Blessings

This weekend brought a couple of things that were completely unexpected blessings!

>Hanna

Saturday we were a little nervous about Hanna coming our way since we haven't experienced a tropical storm or hurricane since we have moved here. Especially now that we live right by the shoreline, we weren't sure what to expect. But, when all was said and done, Hanna didn't hit our area hard at all. We had some strong winds & rain for a couple of hours on Saturday morning, but no damage and we didn't even lose power. So we were very thankful - the sun even came out by the late afternoon!

>Shopping

By Saturday afternoon we were feeling very cooped up in the house and were ready to get out for a bit. We figured it was a good mall day. We picked a good choice!

I found 2 maternity shirts for $6 each (since I am quickly growing out of all my regular clothes!).

Then, American Eagle had a special where if you try on a pair of jeans you got a free movie ticket! We kept looking for the hidden "catch", but it really ended up being as easy as trying them on, didn't even have to purchase. So we did and each got a free movie pass and now have a free date for next week! Thanks AE!!

>Baby Stuff

This week at 18 weeks I felt the baby move for the 1st time. That was definitely the very best part of being pregnant so far!!! Now I am feeling it move all the time and it is so special!

THURSDAY we go for the big ultrasound and will find out the gender!!! (we will post as soon as we know.)

Our friend Gloria sent us our very 1st baby outfit!! We loved it!

Maybe a subtle hint :), but my family will definitely appreciate it. thanks Glo!!

weekend in Pittsburgh

This past weekend we were able to spend 4 days in Pittsburgh. It was wonderful to get away for a little trip and also see some good friends. For those of you wondering how we picked Pittsburgh, let me give you a brief summary.

This past spring/summer, 3 family units from our church moved to Pittsburgh to start a brand-new church. They had thoroughly researched the area and found that the need for good churches there was very great. They have now been there for a couple of months and things are just starting to take off. Their next priority is finding a building to meet in. For now they are meeting in a home, but hopefully will soon find an outside source to meet together. God has already started to bring new people to the church! We were so impressed with everything we saw regarding this new church. The team is solely focused on Christ building His church and it was exciting to see how God has already met their needs and we pray will continue to do so. Our biggest prayer request for them right now is that Adam (one of the pastors) will find a job (since the church cannot afford to pay him yet), especially one with benefits. Also, that God would provide a meeting place for their church. Joining this church plant is something we are prayerfully considering after Andrew graduates in May.

*********
overlooking the city at night - isn't it beautiful?

have you ever had a sandwhich with meat, fries, and coleslaw all piled on? This is Primanti Bros. and that's how it is! The tradition started for truckers who were on the road so they could get their meal all in one piece!

Stadium where the Steelers (Pittsburgh gods!) play
fountain at Point Park

at a Pirates game! this is our fifth stadium that we have been to. We love visiting baseball games all over!

with part of the Pittsburgh group - Dan, Adam & Adrianne
Sunday - meeting in the Joyce's home

cookout after - Marshall is always hilarious!

we had such a great weekend and thank the Pittsburgh team for being so hospitable and gracious, and taking the time to walk us all over the city! We never thought of Pittsburgh as a cool, trendy, fun city...but discovered that it is a very neat city and actually reminded us a lot of Minneapolis. We know that whether we end up there or not, God is using that team in a great way and we are excited to see what He is going to continue to do.

So we've made it to 17 weeks and as the song says..."I'm feeling good" :)

So...experienced mothers out there - am I carrying low or high and what's your best guess?

What's in a Wives' Tale?

So...just for fun I took an online test to see what the gender predictor was! I really don't put any stock in this, but it was interesting to see their crazy predictions! We still think we're having a boy because we both have a majority of boys in our families...but we'll have to wait and see. 4 weeks till we find out!

-------------

You are carrying the extra weight out front, so it's a boy.

The hair on your legs is not growing any faster during your preganacy, so it's a girl.

Boys are carried low. You are going to have a boy.

Your feet are not colder than they were before pregnancy. You are having a girl.

You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. You are having a girl.

Dad-to-be hasn't been gaining weight along with Mom-to-be, so it will be a girl.

The maternal grandmother doesn't have gray hair (dyed or natural), so a girl will be born.

You had morning sickness early in pregnancy, so you are expecting a girl.

You are looking particularly good during pregnancy. Therefore, it must be a boy, because girls steal their mother's looks.

Since the sum of the mother's age at conception and the number of the month of conception is even, it will be a boy.

You are craving sweets, which means that it is a girl.

Your nose hasn't changed during pregnancy, which indicates a girl.

You have been craving fruits, so it is a girl.

Your baby's heart rate is 140 or more beats per minute, so it's a girl.

You must have orange juice every day, so it's a girl.

You are having headaches, so it's a boy.

Your belly looks like a watermelon, so it's a girl.

You show them the palm of your hand, so it's a girl.

You use the handle of your coffee mug, so it's a boy.

The verdict....

You have a 30% chance of having a boy. And you have a 70% chance of having a girl.

The last 2 weekends we have had BBQ's for those who helped us move. One of the best parts about our new home is that we have space to entertain! Last weekend we had 17 people (the men & families who had helped us unload our truck at the new house), this past weekend we had 12 people of who had helped load our truck in Chesapeake. We enjoyed hanging out with everyone!

ready for guests

the basketball hoop came in very handy
Jordan got creative during h-o-r-s-e! (he's inside the outdoor shower!)
poor Shiloh is not sure why they put him up there :)
chillin'
guys hit the waves after dinner

girls stayed comfortable on the beach!

A few more pics...

We got some more pics from Andrew's parents from the weekend.
The most exciting thing from the weekend that I was waiting to share is that they brought us a piano!!! It was Andrew's when he lived at home and originally was his grandmother's. We haven't had any space to put it - but now we do! We are greatly enjoying it except that it echoes quite loudly through the house. I guess I won't be playing any while Andrew is studying!

---------

They said it would take 4 men to move it...

to the front door...can we get it a little further?
perfect spot...
and one more from the "surrey with the fringe on top"

first company

Andrew's parents came to check out our new digs this weekend. They liked it so much they are coming back for a weekend when we won't even be here. :) We're thankful they get a chance to enjoy the house as much as us! We had a very fun weekend!

we are loving eating on our deck almost every night!

taking in the boardwalk in true tourist style!