Hello from Germany!

Hello from Germany..
Here is a pic of some of my favorite ND girls.. what a wedding it was - Carrie was stunning, the event was 3 days of good times and overall a reminder how much good friends mean in life!!! I can honestly say I have been blessed with meeting so many amazing people.. I just wish they all lived in Maryland..

On a another topic.. I thought I would share one of most scary (and embarrassing) travel stories.. So after a 3 hour delay getting out of DC.. I finally made it to London a little after midnight.. and headed straight to get a cab to the hotel.. Well the cabbies wouldn’t take credit cards.. so ran back in to get some “pounds” from the ATM.. well all 3 ATMs were broken.. then luckily changed my only US dollars over at the American Express place (what a ripoff) anyways.. back out to get a cab.. but now of course there is a long line.. but finally get in the cab.. well half way to the hotel I realize I am not sure where I put my passport.. pull everything out of my purse.. my computer bag.. nothing,. Nada.. its gone.. so I tell the cabbie I need to go back to the airport.. however I then realize after I pay him I will no longer have enough cash to get back to the hotel.. amazingly the cabbie feels so bad he does not charge me.. on this drive back I am starting to realize how bad this will be.. I mean I can not take my flight to Germany in the morning.. I can’t go on my trip to Asia as I no longer have the necessary visas.. I mean this would be pure disaster..
So once we get to the airport - I run in like a madwomen.. over to the ATMs to look around.. nothing.. run over to the AMEX guy... and he looks at me with a blank stare as I ask about my passport.. but then says.. what is your name? I said Stephany.. he says oh I just turned it into security.. MIRACLE!!! So yes.. I am now the luckiest person ever!!!

“I’m not fat.. just pregnant’

Sometimes I wish I could wear that saying every day…. I had my first little breakdown on Friday as I realized I had finally have grown out of all my pants and that many of my shirts no longer covered my little belly….

But at the same time I do sit here in amazement that this little boy is growing inside of me…. I am finally truly feeling better and have an appetite and for the first time can say I am excited that I have finally returned to my previous weight and have actually finally put on a few pounds.. I was so nervous going into this last sonogram that my lack of food would have hurt “junior’ but they actually said he is ahead in terms of where they thought he would be.. WOOHOO!!
Well I am off on Thursday to Carrie’s wedding.. then another around the world trip for work (Germany, Singapore and China) so if you get a moment send up a quick prayer for my flights..

16 weeks: Latest photos of Junior

Now that we know it is a boy, we have graduated from calling him 'it' to calling him 'junior'. The chances of me actually getting to name him dan jr are slim, so this is my consolation. :)

It is amazing to see the progression - he has developed clearly defined feet, hands, mouth, and well since he's a boy, a nice package. ;)

The doctor appointments have all gone very well and he is growing quite nicely.
Keep him in your prayers as he continues to grow...

Drumroll please....

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