Living la vida fantastica

You would think that the first thing I want to do when I get home from work is update my blog.  Alas...this is not the case.  I generally read, nap, and/or start dinner.  But I make a committment to you that I will blog more frequently during the summer and when Bambino makes his appearance.  

There are a lot of updates and pictures to show.  

Lets start with the updates.  I am now 22 weeks along.  This is more than halfway, for those of you who can't divide 40 by 2.  And being that far along is totally crazy.  We had our anatomy scan a few weeks ago, and it was such a neat experience.  In addition to finding out that Bambino is a boy...we got to see so many amazing part of our lil' guy's anatomy.  The heart with all the chambers, valves etc... the brain hemispheres, the spine, the little bladder that was full (indicating functioning kidneys), all of it was so incredible.  We were in awe of how intricately and perfectly our baby was made.  Definitely a time of praise and thanks to God.  

So in summary, the scan indicated good health, strong heartbeat and he is actually measuring about a week ahead due to his size.   On Mother's Day, I felt the first tap-taps of Bambino from the inside.  And last weekend on the plane to CA, both Ben and I got to feel the kicks on the outside!  Such a fun experience.  I find myself anticipating when baby boy is awake and moving around...the sensation never grows old.  And as a fair warning, if you are nearby when he gets active, don't be too surprised if I grab your hand and put it on my belly to feel.  It's something I get so excited about, and I love sharing the moment with others!  (And on that note, I don't care if you want to touch my belly.  I can barely keep my hands off of it, so I understand the magnetism and have decided that it isn't worth getting annoyed at people who just can't help it either!)  

As far as how I am feeling... This really is a good stage to be in.  I have figured out comfortable sleeping positions.  I have a decent energy level.  And aside from figuring out all the new limitations of my ever-changing body, it has been pretty smooth sailing.   In fact, it has been a test of my faith and trust in God to be okay with the fact that things are going so well.  Fear and doubts keep sneaking in and trying to take over.  Thoughts the Enemy puts in my head like, "You know it can't be this easy.  Something is bound to happen, eventually.   You need to be realistic and prepared because you don't want to be blindsided."   I keep making excuses and blaming those thoughts on being prepared for anything, claiming that it is actually wise to do so, right?   But the whole time, I slowly lose sight of this moment of abundant grace and health and favor the Lord is bestowing on us...and as I think about it, it must be some kind of insult to him to gloss over the blessing and abide on things that aren't even in the picture. Does that make sense?  

For those of you who don't know, after this school year ends in a week or so, I will be done working at the elementary school.  Over the summer I will be the nanny for the family I worked for last summer.  And in the fall, I will get the opportunity to stay home with Bambino...at least for the time being.  I would love to find some kind of part time work to do from home...so if anyone has any suggestions on things that stay-at-home mom's can do to fill time and earn a little extra cash, please share!  

I am really looking forward to being at home with the baby.  Although I have loved my job and it fits me well, I am not a career woman, and I wanted time away from other kids while beginning to raise my own.  And as is every season of life, we step forward trusting God and being flexible and open to any changes he brings along the way!  

Summer has finally settled in Minnesota, and I am so grateful.  The warmth wraps me up and soothes my soul in ways that I am more and more thankful for each winter that I survive experience. 

Anyway, on to pictures!! 

This is from my birthday outing that my dear friends took me on!  

I am very grateful for such a great support network of godly women who are in my life!

Bump from early April (I'm much bigger now)

For Mother's Day, Ben took me to Public Kitchen.  The chef there was the executive chef at Kincaid's when I worked thare.  I have been longing to go visit and eat some of his delicious food (he created all of the menu items here)...and Ben surprised me and took me there!  

SO YUMMY!

Then we took a walk down to the River in Downtown St. Paul.  

I used to live down there and it was so fun to go back and enjoy the atmosphere.

The river is beautiful.

Bambino's profile!  He's gettin bigger! 

The proof that he is a boy!  

Bump is growing!  (Early May)

THEN we went to California and got to spend some time with these kiddos.  So good to see them again.  And boy do they love their Uncle Ben!

Oh how I miss them.  And they are growing up so much!

Little cowboy man happily playing!

love.

And the main feature of the weekend was Joe's graduation!  This kid...so proud of him.

He was so excited.  

And it was good to be at Biola again.  Brought back a lot of memories! 

My sweet sister-in-law Krissa and dear friend Kaeli planned me a baby shower.  

(This is Kaeli and I)

Two of my favorite ladies! Grandma K and Mumzy!

My good friend Katie, who I used to work with in CA.

Decorated so cute.  I loved the "shower" of raindrops.

Post-shower beach picnic!  And don't be fooled, John and Jim are covered so much because John got sunburnt and Jim was preventing sunburn.  It was much warmer than it was in Pasadena. Crazy kids. 

John and I.  It was fun to have him there, even though it wasn't the same without his prettyful wife, Amy.

Mimi and Jim teaching Ender about finding sandcrabs.  

Uncle Joey and Karlina on the rocks.  

This sight is one that warms my heart.  The post-ocean beach cook-out.  It was really special to share this piece of nostalgia with Ben.  Because beach picnics were a huge part of my childhood. 

Mimi and Karlina roasting hot dogs

Tried to get all three of us in the picture, but my arm just isn't long enough.  

It was a beautiful sunset, despite the clouds. 

And side-note...cousin Bethany was hanging out all weekend.  Such a special treat to spend time with her!

These guys make me smile.  they are just so much fun. 

John and Steven. 

Being goons. 

Kiddos and Mimi.  So fun to watch them enjoy each other so much! 

While we were gone, Sierra stayed with some friends who have a dog that Si LOVES playing with!  Apparently her and Lena played pretty much non-stop. 

And so ends this update.  

Life is really good right now and there really aren't any complaints, even though I complain sometimes. 

God is good. 

All the time.