Couples Retreat 2010

We couldn't have picked better weather for this year's Couples Retreat. It was about as clear and sunny as you could get and the temperatures were nice as well. Check out the view of the mountains we enjoy every day (well, the days it's not foggy anyway!):



Garth and I were able to go up a day early for the retreat this year and spend some extra time together. Since the baby will be so little on our anniversary, we decided to celebrate now instead. On Friday morning we went to a nearby town and walked down by the water. There was a Navy retirement ceremony going on that was neat to observe and we saw lots of interesting ships at the docks.







On Friday night the retreat began. The special speaker was our Pastor (can't get much better than that!). Here's Pastor and his beautiful wife...





And here's us...and baby....



The retreat was just what we needed in many ways. We're thankful that we were able to go!

32 Weeks!

What Have We Been Up To?

Well, it's been quite the winter with sickness and that continues. I was diagnosed today with whooping cough, but I've already passed the stage where it could be contagious. Now I just have to try to get some rest and build up my immune system, hoping the actual "cough" goes away soon. We are still planning to go to our church's couples retreat this weekend. After all, I will definitely get more rest at the retreat than at home with my busy kiddos! Garth and I are looking forward to the time away before the baby comes.

Speaking of baby, I had another baby checkup today and all looks great. I am still measuring 6 weeks ahead of schedule due to all of the extra amniotic fluid. The baby is measuring in the 65th percentile, so thankfully we won't be setting any world records with size!

Sarah's been busy with school and got 5 days worth finished up in 3 days this week so that she can enjoy the weekend at Grandma's house (while we're at the retreat). She is very self-motivated and loves school, especially Science. We are on track to be done the first part of May. She also continues playing the piano and knows her scales better than Garth and me!

Benjamin has become my little helper lately, including washing dishes, starting the dishwasher, carrying all of the laundry downstairs, and helping prepare meals. We are still plugging away at preschool with him. He started piano lessons at the beginning of the year and enjoys his piano practice for the most part. It's exciting to see him interested in music!

Rachel seems to realize that a change in the family is going to happen. She's been pretty clingy during the day and always wants "to go night-night on Mommy". She is also becoming Miss Independent, though, and insists upon dressing herself, buckling the top buckle of her carseat, and getting the bowl, milk, and spoon out for her cereal every morning.

Garth was gone for 2 weeks to Buffalo on a business trip. Those times are brutal for all of us (including him) and we're glad to be back together as a family again. I love the fact that he can work from home most of the time. He's always willing to pitch in and help with cleaning up the house, fixing dinner, or making us all laugh. The Lord definitely gave me the greatest husband for me!

Looking forward, we are excited about our new baby due in April. Garth's parents are also planning a trip back to the States this summer and we're excited about that too! The Lord is good and continues to show himself strong in our lives. Though we never know what tomorrow holds, we always rest assured of Who holds tomorrow.

Another Peek at Baby

I know some of you could care less to see one more picture of the baby, but others (particularly family) care...so here ya go! ;-)

Because of the extra fluid, the doctor is just monitoring the baby closely as we draw closer to the due date. Sarah got to come with me this time since Garth is out of town, but I instructed the tech that she couldn't say whether the baby is a boy or girl! Today's ultrasound showed several things...

1) Baby is measuring a little big (no big deal) at 4 pounds, 3 ounces.

2) The measurements reflect a due date of April 8th (which could be off because of the lateness of this ultrasound, based on the fact that some women have 6 pounds and others have 10 pound babies). My due date from the doctor is April 18.

3) My amniotic fluid is a bit reduced compared to last time. I don't know if that's really important, but I will ask the doctor this next week at my appointment.

4) Also, the baby is now head down which is an answer to our prayers!

Diaper Stacker...Check!

Yay, one more thing completed for baby! This diaper stacker was super easy to make and I just love how it turned out. Now I can put all of the washed cloth diapers in there!

Uncle Ervin & Auntie Sandra

Recently Uncle Ervin & Auntie Sandra came down from Alberta for a visit. We enjoyed meeting them for lunch at Olive Garden and catching up with them. Next time hopefully their two kids (my cousins!) can come with them. Uncle Erv told Benjamin that his friend "Jack" was in his coat pocket and Benjamin was entertained the entire meal, wanting to feed Jack or asking what he looked like and what he enjoyed doing. He's still talking about little Jack!!



This is what Jaden thinks of Uncle Garth when he keeps on taking pictures:



And here's a shot of Rachel, just in her own little world:

Occupying Spare Time

Garth is currently on a business trip and amongst the long work hours that he is putting in, he finds very interesting ways to occupy his spare time. He took his camera and tripod and is having fun practicing new lighting techniques in this picture (which so made me laugh!):