Pool Rules & Heavenly Jewels

How is it June already???  This year is going faster than my paychecks did when I worked the accessories section in Belk a few years ago.

I can hear the manager's conversation after my interview now...

Better hire that one.  She's a jackpot for us.

After living in this neighborhood for quite some time I finally took the initiative to pick up our pool pass.  And what were we waiting for??  We've spent a lot of time there lately.

Ok, so even if I do feel like a ship marker some days, it is good to get some exercise.

And swimming is infinitely more enjoyable than the pant and die Body Pump class I took that one time at Gold's...

One of the good things for me this time of year is that my commute is much less strenuous now that school is out.  Just this morning I momentarily questioned whether or not the rapture had occurred.  There was almost NO traffic!

After all, I better be in my seat by 8:00 or else my cubicle will turn into a pumpkin.

To quote Kit Kat..."GIVE ME A BREAK!!!"

Last weekend the Carlson clan came to our house for some fun and adventure.

One evening after a swimming session we went to Chick-Fil-A where Ryan got a peach milkshake. As the rest of us are eyeing it, drooling, Ryan asks, "Do you guys want some?  Because they sell them inside."

Ha!

Chick-Fil-A: where service is top notch but sharing is a no-no.

Nanny, Papa, and Uncle David came over to visit with Jay last Saturday for the first time since Christmas.  They were SO glad to see him and his mop of hair!

We enjoyed a great, home cooked meal that afternoon...

My kitchen appliances can sympathize with Andy's toys...they long for some human interaction.

This may not be what Ryan envisioned when I mentioned "rolling in dough," but his help with the croissants was much appreciated.

Every day Ryan proves another reason why he's the perfect husband for me: #596 includes his impromptu technological training sessions with my grandparents.  He has the patience of Job.

 

My grandfather's inquisitive conversations with Ryan usually go something like this:

"If I were to get an iPad...

Could I then go on youtube...

And twitter?

With the rapid, widespread increase of social media and tech knowledge among this generation, our baby will probably arrive with an iphone in hand.

Look at those fingers!  This child is quite the aficionado in sending emails.

After our meal we enjoyed a delicious "Welcome Home Jay cake," conveniently hidden by this centerpiece.  Whoops.

On Sunday we headed to church with GQ Moody.

June 4th was our second wedding anniversary.  Time FLIES when you're spending it with your best friend and soulmate.  How many people can say that they married their third grade crush??

Ryan completely surprised me that day with an absolutely beautiful flower arrangement and card.

Every day I come home to find that more flowers have bloomed.  It's the gift that keeps on giving!

Ryan got some goodies, too, and a gift card.

The 2 1/2 of us then headed to one of our favorite dinner spots: OUTBACK!

For the record, their "No Rules" slogan is genius.

Cheese fries? No rules.

Extra loaf of bread? No rules.

Ordering off the kids' menu at 28?  This rocks.

Keep up the good work, Outback.

Speaking of God's finest creation cheese fries, I finally broke down and bought some maternity pants this week.

And WHY I didn't discover these sooner is beyond me.  They are fabulous. 

I foresee many future occasions when this article of clothing might come in handy...

1) During a trip to Hudson's all-you-can-eat buffet

2) At Thanksgiving dinner

3) When Wise Cheez Doodles are buy one get one free at the grocery store

The possibilities are endless, just like my supply of 'clutter.'

Ryan has been fuming subtly hinting that I need to clean out the closet in the office-soon-to-be-nursery.  I saw no problem with waiting, but he insisted that I wouldn't feel like doing it later.

I can't imagine why he thought the baby wouldn't have room in this closet...

So one afternoon I took it upon myself to pack up and haul out every dress, shirt, decorative item, stuffed animal, you name it out of there and into a proper place.  Thank you, practical Ryan.

He also told me that I'm not allowed to clean bathrooms because of the chemicals.

But the AJAX and tile cleaner look so tempting...really.

Can I please cue an orchestra???  Can't clean bathrooms?  Next thing you know we'll be eating out 80% of the time...

Oh, wait.

I can't believe that in just a few days I will be 20 weeks along.  That is INSANE!  I of course realize that the second half is going to be the less preferred one...

Get up, Katharine.  It's time for your weekly checkup with the doctor.

I'm to the point now that people, especially my customers, sometimes take a second glance at my midsection and silently wonder to themselves if I'm actually carrying a child, or if I just raided the pantry.  

I keep wondering when I can actually park in the designated "Expectant Mother's" spot at Bi-Lo without getting strange stares.

Our biggest news in the next few weeks will be finding out the gender of our precious baby.  I am completely consumed with knowing.  There are a million reasons why I want a girl and a million reasons why I want a boy.  We'll see what the Lord created, and we'll be over-the-moon thrilled either way.  But for this control freak, the gender suspense is KILLING me.

It was laid on my heart today to say that not a second goes by that I am not extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a parent.  I am fully aware that having children is not easy for everyone.  There are medical hurdles, miscarriages, people that aren't physically able- these are just a few of many reasons.  And even though I'm only halfway there I realize that I'm not out of the woods yet.  And I never will be.

I asked someone recently, referring to my stomach, "How do I know that everything is okay in there???" to which they replied, "You never will.  When your child is at college, begins to drive, goes off to school or camp- you'll never know for sure that everything is okay."  Call me crazy, but that put me at ease.

We can spend our lives wondering and worrying, or we can rest in assurance knowing that He is faithful.  He keeps His promises.  He knows everything this child is going to be and everything it will accomplish.  He also knows the heartache of those who are trying to have children or have been told that for them, it is medically impossible.  And I feel for them.  And I want to do the best, heartfelt job that I can, because with great privilege comes great responsibility.

This is my vow to my God, husband, child, and our families that out of love, reverence, sheer gratitude and thanksgiving I will be the best possible parent I could be.  I will be the best possible parent for those who wished that they could have a child of their own, and I will not take one second with my Heavenly gift for granted.

God bless you, my friends,