February 28, 2011
Day 5
Challenge: A picture of your favorite memory
Travis was so romantic when we were dating. One time for our anniversary, he fixed an indoor picnic with all of my favorite foods. It was still chilly outside, so he set it up on the floor in the living room! And to make it even better, his mom still had her Christmas tree up so it seemed more like an actual picnic! It was so special and I still remind him that it would be hard for him to ever do better than that! :) So cute!
Day 4
Challenge: A picture of your favorite night
April 24th, 2010- the day I married my best friend! We had a wonderful evening, full of dancing, friends and family, and laughter. I love my hubby!
February 25, 2011
Day 3 (on day 2... lol)
Challenge: A picture of you and your family
Although technically it's still the same day, I'm going to go ahead and blog about Day 3, because tomorrow is jam-packed! :) So.. I have SO much family that I could post about 10 pictures! So I have narrowed it down to one of the Pence cousins (on the right) and one of me, mom, grandma, and Aunt Mo (on the left). Although all of us are a bit crazy and have way too much fun, I know that I can rely on them in all circumstances. When I consider the concept of 'family' it always takes me back to a quote I love; The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other. Loyalty. Love. Joy. Family.
Day 2
Challenge: A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.
My mom is my rock, protector, and best friend. When I've had a bad day, need advice, or simply need a hug, mom is right there with open arms. Even though I'm now married and out of the house, I feel more close to her than ever because she understands my hurts, joys, and weaknesses like no one in this world does. My relationship with her is why I so look forward to being a mom myself. Her strength, enthusiasm, and joyful soul can brighten anyone's day. I am proud to say that I am her daughter!
February 24, 2011
Day 1
Challenge: A picture of yourself with 10 facts about you
1) I am an only child.
2) I love the smell of pig farms.
3) I failed out of swimming class when I was little.
4) I love when Travis comes home smelling like oil.
5) I'm excited to be a mom!
6) I could not give up chocolate.
7) I miss playing softball.
8) I love music.
9) I always fall asleep during my night-time prayer.
10) I wish my dad would get clean and sober.
2) I love the smell of pig farms.
3) I failed out of swimming class when I was little.
4) I love when Travis comes home smelling like oil.
5) I'm excited to be a mom!
6) I could not give up chocolate.
7) I miss playing softball.
8) I love music.
9) I always fall asleep during my night-time prayer.
10) I wish my dad would get clean and sober.
February 16, 2011
Introducing Baby Pence...
This is our first visual of our little person! His head is on the left and his little hand is lifted up right above his head (probably waving at us). Then you can see his little belly and then his legs and feet, which are crossed like he's just hanging out. And yes- I have official started calling our little person a 'he' because that is what Travis and I think it is and want it to be. It was so amazing to see him kicking and punching inside of me! He was squirming around like he's having a good time! Trav, of course, says that he's just learning to shift a car... I don't know about that! :) It was also cool to hear the heartbeat. I teared up hearing those little girgle sounds that our child's heart is already making. It was absolutely amazing! And to see Trav's curiousity and amazement made the whole experience even better! I had tears trickling down my face by the end of the appointment! Our ultrasound lady said that our little baby is absolutely perfect and we will be able to tell the gender at our 20 week ultrasound. This sonogram discovered that we have a different due date than originally predicted- now it is set at August 26, 2011 which is only 5 days earlier than our original date. This means that we are 12 weeks and 5 days! :) So cool! I cannot wait to see our little person again in 7 weeks! February 14, 2011
Excitement for Tomorrow
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| Courtesy of Babycenter.com |
Tomorrow is our first ultrasound and our second appointment with our midwife!! I cannot wait to hear our little baby's heartbeat and to see him/her moving around inside of me! It's almost scary to think that there is another human being growing inside of me! How can one see the miracle of pregnancy and still not believe in a powerful and amazing God? I keep reading the weekly reminders about what is developing in the baby each week and how big he/she has grown. It's simply amazing! For week 11 (which is what I am until Wednesday) states that my baby is the size of a fig. It says that his/her tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums and that some of his/her bones are beginning to harden. How cool! The picture to the right is what they send me each week- showing me just how big he/she is within my body. I love the visual image! It makes me proud of myself for what my body can accomplish! :) Who says women aren't strong creatures? I will upload the sonogram pictures and update you on how everything went tomorrow!
February 13, 2011
Emotions
February 11, 2011
My Chicago Experience
I arrived back to my little home at around 9:30 last night. Travis and I talked about my many experiences as he helped me unpack my bags. These are just a few of the high points of my trip to Chicago:
2) I am one of 8 people in the state of Illinois who are Master Trainers in Matter of Balance, an evidence based falls prevention program! I am proud of this and fully believe in the program's goals and curriculum! I am excited to teach my first class and to train coaches to teach this program to seniors.
3) An amish family sat on the train near me and it reminded me of the love of family and that this world still has. I love watching how amish interact with one another and how respectful they are.
4) I ordered room service for the first time! Growing up, I did not have many experiences with traveling and staying in big hotels. Therefore, I thought that room service was just something that happened in the movies and on the TV. When Travis and I first started dating, his family pointed out that room service is a real service in hotels. :) Therefore, I decided to try it out- I ordered a $13 breakfast and a foreign lady delivered it right to my room! The most expensive piece of toast and bowl of cereal I have ever had, but it was worth it!
5) Two close friends from college took me out to eat! It wasn't so much about the food (because I didn't end up even eating the meal I ordered) but about being able to catch up with them! Thanks girls!
6) I rode the L-train or Metra or whatever it's called in Chicago. I rode it clear around the loop and looked up at the huge skyscrapers in awe. It was facinating, intimidating, and scary all at once. I saw all kinds of people while riding around town and it was really hard not to people watch! :)
7) I can never quite describe the feeling that I get when I'm nearing home after being gone for an extended period of time. I appreciate even more the small, rural area that I live in after being in such a huge, busy city. Although fun to explore and travel to, Chicago (and most big cities for that matter) is not a place that I would want to raise a family or make a home. It seems like people don't have the time to slow down and appreciate the small things or to even be kind to another person- they are on a mission and disregard those who get in their path. I'm not meaning to criticize people who live in big cities or look down upon city-dwellers. Instead, my only goal is to remind myself how wonderful my own life is- here in the rural midwest- where pigs stink, blizzards happen, and community is key to happiness.
1) I walked out of Union Station and had to make the short trip to my hotel. Because of advice from a dear friend, I was able to flag down a cab and make the trip! Yay! I felt like such a big girl! In case you're wondering- this was my first cab ride.
2) I am one of 8 people in the state of Illinois who are Master Trainers in Matter of Balance, an evidence based falls prevention program! I am proud of this and fully believe in the program's goals and curriculum! I am excited to teach my first class and to train coaches to teach this program to seniors. 3) An amish family sat on the train near me and it reminded me of the love of family and that this world still has. I love watching how amish interact with one another and how respectful they are.
4) I ordered room service for the first time! Growing up, I did not have many experiences with traveling and staying in big hotels. Therefore, I thought that room service was just something that happened in the movies and on the TV. When Travis and I first started dating, his family pointed out that room service is a real service in hotels. :) Therefore, I decided to try it out- I ordered a $13 breakfast and a foreign lady delivered it right to my room! The most expensive piece of toast and bowl of cereal I have ever had, but it was worth it!
5) Two close friends from college took me out to eat! It wasn't so much about the food (because I didn't end up even eating the meal I ordered) but about being able to catch up with them! Thanks girls!
6) I rode the L-train or Metra or whatever it's called in Chicago. I rode it clear around the loop and looked up at the huge skyscrapers in awe. It was facinating, intimidating, and scary all at once. I saw all kinds of people while riding around town and it was really hard not to people watch! :)
7) I can never quite describe the feeling that I get when I'm nearing home after being gone for an extended period of time. I appreciate even more the small, rural area that I live in after being in such a huge, busy city. Although fun to explore and travel to, Chicago (and most big cities for that matter) is not a place that I would want to raise a family or make a home. It seems like people don't have the time to slow down and appreciate the small things or to even be kind to another person- they are on a mission and disregard those who get in their path. I'm not meaning to criticize people who live in big cities or look down upon city-dwellers. Instead, my only goal is to remind myself how wonderful my own life is- here in the rural midwest- where pigs stink, blizzards happen, and community is key to happiness.
February 7, 2011
Chicago Here I Come!
I'm heading to Chicago tomorrow for a work training conference. And let me tell you what- this country girl is a bit scared of heading to the big city by myself! I'm taking the train to Union Station and then have to get to my hotel that's a few miles away. That means I have to get there by cab. I've never rode in a cab before- is it really like you see in the movies where you flag them down? How much does a cab ride even cost?! :) I'm sure this is really making me look ridiculous! haha
I'm really excited about this trip for a couple reasons. First, I get to take the train! I LOVE train rides- they put me to sleep! And I get to read on the train, which is a luxury that I rarely have time to do. Second, I get to explore a city I have never been in by myself. Although intimidating and scary, I am looking forward to ordering in a real Chicago pizza and watching TV in a room all to myself! Weird, I know, but some alone time will be nice. (Sorry, hunny!) I'm sure he will enjoy his alone time, also! However, I am going to really miss my Daisy and the comforts of home. I love the feeling of returning home after a short time away- it really makes me appreciate what I have all the more!
I'm really excited about this trip for a couple reasons. First, I get to take the train! I LOVE train rides- they put me to sleep! And I get to read on the train, which is a luxury that I rarely have time to do. Second, I get to explore a city I have never been in by myself. Although intimidating and scary, I am looking forward to ordering in a real Chicago pizza and watching TV in a room all to myself! Weird, I know, but some alone time will be nice. (Sorry, hunny!) I'm sure he will enjoy his alone time, also! However, I am going to really miss my Daisy and the comforts of home. I love the feeling of returning home after a short time away- it really makes me appreciate what I have all the more!
February 4, 2011
Nursey Ideas
Since we love black and red, Trav's mom gave us a great idea- ladybugs for a girl and firefighter for a boy! I love these nursery pictures that I found online!
Baby Names
So Aunt Mo has been on this baby naming kick- giving us lists and lists of names that she likes! Funny! Here is her most recent list:
Boys:
Gareth - Gentle
Rhett - Fiery
Rainer - Strong counselor
Derek - Gifted
Nolan - Noble
Asher - Happiness
Girls:
Emary - Brave
Meenah - Love
Nahla - Gift
She SO cracks me up! I only like one name on that list and it's not even on our top names list. She's trying, though! :) And since we won't be telling anyone the name of our little miracle until after he/she is born, everyone will be waiting a little while. haha I love the support and love everyone is showing us, though!
Boys:
Gareth - Gentle
Rhett - Fiery
Rainer - Strong counselor
Derek - Gifted
Nolan - Noble
Asher - Happiness
Girls:
Emary - Brave
Meenah - Love
Nahla - Gift
She SO cracks me up! I only like one name on that list and it's not even on our top names list. She's trying, though! :) And since we won't be telling anyone the name of our little miracle until after he/she is born, everyone will be waiting a little while. haha I love the support and love everyone is showing us, though!
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