Family Vacation

Yesterday was our first full day back in the grand ole state of Nebraska, home to much better drivers than anywhere on the East coast :) Nick and I had a great vacation out in Washington DC this past week, which I will use this post to fill you in on (pictures will come at a later date).

The first day we arrived out there, after getting our rental car we took a short jaunt up to Fort McHenry in Hanover, MD, which is the fort where the Star Spangled Banner was flown. After that we made the trek to our hotel, which should have only taken an hour, but because of traffic, took about two.

We then proceeded to spend three full days in DC, during which time we saw almost all of the monuments/memorials, visited numerous museums, toured the Capitol, visited Ford's Theatre, and several other things that I can't even remember :) In between each day spent in DC we planned two day trips: one to Gettysburg and one to George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. Nick and I both said that Mount Vernon was probably the favorite thing we did as we got to tour the 8,000 acre farm/plantation, and we also took a cruise on the Potomac River where we saw Mount Vernon from the water as well as Fort Washington.

We were lucky enough to have great weather for the majority of the time we were on vacation. The only day that was a little dismal was the day we went to Gettysburg. It was pretty chilly and cloudy that day, but we still made the best of it and had a nice time :) The day we arrived out East it was around 85 degrees, as was the following day! I think our very last full day there was the best weather-wise because it was in the upper 60's, sunny, and the museums weren't full at all so we could see what we wanted, when we wanted :)

I can tell that Nick is excited to plan for another vacation because he was saying that as soon as we got home, we needed to begin planning for our next vacation, which will include another family member :) Although I had a great time on this vacation, it was a little bittersweet knowing that it really is the last one for just the two of us. This is not to say that I'm not totally excited about having a baby and beginning the family, but I just feel kinda sad knowing that mine and Nick's time alone is coming to an end so quickly. Anyhow, I know that having a family will be great and so that's what I keep reminding myself about on the days I get a little blue :)

As I said, I will post some pictures of our trip probably next week some day that I don't have to work, as I am going to have some lunch and then get ready to head to a (hopefully good) day of work!

And the Verdict Is In....

Nick and I found out on April 2nd (consequently, Good Friday!) that we are going to have a baby GIRL!!!!!!!!!!! Nick had been guessing "girl" since we found out we were pregnant, and I was guessing "boy" for the sake of argument :) However, as we began to get closer to finding out, I just had a feeling that it was a girl. Although you can't count on the old wives' tales to have any truth to them, nearly all that I had been reading indicated that I was going to have a girl, and low and behold, it's true!!!! I think both Nick and I are super excited, and although I'm sure he would've felt more confident if we had a boy first, I think he's really looking forward to having a daughter as he's never been around little girls before (which should prove interesting for him!). Of course I would have been ecstatic either way, I was really excited to find out it's a girl because I think that will help MY confidence a bit because, being a girl, I know a bit more about them.

Nick and I were talking and he wants to take her fishing, hunting, to play ball, etc. when she gets older :) I have made sure to reassure him that kids are interested in the things they are brought up doing and so that just because we're having a girl doesn't mean she's going to be prissy and not like the outdoors, because with both of us being outdoorsmen, how could she not be! :)

We have tossed around name ideas, and since I'm sure no one ever reads this blog I feel comfortable sharing the ones were debating between. Right now it's between Audrey and Emma. I think we're both leaning towards Emma because it has a distinguished and classic ring to it. For the middle name we are going with Rae because Nick's middle name is Ray (his mom's is Rae), and because I don't think Dawn really sounds good with Audrey or Emma. We still haven't really begun on getting the nursery together yet because we need to take my full bed back to mom and dad's, along with our big corner desk. After that we're going to paint the room a soft yellow and put a border a little above half-way up the wall. For the theme we have decided on a baby animal theme :) I thought it was cute, and plus, it can work with either boys or girls.

Dad and Grandpa Kenny have been working on, and recently finished, making some animal cut-outs to hang on the nursery walls, and they look awesome! Dad cut them out and Grandpa painted them, so of course they turned out amazing :) Nick was talking the other day about being concerned because as he put it "Your dad and grandpa are doing something special for the baby. I'm the Dad and so I want to do something special for her too!" So he's decided we're going to the Build-A-Bear Workshop this weekend and he's going to make a special teddy bear for our baby as her first stuffed animal :) I thought it was a super cute idea and think it will be fun!

I still have more to blog about (DC trip), but am kinda tired, so think I will call this good for tonight and will type again soon!

I'm Alive

So it has been nearly two months since my last blog and I am feeling rather guilty for not taking 30 minutes out each week to give an (usually uneventful) update, especially since so much is changing each week with the pregnancy :)

I have been feeling pretty good over the past few months. Am noticing my pants getting a little tighter and have to unbutton and unzip my work pants a bit :) I have also discovered the joy of maternity jeans which are amazingly comfortable! I think finding maternity tops that look right on me might be a challenge because I am smaller framed and shorter than most women and so it's going to be a challenge to find shirts that don't look sloppy. Mom has found some cute shirts for me lately and there's one I plan on wearing to my next doctor's appointment on April 2nd when we find out what we're having, because it says Boy ? Girl on the front :) Mom and Dad are coming up to this next appointment because they're both excited to find out what we're having, as are Nick and I :) Nick is still saying girl and I am arguing boy, just for the sake of it!

Lately I have been feeling a lot of pressure in my lower abdomen, and think I may have felt the baby move, but really don't know since this is my first pregnancy! Work has been going fine, except the long days cause my feet and back to hurt; however, I am making some money that will help us out when the baby's born. This week is the first one that I work every day, and so hopefully it goes good!

Last night Nick and I spent the evening re-doing our Washington DC trip itinerary. I can't believe the tripis coming up in about 2 1/2 weeks! We are so excited and are ready to get away and just spend some time with eachother :) It is going to be a busy trip, but I think we have a great plan of attack and can't wait to see all of the monuments, museums, etc. We're also taking a day to visit Gettysburg which should be really neat! This will be the first trip we have gone on together where we get to fly, which should be a lot of fun! Hopefully the weather is good for us :)

I have to head to work in about 30 minutes, so I should probably get ready. I will try to be more diligent in my blogging frequency for anyone who may ever happen across my blog :)

Employed Once More :)

After two and a half months of applying at, seriously, probably 35+ locations and having a few unsuccessful interviews, I got a call back last night from a Kmart that is super close to our house, offering me a job! Although it is only part time and I will be making minimum, I figure that's better than nothing considering all I have done to get a job lately! Anyhow, I am pretty happy about that, but last night Nick and I were discussing bills and how much we make, and we began to seriously worry about how we're going to pull it off after we have the baby. I have seriously only lost sleep a few times over something, and last night was one of them. However, this morning Nick reassured me that with some serious planning he think's we'll be ok.

I'm not sure if anyone enjoys worrying about money stuff, but last night was the first time I was truely scared. However, I'm just going to work as hard as i can and in the meantime we can think of a plan (maybe using some of our income tax return) and maybe Nick can find another job. This is the first time i have ever really been worried about something and just hope that we can sort it out. Anyhow, the oven just finished preheating so I think I am going to make some fishsticks for lunch :)

A few weeks ago Mom came down and we all went to my first "baby" appointment! Overall I thought it went pretty good. We got back to do the ultrasound after only 5 minutes or so of waiting, and the best part of it was that we got to hear the baby's heartbeat!!!! It was just so amazing, but I tried not to be too emotional about it because I knew Mom would get all weepy, which she did anyways :) They said the baby is right on track as far as growth and everything which made me feel good!

Then we got back to see the doctor who talked sooooo fast!!!!! However, she did answer all of our questions and I was really glad that Nick was back there with me because he remembered some stuff that I missed cause I was so focused on getting the questions I had answered. So our next appointment is February 1st at 2 p.m. and I have to do a urinalysis that day which I am dreading more than anything because they have always been hard for me.

Other than the baby stuff that's going on, I have been applying like crazy to nearly everywhere to try and get a job. I have been contacted by two people, but one position was way downtown and the other was only part-time, so it was a no go on both :( I am hoping that I get an interview soon because it is driving me crazy feeling like I'm not contributing to us and not making any money. I am trying my hardest and just don't understand why no one seems interested in me. I'm a hard worker who doesn't complain, gossip, ect, but still...nothing. Sigh. Well, I had better get back to doing the housework. Will write again if/when anything happens.

Reflection of 2009

I can hardly believe that today marks the end of yet another year. Time seems to go by so quickly nowadays and when I think back on it, so much has happened this year! I am going to appropriate this idea from another blog and fill you in on what happened month by month since I lacked in regular blogging this year ;)

January

Last year for New Year's Eve/Day, Nick reserved a hotel room for us downtown Omaha where we spent the night swimming and watching fireworks :) We then proceeded to go back to our room and watch Dog the Bounty Hunter until it was time for the fireworks to start!

I also started my last semester of college in January with 6 weeks in a seminar class at MOWest and them student teaching the rest of the time with Mrs. Hyatt. It was quite an experience!

February

February was marked with me anxiously awaiting my Praxis results to see if I would pass and offically get my teaching certificate after student teaching. The verdict was in and I passed all of my tests which was such a huge relief!

I took over the full responsibility of teaching all of my classes at Maysville, which brought on extreme exhaustion. Sadly I was already counting down the days to Spring Break and how many more lesson plans I had to make! I honestly thought that was the toughest part of student teaching (the lesson plan making).

Nick and I celebrated Valentine's Day together and I can't remember what I gave him or what I received!

March

March saw me still super busy student teaching along with the added pressure of applying for jobs here in Omaha. I was banking on my Special Education certification to help me get a job, however, was devestated after my first interview to find out that the Praxis certification that was accepted in MO, was NOT accepted in Nebraska, thusly resulting in me feeling as if I had wasted a whole semester in college taking the Special Ed classes.

My friend Kati was preparing for her wedding in June and I went to her bridal shower in March. It was a blast and really seemed to kick off the wedding season for us, although our weddings were still three months away :)

April

April ushered in a much needed break from student teaching! I remember feeling so relieved that last Friday before spring break knowing that I was going to get to spend a week with Nick where we weren't rushed doing wedding stuff and could just enjoy eachother's company!

Towards the end of April Martha and her sister, Teresa, had a bridal shower for me which was wonderful! Nick and I received so many lovely things and plus, it was great getting to see some of my family that I know wouldn't be able to make it to Omaha for the wedding.

May

May saw many changes in my life, but not as many as the following two month. On May 9th I officially was done with college and celebrated with Graduation and a Graduation party which Nick's parents came down all the way from Grand Island, Ne, for! I was beginning to get nervous about moving away from home after the wedding, and was trying to spend every minute I could with my family! Nick and I were working hard every chance we got to get wedding stuff straightened out, and were pretty much all but done with the preparations!

Mom and I spent some time garage saling together, which is a favorite past time of ours!

Nick and I seriously began tossing around the idea of getting a dog after the wedding, and after quite a while of looking for one in the papers and on the internet, I found a Husky breeder in Grant City, MO. We chose a black and white male and decided to pick him up about a week after we got back from our honeymoon in July. We didn't know then what we were getting ourselves into :)

June

Cue the wedding music! This month proved to be a busy one for the churches! My friend, Kati, got married the first Saturday of June and I got married the last, which worked out really good because we were both in eachother's weddings!

Kati and Jesse at their wedding :)

Nick and I take a moment at Kati's wedding to stop for a picture!

After nine months of vigorous planning and preparation, the month for our wedding was upon us. Thanks to Nick's grandma Rosie, we were able to use the larger and nicer room at our reception hall because it wasn't booked! Therefore, we had a kitchen and ended up getting to have a dinner and a much better set up! Ethan and I literally spent all day the day before our wedding decorating the room, tables, etc! It really turned out beautifully, and I couldn't have done it without him! Our wedding went off without a hitch, except Nick kept trying to put my ring on the wrong hand during the ceremony :) The reception was wonderful and everyone had a blast Polka-ing right up until midnight!

July

July began with us in Durango, Colorado, for our honeymoon!

Some beautiful mountains on our drive through Colorado.

Nick in front of the steam engine that pulled our train to Silverton, Colorado :)

Me in front of of Mesa Verde National Park :)

Then the weekend after we got back from our honeymoon we made a trip to Missouri to give my family their souveniers and to get our puppy, Akiba.

August

After applying for jobs in several different places, I finally landed one as a Pet Care Specialist at the Petshotel in the local PetsMart store! It was absolutely a dream come true because I got to play and work with dogs all day!

Nick and I were enjoying training our puppy and he began to catch on fast to the housebreaking and to other various tricks I was teaching him.

September

September began with a phonecall from my best friend, Martha, telling me that her boyfriend proposed to her and they are planning a wedding for later in November! She had been dating him for quite a while and they are expecting a baby, and are due in January!

Nick and I found ourselves on the road quite a bit and made a trip down to Missouri for my birthday. We began discussing wanting to have a family sooner than we originally thought, but were a bit apprehensive as we still wanted to have our "couples" time and were really enjoying married life :) For a few months we let the idea rest.

October

October 3rd brought our first snow of the season, and it was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy to early for our liking! Akiba absolutely loved the snow and didn't know what to think of it as first :)

Mom and Dad hosted a dinner for us at the June Conley Building in Maysville so that the rest of my family who couldn't make it to the wedding could meet Nick. Uncle James cooked the meats for us and everyone else brought a dish. We had lots of people there and I think it may have been a bit overwhelming for Nick :)

Nick and I made our annual trip to Vala's Pumpkin Patch to get our pumpkins for carving.

Nick's is on the left and mine is on the right ;)

This month Nick also celebrated his 29th birthday and I made him lasagna and garlic bread for dinner :)

November

This month ended up being incredibly busy for us! Nick took a week off of work to go back to Grand Island and deer hunt. At that time I made a trip back to Missouri and spent a week with my family. Mom and I enjoyed going to Kansas City and going junking and Christmas shopping :) Thankfully, Nick ended up getting a deer whose meat is sitting in our deepfreezer right now waiting to be ground!

A few weeks later we went back to Missouri again for Martha and Jason's wedding which was really nice.

This month Nick and I spent Thanksgiving with his family and his mom and I went shopping for some good deals on Black Friday :) We also began to talk seriously about having a baby the following year.

December

December 4th Nick and I got a positive pregnancy test!!!!!

Three tests can't be wrong!!!

We then announced it to my parents and grandparents when they came down for a visit the following weekend. They were thrilled and Mom and Grandma bawled :) Nick called his parents and told them over the phone, not wanting to make as big a deal about it to them as they are already grandparents.

December 19th we had our Christmas with his family in Grand Island which was a lot of fun. I spent the morning shopping with his Mom while he and his dad went out and walked some ground trying to stir up deer.

Then we headed to Missouri on Tuesday the 22nd for Christmas. A little earlier than we had planned leaving, but we were trying to beat a major snowstorm that ended up hitting Christmas Eve, and kept us at my folk's house until the Sunday after Christmas :) I am sure Nick was getting bored, especially because it wasn't his own family, but I frankly enjoyed all of that extra time with them!

Just sitting around in the frontroom at Gma's talking :)

The guys playing some late-night poker on Xmas Eve

Christmas morning and Lauren looks sleepy!

While in Missouri for Christmas Nick and I began talking seriously about getting rid of Akiba. As much as we loved him, he was costing us quite a bit of money for boarding anytime we wanted to go somewhere, and honestly, he was beginning to cause me more stress at home for reasons I am unsure of. So while in Missouri I made a posting on Facebook advertising him, and that very day a girl I went to college with said she was interested. Well to make a long story short she bought him and we dropped him off Sunday in St. Joe on our way home. Needless to say, it has been a huge stress relief for me since I am at home all of the time right now.

And now it is New Year's Eve and Nick and I are enjoying ourselves at home. We rented a couple movies and watched Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, and he's playing a Call of Duty game on our new Wii. Hopefully this next year is as good as this year was....and with a baby on the way I don't see how it wouldn't be! Until 2010, later :)

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!!!!

Well nearly another year has flown by as it's but a few days until Christmas! I find it amazing how quickly the holidays and birthdays seem to come up nowadays! I remember when I was little it seemed like it took foreverrrrr for Christmas and such to get here. But now it really creeps up on me!

Tonight Nick and I are having our Christmas together. We originally were going to exchange our gifts and such on Wednesday, but thanks to the unpredictable weather of the midwest we had to move it up to tonight as the weather man is calling for icing and snow on Wednesday, so we are heading to Maysville tomorrow after Nick gets off work. I was afraid that we weren't going to be able to make it to Missouri for Christmas because of the weather. However, Nick suggested going down a day earlier than planned so that's what we're doing :) It is so strange to think that this is the last Christmas that it will be just the two of us! I know it will be just as wonderful next year but am kinda sad to think that this is our first and last Christmas together as just the two of us (for a long time anyways!). I think that is just the hormones talking :)

This past weekend we went back to Grand Island to celebrate Christmas with Nick's family which was a lot of fun! We both got some nice things and I think everyone loved what we bought them! I have found that my niece, Jordyn, is warming up to me more quickly every time we see her! I am so glad and Mollie seems to think that she will want to be my helper when we have the baby and are back there which is neat :) Well I had better wrap it up for tonight. Have to finish some stuff around the house before leaving for Missouri tomorrow! Merry Christmas!!!!