Guess what this means?

Yesterday, Ridge and I got to see our son!! Of course, we had seen him last month, but we didn't yet know that he was a him! We had so much fun seeing him moving his little fingers and toes, and we got a good look at his face this time. The ultrasound technician said he appears to be doing very well, and estimated that he weighs about eleven ounces. We got a strip of wonderful pictures, and are looking forward more eagerly than ever to the day we get to meet him!

Oh, and the name?
Sean Wilberforce Mallery.

Pregnant, Petite, Peeker

*the woman in the above picture is not me. Ok, glad we're clear on that.
Well, I'm almost to the half way mark in my pregnancy, and am finally approaching that dreaded point that every expectant woman reaches: facing the prospect of spending a good amount of money on clothes that you think are cute now, but inevitably you will hate by the end of your term. Add to that being petite, and it's become clear that finding comfy- yet stylish maternity wear is going to be a challenge. Am I up for it? Do I pledge to avoid polyester tent-like dresses like the plague? And to keep wearing my (modestly high) heels? And to eat (mostly) right, stay active, and exfoliate regularly? Yes, yes, yes, and yes!
One of my main concerns has been my weight. When I was fourteen, although I never developed an eating disorder, I went through a phase of constantly weighing myself (3-4 times daily), and I know that I don't want to be neurotic like that again. I've always been slim-but-not-skinny, and given that and my healthy BMI, height, age, and maternal history, my goal for pregnancy gain is 20-25 pounds. So far, I'm right on track.
I'd say secondary to that is the concern of clothes. Right now, I finally fit the pair of CK sz 2's that were my too-big jeans prepregnancy. I already have a pair of maternity capris, and I plan on getting one or two pairs of jeans, three or four dresses, numerous tops, stretchy skirts, and the holy grail: a modest and relatively inexpensive swimsuit.
Ridge and I have finalized our choice for a girl name, so now we are prepared for either/or. My next ultrasound is next week, and we *might* find out the little M.'s gender. It's getting pretty tempting, and to be perfectly honest, I'm rather alarmed and appalled at the fact that we've succumbed so soon to the seemingly universal urge parents develop to check out their offspring's privates. Shame on us. Pervs.

Many of you might already know, but last Wednesday, our Jeep Cherokee was stolen. It was already having problems, and when it was found a couple days later, the engine was toast. We were able to get a '96 Ford Taurus on Sunday at the Creston Auction. Our mechanic, Mike Shelley, is going to replace the transmission, and then it will need only a few cosmetic fixes. We are so thankful to Jason Ferguson, for finding our Jeep, Dad Vestal, for letting us drive his Suburban while in limbo, Dad Mallery for bidding for us, Mike, for his expert advice and help, and most of all, to God, for making a way for us.
So that has been our life lately.
And now I need to fold laundry and unload the dishwasher.

A Year Of Style

The 90's were an unkind decade for fashion. We all agree on that vital point. But I found this book by Frederic Fekkai that proves it wasn't all bad. Granted, it was published in 2000, but you might recall that we were all still in intense recovery from the previous decade.A Year of Style is a fabulous book, going through each month of the year, and giving tips on skin and hair care, makeup, health, wardrobe choices, and activities for each one. The bent toward simple elegance is highly appealing, (hey, he's French, after all!) and much of the advice is very achievable. Check it out at your library or order it today.

Peek-a-Boo

On St. Patrick's Day, we went in to my midwife's appointment, and after the preliminary testing and paperwork, we got to see our new little person for the very first time. The midwife's assistant had kind of a hard time getting him* to cooperate, but after a couple attempts, we could see the little beating heart on the screen. With legs kicking and hands flailing around, Ridge insisted that he must be "dancing." The only thing the little M. seemed self-conscious about was his face. We got a couple glimpses of it, and a half-decent photograph of his profile. I'll scan and post it as soon as I get the chance.
With my lack of horrendous symptoms, sometimes I almost forget that I'm pregnant, but getting to see our baby was really special, and made it quite a bit harder to forget. :-)

*we don't plan on finding out little M.'s gender, but in the mean time, I don't very much like calling our baby "it" or "he/she." So I'm using male objective pronouns. If the baby turns out to be female, believe me, we will love her just as much!<3

Happy Birthday to Moi

We celebrated my birthday yesterday, since Ridge works today. First, we slept in- no alarm going off at 5:30! Then we just sat around, played a couple games on Miniclip (yes, we are so mature) and then he let me open my present.
*sigh* I have wanted a pair of Danskos for years, no joke. And he got exactly the color and pattern that I wanted. He put them on me and they are soooooo comfortable! They will be perfect for making my pregnant arches and toes happy all year. He also let me take my pick of Smartwool socks at Sportsman. :-) I'm a tightwad with most stuff, but my feet are a big exception, and does he know it!
We had paninis for lunch at a chocolate shop in Whitefish, and found a great car seat for the baby! We spent a long time walking Whitefish, then went to the Kalispell Library, (leaving with a stack of books) the Kalispell Antiques Market, and got mochas at Colter Coffee. Before going home, we had dinner at Thai Palace. ***** (that's five stars) Back home, I took a long, relaxing bath, we watched Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, and went to bed early.
It was a great day, and tomorrow I get to see my friends and family, which will be lots of fun too!

Upon Another Year

"Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again."
~ C.S. Lewis ~

Being eighteen really has been wonderful, and I am looking forward to what God has in store for us in my 19th year. Thank you to all my wonderful friends and family. For you all I am grateful.
(don't ask why I chose the little laughing kid. it just made me smile)

Wee Bit of Me

{one} what color is your kitchen?since it's a rental, the walls are white, but I like sprucing it up with bits of apple green and cherry red
{two} do you have a good luck charm?
probably my Pampered Chef Mix-n-Scrape

{three} do you prefer to write with a pen or pencil?

always pen. especially Uniball. I love that smooth ink and perfect color. (black)

{four} can you use chopsticks?I usually only use them at HuHot or Genki, but I've gotten a lot faster with them lately

{five} do you prefer baths or showers?baths so I can relax, showers to feel clean and energized

{six} what is your favorite salad dressing?I prefer Ranch, but also really like sesame, and balsamic vinaigrette

{seven} can you sing the alphabet backwards?I've wasted my time in many ways; that is not one of them

{eight} do you have any allergies?not a one
{nine} crunchy or creamy peanut butter?crunchy for my toast, creamy for recipes

{ten} have you ever hitch hiked?

I haven't; hope I won't have to, either

Hooray!

This April, Ridge and I are going to see Fernando Ortega in concert! We have both been fans of his music for years, and have been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time. And now, along with my family, we will finally be going to his concert in Spokane! After that, we are heading south to Moscow to visit Rayia & Jonathan. We had so much fun with them in November, and can't wait to see them again!

Here are the lyrics to Fernando Ortega's song, Sleepless Night. These words have helped me connect to God in times that it seemed there were no words to encompass what I was feeling, and it is one of my favorite songs.

Another sleepless night
I'm turning in my bed
Long before the red sun rises

In these early hours
I'm falling again
Into the river of my worries

When the river runs away
I find a shelter in your name

Jesus, only light on the shore
Only hope in the storm
Jesus, let me fly to your side
There I would hide, Jesus

Hear my anxious prayer
The beating of my heart
The pulse and the measure of my unbelief
Speak your words to me
Before I come apart
Help me believe in what I cannot see
Before the river runs away
I will call upon your name

Jesus, only light on the shore
Only hope in the storm
Jesus, let me fly to your side
There I would hide, Jesus

Some Good Knits

After reading Laurel's post, I was inspired to post on my favorite knitting books. I have been primarily a self-taught knitter. I was taught to cast-on and knit stitch, and everything else has been a very slow process of learning from books. These have been the most helpful.

Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby. I'll be honest: pastel yellows, pinks and greens make me want to puke. These doable designs are rendered in soft, earthy- yet still infant like- tones, and merino, cashmere, and cotton, instead of nasty acrylic. Currently in the works: shell pink "Matinee Coat."

Ridge bought me this one on our honeymoon. Written by Joelle Hoverson, of Purl Soho, there are lots of cute, practical designs in here, and they all seem to be intermediate level knitting. Can't wait to try the baby socks!

And lastly, a fabulous book for those who would like to try socks. Although I still don't have them perfected, trust me, they are much easier than they look.
Happy knitting!

I Love Yoooooooou!

Dearest Spring,

I hope that you haven't forgotten all the lovely times we've had together, and I wish you would give some indication that you are coming soon. The snow and gray clouds here have become so dull, and I am longing for the excitement of your warm breath that brings all the soft grass and flowers back to our land. It's so wonderful every year to see the baby calves out in the sunny fields, and to place bare feet on the ground once more. Oh! And the fresh smell that lingers in the woods after your gentle rain is something no one can ever forget!
I want to watch the brown beds raise buds, and then stalks, and then the beautiful plants. I miss all the colors and smells of the flowers, and the the budding promise of Summer's fruits and vegetables. I can't wait to bask again in the sunshine, and to walk down the lane and find all the little hidden wonders that it brings to life.
Please don't forget to visit us. I hope that you will be here before long.
with love and anticipation,
Hannah