little bit larger than normal - which again proved to be a very good sign. We got a good report - there are no defects AND we have a baby boy!!!! We have never been so grateful. The most touching moment was when the doctor captured a profile picture of the baby's face. It almost looked like the baby was making a little frown...The doctor said that was the baby saying, "Look Mommy and Daddy, I'm ok, so stop worrying."
With the worries aside, we are now able to enjoy the fact that we have a boy on the way! It is so amazing to already see little bits of his personality show through. We have seen him yawn, try to eat his foot, and grab his 'thingy'.... Yes, the ultrasound technician busted out laughing when she told us that. :) We love our little guy so much already and we are so happy that he is healthy!!
Ryan and I also wanted to say thank you again to our family that was there to support us during our week of waiting. Each of them was their to share their love and comforting thoughts at all hours of the day - from all across the country. It was these people that got Ryan and I through all of this. We love ya'll!!! Now on to the fun part - decorating the nursery!!!
For the past week Ryan and I have kept a very difficult little secret (we only told select people). On top of everything else going on, we found out my Quad Screening came back 'high risk' for a Neural Tube Defect. The doctor didn't give me any details other than that and then told me that I was going to have to go to a specialist in Lake Charles for a high resolution ultrasound. Panic quickly set in as Ryan and I realized that our baby may be facing some very scary stuff. Ryan was a rock through it all by being the best support I could ask for. I, on the other hand, was an emotional wreck. The worst part of it all was waiting....
We headed to Lake Charles yesterday to see the specialist and get the ultrasound. We were told that we would know the results immediately. Basically, Neural Tube Defects occur mostly in the spine and brain (Spina Bifida being the most common defect). They also can be shown in the kidneys and heart. After a very in depth ultrasound, the Doctor was able to rule out all possibilities of a defect. We were able to see that our baby had a straight enclosed spine, normal brain function, a healthy heart, and all good other things! In fact, our baby's growth is just a little bit larger than normal - which again proved to be a very good sign. We got a good report - there are no defects AND we have a baby boy!!!! We have never been so grateful. The most touching moment was when the doctor captured a profile picture of the baby's face. It almost looked like the baby was making a little frown...The doctor said that was the baby saying, "Look Mommy and Daddy, I'm ok, so stop worrying."
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Counting Blessings
This past week was one of those weeks where Ryan and I counted our many blessings - a little more than usual. We had an event on each side of our family that was not the best. My grandmother was in the hospital with a bacterial infection. Ryan's aunt had a heart transplant. Our brother-in-law was also injured in Afghanistan.
Needless to say, our prayers paid off. After a long week of family prayers, patience, and support we are happy to say that everything worked out. My grandmother came home from the hospital and is just making jokes and laughing like always. Ryan's aunt is continuing to have improvements with her new heart. Our brother-in-law has now been reunited with my sister and they are getting settled back in the states. He is expected to have a full recovery.
Again...counting our blessings. :) Sometimes it takes a week like this for priorities to be put back in their right places. Family will always be #1 with us!
Needless to say, our prayers paid off. After a long week of family prayers, patience, and support we are happy to say that everything worked out. My grandmother came home from the hospital and is just making jokes and laughing like always. Ryan's aunt is continuing to have improvements with her new heart. Our brother-in-law has now been reunited with my sister and they are getting settled back in the states. He is expected to have a full recovery.
Again...counting our blessings. :) Sometimes it takes a week like this for priorities to be put back in their right places. Family will always be #1 with us!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Never Forgotten
There are some events in your life that will never be forgotten. Today, we all remember a very similar event - September 11, 2001. It's been 10 years...I can't believe it has been that long.
Ryan and I were talking about that day 10 years ago. We both remember exactly where we were - school. We can remember what class we were in and what the reactions around us were. I am sure that many people can pin point this exact memory as well. Ryan and I were some of the lucky ones because we did not experience this tragedy the same way many others did. We did not lose a friend or family member that day. However, our hearts still mourn with those who did.
It is interesting seeing how things have changed in the past 10 years because of that event. For us, our life has taken a different turn. Ryan has spent the past 3 years of his life serving and fighting for this country, along with the millions of other brave Americans.
You know, it is such a wonderful thing to see a nation united in moments like this - where we are all on the same team and we are all effected by the same thing (in one way or another). My little family is taking some time to remember ALL of our country's heroes today. We will never forget 9/11/01.
Ryan and I were talking about that day 10 years ago. We both remember exactly where we were - school. We can remember what class we were in and what the reactions around us were. I am sure that many people can pin point this exact memory as well. Ryan and I were some of the lucky ones because we did not experience this tragedy the same way many others did. We did not lose a friend or family member that day. However, our hearts still mourn with those who did.
It is interesting seeing how things have changed in the past 10 years because of that event. For us, our life has taken a different turn. Ryan has spent the past 3 years of his life serving and fighting for this country, along with the millions of other brave Americans.
You know, it is such a wonderful thing to see a nation united in moments like this - where we are all on the same team and we are all effected by the same thing (in one way or another). My little family is taking some time to remember ALL of our country's heroes today. We will never forget 9/11/01.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
18 Weeks
We are at 18 weeks...almost half way there! Today we went to our 18 week appointment and got another good report. I have great blood pressure and am slowly (very slowly) putting on the baby weight. The baby is also slowly but surely getting bigger. I even had to get some blood drawn this time to test for genetic disorders. It's an optional and common screening test that mothers-to-be get done.
Enough with the medical stuff. The really exciting news is that Ryan and I have started to feel little baby movements!! Although there have not been solid punches and kicks (still a little too early for that) we have experienced the feeling of little butterfly flutters. It is so magical and brings nothing but smiles to my face.
Ryan and I were just talking the other day about how grateful we are to have had such a healthy pregnancy so far. We have both tried to make sure that it is the healthiest pregnancy that I can have and it seems to have paid off so far. I feel great and we have had zero complications with the baby. We can only hope and pray that the pregnancy will continue this way for the next 22 weeks! :)
Enough with the medical stuff. The really exciting news is that Ryan and I have started to feel little baby movements!! Although there have not been solid punches and kicks (still a little too early for that) we have experienced the feeling of little butterfly flutters. It is so magical and brings nothing but smiles to my face.
Ryan and I were just talking the other day about how grateful we are to have had such a healthy pregnancy so far. We have both tried to make sure that it is the healthiest pregnancy that I can have and it seems to have paid off so far. I feel great and we have had zero complications with the baby. We can only hope and pray that the pregnancy will continue this way for the next 22 weeks! :)
Monday, September 5, 2011
First Down
Our Saturday morning started off with Ryan in his BYU jersey and myself in my UNC pj pants and ASU shirt. Yes...it is that time of year again, football season!
Luckily Ryan can watch all of his BYU games on ESPN. Apparently they signed a contract with the sports channel so that all games are televised. I guess you know what we will be doing around 3:30 every Saturday.
Luckily Ryan can watch all of his BYU games on ESPN. Apparently they signed a contract with the sports channel so that all games are televised. I guess you know what we will be doing around 3:30 every Saturday.
Since we don't get the local NC channels, I will be missing many of my UNC games. Sad day!!! There are a few times that I can watch it on the Internet. It's just not the same. So, my football excitement will come from high school football this year! We will be cheering on the Dragons of DHS (the school that I teach at). We went to one of the games this past Friday and it looks like it will be a great season for them! Happy Football to everyone!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Signature Dish
As a newlywed wife, I have tried to focus some of my time on cooking. That is what good wives are supposed to do, right? Now, don't get too excited. I haven't started the bread-maker or anything, but I have mastered what I think will be my signature dish.
A signature dish- I believe that every household should have one. It is the one meal that is served frequently and loved by all. I came upon mine by accident - Stuffed Bell Peppers. I had made them a few times before getting married, but was still tweaking the recipe. I decided to make it one night for Ryan and I - simply because it was cheap and easy. What do you know!?! Ryan loved it and has requested it VERY often. I now could probably make that meal with my eyes closed.
Tonight I mastered another signature dish, but it's not mine. It's my moms Fried Pork Chops! OK, I don't really know if she would consider this her signature dish, but it's a meal that I always remember her cooking and I loved it! Before I got married, she gave me a cooking lesson on how to make this meal. Boy has that paid off because tonight I made it for Ryan. I don't think mine was anywhere near as good as my moms, but just cooking it made me think of home. It was a meal that warmed my tummy and my heart!
I hope that Ryan and I can continue with my signature dish of Stuffed Bell Peppers so that one day I can teach my kids how to make it - and then have them think of me when they cook it (or try to). :)
Note to self - I need to get my Memommy to teach me how to make her Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. I was craving that today and the fact that she is in NC did not help the situation. Sigh.
A signature dish- I believe that every household should have one. It is the one meal that is served frequently and loved by all. I came upon mine by accident - Stuffed Bell Peppers. I had made them a few times before getting married, but was still tweaking the recipe. I decided to make it one night for Ryan and I - simply because it was cheap and easy. What do you know!?! Ryan loved it and has requested it VERY often. I now could probably make that meal with my eyes closed.
Tonight I mastered another signature dish, but it's not mine. It's my moms Fried Pork Chops! OK, I don't really know if she would consider this her signature dish, but it's a meal that I always remember her cooking and I loved it! Before I got married, she gave me a cooking lesson on how to make this meal. Boy has that paid off because tonight I made it for Ryan. I don't think mine was anywhere near as good as my moms, but just cooking it made me think of home. It was a meal that warmed my tummy and my heart!
I hope that Ryan and I can continue with my signature dish of Stuffed Bell Peppers so that one day I can teach my kids how to make it - and then have them think of me when they cook it (or try to). :)
Note to self - I need to get my Memommy to teach me how to make her Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. I was craving that today and the fact that she is in NC did not help the situation. Sigh.
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