Today is the big day (or at least it might be)

Today is the day we might be able to find out if it is a boy or a girl.. lil nervous so excited.. but I am actually curious to get some opinions on what people think about finding out prior to the birth if it is a boy or a girl (as I am going to pretend someone is reading this besides me :) ) . I have always struggled with this decision and for the longest time truly thought I would want to wait until birth as some people describe it as the greatest surprise you can even receive. Danny always argued that what is the difference between the surprise at the point of birth or the surprise during pregnancy and honestly at this point I can hardly imagine waiting. I love wondering through the baby section and can’t wait to start buying a few things here or there and I know my mom is struggling so much with not knowing she just buys both with the through she will just return some of it.. or hope there will be more grandkids on the way (Go Ashley Go!) Well just a few hours til we find out.. can hardly wait!!!!

When a Tornado truly hits home..

I just found out the town, Parkersburg, where my mom grew up and where my several of my family still live was hit with a tornado..
After speaking with the family out there.. Kevin actually told me he watched as the tornado came over the hill towards his house before running into the basement while his house was flattened and he and his wife were in the basement but both have survived and are now in the process of digging out.. literally...
I also spoke with Jeff who was actually driving and saw the tornado and was able to go south of it.. and then spent hours/days digging not only things but people out.. He actually said he pulled 4 people out of the farm right where we turn to go up to the reunion.. He also said that the only grocery store and gas station as well as our favorite little breakfast diner are all gone plus the high school.. However the good news is everyone is fine and in relatively good spirits as I think in the end you realize the value of life as well as the family and friends..... but I think the following email from Jeff sums it up

"Hey all, We got a lot of Kevin and Amy's salvageable stuff out of the remains today and tommorow we hope to get what is left. Today was better than yesterday and hopefully tomorow will be better yet. As Kevin and I were leaving town this evening we saw many piles of rubble where a house once sat and right in the middle was an American flag flying in the wind. That brought my emotions to a high to see the type of people we have here. It won't happen tommorrow, next week or even next month but Parkersburg WILL BE BACK. There are some videos of the town on YOU TUBE.com, I just typed in Parkersburg tornadoes and I got about 10 different clips. Give the loved ones a hug. Love,Jeff"

Update from Asia...

The previous post was sent to me by Steph on 5/20 when she arrived in China (limited access in China to post blogs)...

Since that time, I'm relieved to say that Steph seems to be doing 10 times better than she was on the flights. The flights did a number on her but she sounds much better and is feeling much better too... She will be headed to Malaysia tomorrow for a mini vacation so I'm sure we will have some nice photos to post shortly...

Keep your fingers crossed for Steph as she embarks on yet another flight in the morning...

D

On my way to Asia and thinking little IT doesnt like to fly...

Sometimes I used to wonder why only women could get pregnant – I thought if this were a truly fair world than we could at least alternate but after going through the first trimester and talking to a few other women I figured out the reason – God realized men would not be able to handle it and the world would be without children..

Anyways I am now on my way to Asia.. I must say I had some doubts if I would actually make it on this flight.. On my flight last night to California I managed to throw up a record 6 times on the flight, another 3 in the airport and another 3 at the hotel. I can truly say when I went to bed I had nothing left in my system.. and I actually thought I was over the sickness. People had been asking how I had been feeling and I really thought I was over the fun of the first trimester. So it looks like this could be quite a test.. (Quick update - made it to Shanghai - only got sick 3 more times

I did want to mention that the 12 week sonogram was truly an experience that I hope all of you one day get to experience. Just seeing this little thing moving around and knowing that you created it is amazing and instantly bring tears to my eyes just thinking about (0h yes pregnancy does make you more hormonal than you thought possible)...

-Steph

Week 12 - First Trimester Check Up

We have successfully made it through the first trimester!

Actually, we are now at currently week 14 and while Steph is still feeling terrible most of the time, we are relieved to be starting on the second trimester. We still have a long way to go but the progress so far has been great.

Our first trimester screening went extremely well. The heart beat and other readings were all well within normal ranges. 'it' has begun to grow a face, feet, and hands and is about 3 inches tall. If Steph's symptoms are any indication, this is going to be one active kid :).

We are anxiously looking forward to our sonogram scheuled at the end of May (week 17) when we may be able to find out the sex, assuming our baby cooperates and sits the right way. The moment of truth will soon be upon us... stay tuned and check back for the results in a couple weeks!!!

Week 11 - Trip to Europe

So during my 11th week I had the joy of traveling over to Turkey, Italy and France for work. Let’s just say it was not one of my best trips. To start it all off, when I landed there was supposed to be a driver to meet me but he never showed. Luckily I had printed out the hotel information and was able to get a cab. So after traveling 14 hours and then an hour cab ride, I arrived at the hotel. Then I find out the 85 degrees is not hot enough to turn on the AC at this hotel.. So needless to say I could not sleep all night (I did check out the next morning and go next door to the Sheraton).. The next day I made the mistake of eating some Turkish dessert at the office.. let’s just say I then redefined what a bidet is used for.. hey could not get the toilet seat up quick enough..
I then had the fun of getting sick on the plane from Turkey to Italy.. luckily I did have one good day in Italy and got to enjoy a little of the great food in Milan.. In France, I went back to feeling dizzy and nauseus.. On my flight home they actually offered a free ticket to stay an extra day as well as other perks.. At that point, I don’t think you could have paid me enough money to stay..

Oh I did fail to mention the other fun part of traveling.. due to a family history of blood clots.. the doctor recommended I go on Lovenox (a blood thinner) when I travel.. Initially I thought this was not a big deal until I learned I had to give myself injections twice a day in the stomach.. I did learn ice would help to numb the burning (but getting ice cubes in Europe is not always easy).. plus the great big bruise I ended up with on my stomach was oh so pretty..

Next up - Week 12 - Next Sonogram :)

How do I feel (week 1 to Week 10)

The easiest way to explain this is probably to break down by weeks and just to clarify for those who were like me and did not know how the “week” pregnancy calendar works - the day after your last period is actually considered week one.. so you can actually think every month you could be considered almost 2 weeks pregnant – a great excuse for moodiness by the way -

Week 1 to Week 5 – feel great… no problems with the only change being the beginning of a significant growth in the chest area and a few mood swings which only Danny had to deal with
Week 6- This is the point when things started to go downhill only I did not know it…. I started having cravings for fruit smoothies and lots of them!! Luckily I was on travel in CA where there is fruit smoothie store on each corner. In addition, I started getting tired earlier and wanting to sleep longer….
Week 7 to 10 – The best way to explain how I felt during this time was I was always hungry and there was almost nothing that I wanted to eat. I wasn’t able to keep much down except some fruit and some cereal in the morning… the worst part was truly you are starving but nothing sounds appetizing

next up trip to Europe during week 11…