This is the tree in the lobby of our apartment building


Mike got in some good playing time with our little nephews...

Seven months, three moves (and counting). We will be facing another move shortly, and soon after we will likely move once again, depending on the job situation. I suppose that's what life is like at this stage, so I might as well handle it cheerfully. Although my poor back is crying out for mercy. I really need to take it easy and not worry too much if every box is not packed (and unpacked) to my exact specifications.

The real story here was getting across the mountains in winter weather. It wasn't bad actually, despite the very real possibility of getting stuck in some sort of wind storm or blizzard or worse. My dad and cousin came over and helped like champions, loading us up in 4 degree weather! Mike and Pat worked hard too, and I feel bad for them because they are basically exhausted. Luckily, the next week should consist of relaxing and spending time with family. Oh, and Congratulations to them for graduating!!!

Still in Pullman, where the sky was so blue

Going over the passIcy waterfalls,
and Snow laden trees
So I'm happy now, being back in the city that I love. A little sore, and tired, but definitely-happy.

P.S. I'm sorry honey, but this is so you. Like I said, I'm grateful the week is almost over, I can't wait for my hubby to be out of school, it stresses me out!

Friday, the church was decorated:

A beautiful picture of the sunset was taken:

And today, is my bestest friend Sarah's birthday

This little bebe is getting to be quite big. I mentioned yesterday that she is really moving around, and that continues. Last night in bed she had me laughing outloud because it was like she was exploring every part of the inside of me. Ah, such a neat feeling.

Poor Mike is sick. He's got the sinus thing going. Hopefully he feels better sooner rather than later. He really has a busy two weeks ahead so it would be best if he was in optimal health.

Do you know what my favorite snack is right now? Here, I even took a picture because, mmm it's just so delicious. Everything bagel with cream cheese and tomatoes...

I just love being Catholic because we get to hear so much scripture during the mass. If you go to mass for three years, you will hear the entire bible!

So yesterday we had the perfect reading for my blog so I wanted to share:

This reading, along with a few others, were the inspiration for the title of my blog. If you were ever wondering, now you know!

***

There are a few things I would like to remember about this stage in my pregnancy.

As I have been discussing with a fellow blogger, I'm discovering that pregnancy tends to be viewed a bit negatively in certain areas. Don't you think? Even in many pregnancy magazines I have picked up, women often talk of the little "parasites" that have taken up residence in their bodies, and how they can't wait until the end of pregancy. I know that the majority of mothers do love and cherise their children while in the womb...however I think it has become socially acceptable to joke in ways that sometimes diminish the wonder and gift that pregnancy is. Perhaps especially in the third trimester which is the most uncomfortable. Now, I have not reached that point yet, so I have no room to preach about not complaining about the discomforts. I would just like to say that, at this point, I feel that my life, while inconvienced a bit because of growing baby, is more glorious and exciting and wonderful than it could ever be. The suffering that I may undergo is but a small price to be paid for the gift that results. Oh, and I'm sure everyone will agree with me here. This is just something that has been on my mind lately as my pregnancy progresses. So, on to things to remember at 30 weeks:

*I am becoming slightly more uncomfortable. Lou is active as can be now, moving around so much as if she suspects that soon she will become too big to take full advantage of her living quarters. I want to remember how special this feeling is though. I can't describe the loveliness of knowing that there are two souls sharing this one body. I want to remember that now is about when they started to become painful :) Honestly, I am not complaining about it though because again, it is more of a reminder of life, and I would rather experience it than not.

*The wild dreams that have ensued. Many about baby, but also some that I couldn't describe, even if I tried.

*Feeling even closer to my husband. So, kind of like in the first trimester, I've become more dependent on him for support; physical and emotional. Our marriage is being strengthened by my dependency on him and by our anticipation over becoming parents for the first time.

*People noticing I'm pregnant in public. I am big enough so that it's mostly obvious. I could probably still just be considered a little overweight...maybe....well, anyway I don't mind the extra looks and occasional smiles.

*And finally, Fr. Steve just began blessing Louisa during Holy Communion. He just started doing it the week before Thanksgiving, and I love this! Apparently, he likes to wait until women start to show, and it's his way of acknowledging that we are indeed human while still in the womb. Do I go around telling people that my "fetus" is doing fine, thank you? No, she is our baby, and deserves the same human rights as we all do.

Well, that's a long post for you. Actually, it was more for me wasn't it? :) But thank you for reading. I am so thrilled for all of you ladies out there who are expecting, and for those future expectantee's. I know of at least three who read this blog and let me tell you, I wake up every day excited to check the internet to see what has happened!! You are all in our daily prayers.

P.S. The picture above is something else to remember...when I'm at the desk I used to like to sit close in, you know. Louisa is preventing that now, for as you can see, the little nob has started to interfere. I find this really funny for some reason.

Our first Christmas together, Mike introduced me to the Saint Andrew's novena. One says this short prayer 15 times a day, beginning on November 30th (the feast day of St. Andrew) and continues until Christmas...

Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe Oh my God, to hear my prayer, and grant my desires, through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of his Blessed Mother.
Amen

"It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer...will obtain what is asked.
Imprimatur, Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York. February 6, 1897

In the two Christmas' since then, I can attest that it has not failed. Say it along with us and see what happens. (Just be sure you say it in faith - I'm pretty sure that's the key!)

(and no, unfortunately I did not take the berry picture, the credit goes to Carol Sharp)

I can't believe it's already Saturday and therefore our Thanksgiving break is nearly over! The weeks just fly by these days, it seems, and I feel that before I know it I will be giving birth, then as quick as that, Lou will be walking, talking...going to college! Well, I should have time to cherish the moments, but I will need to be really careful to because life truly does zip on by.

I have many pictures to share from my last week. I tried to condense them down but I ended up taking quite alot. Since I'm just relaxing now at my grandma and grandpa's while Mike does hw, have the time to sit down and upload them. Enjoy!

Grandma showing us pictures of her trip to Switzerland (Mike should have more pictures of her, for some reason I just have this one)

Mike skipping rocks on the beach

Who doesn't love the ocean?

The three of us :)