a Return and a Birth

It has been nearly two and a half years since my last blog post. I don't know how all those mommy bloggers do it. The thing is, I miss having a blog. I don't care who reads it, but I like the record that it has become for my life. I want to get back to it as a sort of online diary. I have such a poor memory, but there are so many amazing moments that I would love to remember. Hopefully getting back to blogging will help.

The first thing I want to capture for memory is the birth story of our second baby.

It took seven months to get pregnant the second time, but it wasn't as difficult as the first time around because this time I expected it to take a while. I didn't want to find out if the baby was a boy or girl because I thought the surprise would help make a second pregnancy more exciting. I had a strong feeling it was a girl though. Coming up with a name was even more difficult this time around, partly because we tried to find both a boy and girl name we liked. Michael came up with Naomi about three weeks before my due date, and I liked that it was normal yet not popular and that it means "pleasant." Michael liked that she would have all the vowels in her name full name. For a boy, I really wanted Oliver, but Michael wasn't fully on board and we didn't have a middle name.

Ten days before my due date, my in-laws arrived to help out. That was also the first Sunday of my spring break from school. My brother-in-law and his wife arrived that Tuesday to visit as well, so it was a full house. Unfortunately, it was also a house full of the norovirus. Somehow, I didn't get sick. Praise God! At my 39 week appointment that week I was dilated 2cm, and I started having random contractions throughout the week. I was also trying to spend every free minute finishing the yearbook and grading research papers as both needed to be completed by the end of spring break. Friday, March 20, I spent several hours grading the last of the projects and having moderate irregular contractions at the same time. I had hoped to see Insurgent that Friday night, but with everyone getting sick and the grading hanging over my head, I decided we should all stay home. I finished my grades by 8pm, and the contractions also subsided. After watching a little TV, we all went to bed. At about 1:00am, I woke up with a painful contraction but went back to sleep. Ten minutes later I woke up with another one. I continued to fall asleep and then wake up to a contraction about every 10-20 minutes the rest of the night. I kept waiting for them to get closer together, but there were times where I wished I could go to the hospital and get an epidural because they hurt so bad. That should have been my clue to call the doctor or even just head to the hospital, but I kept waiting to reach the 5 minute mark between contractions because I didn't want to get turned away in the middle of the night. Just before 6am, Joel came to our room and woke Michael up. He heard the way I was breathing and asked if we needed to go. I got up to go to the bathroom, had another contraction and then another one right after it. I said, "Yes! Grab the bags. I'll meet you in the car." He quickly woke up his parents, handed Joel over and grabbed our stuff. I was running out the door trying to hold back my screams. The contractions were coming every minute; there was barely time to recover from one when the next one would start. I knew there wouldn't be time for an epidural and only hoped there was time to get to the hospital. I felt like it was a scene from a movie with Michael speeding and me screaming. We must have reached the hospital by about 6:20am. A guy in the emergency room rushed out with a wheelchair and hurried me to triage. I remember feeling so grateful to have made it into capable hands and for the nurses who were coaching me to breathe through each contraction. I was not prepared for this. In triage I was already 9cm, so they rushed me to labor and delivery. Somehow my doctor made it in time and showed up shortly after we did. I told her I felt ready to push, so she broke my water and told me to go for it. After just a couple pushes, the baby was out and they were telling me she was a girl. I was so surprised and elated that my feeling was right. Naomi Grace was born at 6:52am on March 21 weighing 6lbs. 11oz. She was so much smaller than Joel when he was born. I couldn't believe how tiny her little hands and feet were. With all the adrenaline pumping through me, I couldn't stop shaking for an hour after she was born, but I held her close anyway. I was shocked how fast it all happened and how different it had been from my first delivery. The immediate love and amazement was the same though. I am so thankful to God for this little miracle.

Ready for the Weekend

This was the kind of week that ended with me at the Starbucks drive-through instead of the gym after school.  I feel like I have not had down time in days, and I just wanted an iced coffee (despite the 13 degree temperature outside) and a few minutes to sit on the couch and veg. Fortunately, Joel fell asleep on the way home and is taking an unexpected late afternoon nap.

While I would love to go to bed around 9:30, every night this week I didn't get to crash until nearly 10:30. Joel has been getting up around 3:00 or 4:00am for several weeks (after four months of sleeping 6pm-6am), so that has been rough on my sleep too. Second semester started two weeks ago, and I have a new schedule and new responsibilities that have kept my head spinning. Today I had an Ohio State student shadow me, and I took my yearbook editors to the middle school to recruit 8th graders for next year's staff. I was also working on a surprise project for a co-worker. It was not a typical day but a fun one. I love my job and feel so blessed to work at something I enjoy. When I get up in the morning and head out the door, I never dread where I am going or what I am doing. All the same, I breathe a huge sigh of relief when that final bell rings at 2:42pm on Friday, and I count down the days to summer vacation.

Teach Mom Run

A friend of my friend writes a blog called Teach Mom Run. Hello! I'm in all those clubs too. What I want to know is how she has time for her blog. I have wanted to start blogging again for at least a month. I even thought about making it a New Year's resolution to blog more, but I have struggled to find both time and words. So much has been happening in my life since I was last blogging, and I miss writing about it if for no other reason than I have a terrible memory, and a personal blog is a perfect way for me to keep track of life and go back to remember and reflect.

Part of the writer's block is the guilt I feel when I tell myself that I need to catch up on everything I have missed in the last seven months, so I am letting that go. I am starting here, today, now. We'll see what happens.

Hocking Hills

With the in-laws in town, we decided to treat them to a couple nights in Hocking Hills. Only an hour from home but featuring secluded cabins, hiking, and hot tubs, it seemed the perfect place for the whole family to get away for baby's first trip.

Our first of two nights was stormy with lots of wind, rain, and thunder. Though our cabin had a complete kitchen, the power went out as Michael was in the middle of cooking dinner. The weather also kept us from using the charcoal grill outside, so we settled for sandwiches and decided to "tough it out" without power or water for the night. Fortunately, the lights came back and the water started pumping again at 8:00 the next morning, so we were able to stay for the second night too. We spent the day hiking around Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls. Both Joel and Polo enjoyed the experience.

 

Michael and I went hiking on a day trip to Hocking Hills last year for our anniversary, and we were sad that due to Ohio's lack of rain this season, much of the creek and falls were dried up. His parents just did not get the same experience we had.

 

May 2011 vs. June 2012

Nevertheless, with good company and good spirits (and of course that hot tub!), we had a lovely time.

What's in a Name?

Maybe deciding on a baby's name is easy for some people, not these people. Michael and I had a difficult time finding a name that we both really liked. Because I'm crazy like this, I created a spreadsheet of potential names with columns for popularity ranking, meaning, and our individual feeling about each one. I was hoping to find something Biblical and/or literary while Michael wanted something that had personal significance. We both hoped to stay out of the top ten list. So, while I really liked Jacob, the fact that it is currently ranked #1 and means "supplanter" took it out of the running. Other names were vetoed simply because one of us didn't really love it. There is a lot of pressure when it comes to deciding what someone is going to be called for the rest of his or her life.

I thought that I had done a pretty thorough search of the Bible and pulled out all the potential candidates, but in late January I was reading Hosea during my quiet times. When I finished, I turned the page to the book of Joel and immediately thought, "Joel! Why haven't I ever considered Joel?" I emailed Michael later that day from work to ask him his opinion. His response:

"I like it. a lot."

Joel was ranked #115 in popularity, and according to babynames.com means "God will be willing."  I loved that meaning because during the nine months it took us to get pregnant, and even in the months leading up to our trying, I constantly prayed for God's will in our ability to conceive and for Him to bring everything together to create the child that He wanted us to have if it was His will for me to get pregnant at all. Michael also really likes Billy Joel and was personally named after a famous musician, so the name has some personal significance for him.

Even after that we were not quite ready to commit. Michael wanted to keep our options open, but I kept pestering him to make a decision. Finally in April we decided to stick with...

Now it was on to the middle name.

Since I teach English and love to read, I hoped to find a name of literary importance. Unfortunately, I could not find any suitable names based on my favorite books or authors. Clive Staples, really? Mr. Darcy... I think not. Frodo? Nope, my computer already claims that name :) We also considered names based on places to which we traveled, and it just so happens we had been to Boston shortly before our little dumpling was conceived. While there, we visited the homes and grave sites of several famous American writers including Ralph Waldo Emerson, so I suggested Emerson. It took Michael a long time to come around to that one, especially since I had to admit I had not really read anything by Emerson before. To build my case, I downloaded some of his work to my Kindle, started reading, and found some good stuff.

"Life is too short to waste
In critic peep or cynic bark,
Quarrel or reprimand:
'T will soon be dark;
Up! mind thine own aim, and 
God speed the mark!"
- Mithridates

"Again I saw, again I heard,
The rolling river, the morning bird;-
Beauty through my senses stole;
I yielded myself to the perfect whole"
 - Each and All

About three weeks before my due date, we finally agreed on Joel Emerson, and we are very happy with it. We've also gotten a lot of compliments on it since he was born, so (if everyone's being honest) our friends and family also like it. Yay!

Thanks to our dear friend Katie for making these beautiful letters for his room.

Footnote: I later discovered that a more accurate meaning of Joel is actually "the Lord is God," but I like that too.

Recently Arrived: Joel Emerson

Nothing like the birth of your first-born child to get you blogging again...

I was pretty confident that May 31st was my due date, but officially (aka according to my doctor) it was May 28th. Either way, I figured baby wasn't coming until June because I had heard most first-time moms go past their due date.  I'm not sure of the validity of that rumor, but it turned out not to apply to me.

On Monday, May 21st, I subbed for a math teacher at Coffman High School. It was a relatively easy day of work, and when I finished I stopped at a friend's house to chat before heading to my 39 week OB appointment. After the typical blood pressure/weight check and an extremely uncomfortable cervical check, the doctor determined that I was not dilated yet and sent me on my way. I made my 40 week appointment with the receptionist who said, "If I see you next week..." I replied, "Don't worry. I have a feeling you'll definitely be seeing me." From there I went straight to the gym for my Monday BodyVive class, a low-impact whole body group fitness class. That evening I was feeling especially uncomfortable, but I attributed it to that lovely cervical check and possibly my workout. As I crawled into bed at the end of the day:


Michael: "You're going to have the baby tomorrow."

Me: "Don't do that. Don't do one of your prophecy things where you say something and then it happens."

At 5:15 a.m., I woke up to go to the bathroom and discovered that my water had broken. At least I was pretty sure, but since the nurse at our birthing class told us that it is common for women to mistake the baby squeezing your bladder and causing you to leak with the bag of waters breaking, I thought I'd wait a while. I fed the dog, let him out, and picked up around the house just in case, and then, sure enough, I experienced a mini gush of "water." After waking Michael up with the news, I finished packing our hospital bag. We ate a quick breakfast, got ready, and quickly headed to Dublin Methodist Hospital.

In triage, the nurse was getting ready to run a test to confirm my water had broken when there was a big gush, and she said, "Yep, that's your water. Let's get you up to labor and delivery." We had arrived at the hospital shortly before 7:00am, which meant the nurses were just going through a shift change.  I was very encouraged when my labor and delivery nurse, Kristy, told me it was her goal to get the baby delivered before the end of her shift. 

shortly after arriving in L&D

sitting on a birthing ball, breathing through a contraction

 The doctor started me on pitocin around 9:00am because my contractions were not getting regular or very strong. That seemed to do the trick and moved things along quickly. When the midwife checked in on me around 10:00 and I was at 4cm, she said I could get an epidural anytime and should not be concerned with it interfering with my progress. I held out a little while longer but called the anesthesiologist in by 10:40. While I am impressed by women who want a natural birth and have to give them props, I am SO glad I went for the epidural. Just watching those contractions on the monitor and not feeling them was ah-mazing :D  Each time the nurse came by, she helped me move into a new pose to try and get the baby moved into the optimum birthing position.

checking my email while sitting in one of the various poses

The next several hours passed by without much ado thanks to the drugs; it was actually quite boring. Unfortunately, I did not get cell service so I couldn't really text or call anyone unless I had Michael take my phone over to the window. We mostly passed the time just chatting and hanging out.


By 2:45, the nurse said I was 10cm and ready to push. An hour and fifteen minutes later, at 4:00pm, Joel Emerson was born weighing 8lbs. 3oz. and measuring 21in. - absolutely perfect in my eyes. 

love at first sight

Except for happening a week early, the whole labor and birth process were about what I expected. In fact, it was probably easier and less hectic than I anticipated. Michael was incredibly supportive. We both fell in love immediately. I was amazed at how much I wanted to cuddle and kiss this little person I just met and who still had residue all over his head and body and was screaming in my face.

The following day was our three year wedding anniversary. Even though the hospital food was pretty good, Michael ran out to get us Chinese food to celebrate. He brought back three fortune cookies, so Joel got his very first fortune at only a day old:

After two nights in the hospital, on May 24th, we took our new little bundle of joy home. We feel so blessed and thank God for His goodness and provision.

Cut Off

For Lent, I decided to give up social media (Facebook, Twitter, online chat rooms/communities). As luck, fate, or God's intervention would have it, my cell phone broke on Fat Tuesday. I am now on day three of feeling completely cut-off. As I sit here and think about how bored I am, I remember that the point of this sacrifice is not so that I check my email more; it is to shift my focus outside myself to God and to my neighbors. I would like to take the time I normally spend online in social media outlets and use it to read, reflect, and pray. So, I should probably stop writing this post and get to it ;)

New Year's Resolutions

Just when so many people are ready to give up on their New Year's resolutions*, I figure it is a good time to share mine. It is a fairly well known fact that writing down one's goals greatly increases the likelihood of achieving those goals. In 2011, I wrote down three resolutions and kept two of them. For 2012, I figured I would not only write them down but also share them with you in the hopes of increasing my success rate to 100%. Last year's goals were all health and fitness related, but this year I wanted to expand into other areas of my life as well. After some thought, I came up with the following four resolutions:

1. Memorize 26 verses of scripture 
The psalmist says, "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11). Memorizing God's Word is not only helpful in battling sin, but as Chuck Swindoll wrote, “No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61). At first I wanted to memorize one scripture verse a week, but I thought that was an unrealistic goal for myself (knowing me). I decided on one every other week instead. This may not seem like much, but it is a big step from the zero verses I have memorized in the last several years.

2. Run 500 miles
Last year's running goal was to complete a half marathon in 2:15, and I ran the Cap City half in May in 2:04. Because of the pregnancy, I did not think focusing on time would be a good idea this year, so I made a distance goal instead. Five hundred miles averages out to 9.6 miles per week. I have decided that during the later stages of pregnancy and in the first few weeks after giving birth, I will count miles walked as a way to stay motivated and moving even if I can't keep up a running pace. I also hope to train for the Columbus half marathon in October, which will help get my mileage back up, but I will only be concerned with finishing not time.

3. Lose the baby weight
I don't know how much weight I will end up gaining by the time the baby comes, but I hope to keep it to the recommended 25-35 pounds. I will have seven months then to work off whatever is left after the little guy is born. I think this seems a reasonable goal and time frame.

4. Read 40 books
Last year I read 49 books (without a goal in mind), but I don't know how having a newborn in the house and being a new mom will affect how much time I have to read. I also really, really hope to be in a full-time teaching position in the fall, which would naturally take up quite a bit of my time. With those things in mind, I figure I will not read as much as I did last year, but I would still like to keep my goal high and push myself to find the time for myself and one of my favorite pastimes.

*actually, January 17th is apparently the time to give up on resolutions as it is Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day

November and December Book Reviews

Title: The Son of Neptune

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult

Rating: ****

I'm hooked on Riordan's mythology-based series. First, there was Percy Jackson & the Olympians now there is The Heroes of Olympus. The Son of Neptune is the second book in the series, and I was lucky enough to borrow it from a 6th grade teacher's classroom library. A light and easy read full of the same mythological references as his other books, The Son of Neptune was enjoyable from beginning to end. I am already looking forward to the next one.


Amazon Book Description: Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.
Frank is a klutz. His grandmother claims he is descended from ancient heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn’t see it. He doesn’t even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery—although not good enough to help the Fifth Cohort win at war games. His big and bulky physique makes him feel like a clumsy ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely—enough, even, to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the “other” camp for half-bloods and extending as far north as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all of whom are destined to play a part in the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven. 

Title: Crossed

Author: Ally Condie

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult

Rating: ***

Yet another young adult series that I feel compelled to finish. I read Matched over the summer, and Crossed is its sequel. Yet another young adult dystopian series, this one is not as good as Hunger Games, but it is still entertaining. I'd recommend it if you really like the genre.


Amazon Book Description: The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Title: The House of the Scorpion

Author: Nancy Farmer

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult

Rating: ****

This book is one of the freshman choice novels, and I would like to eventually read all the books on their list. House of the Scorpion deserves its accolades, including National Book Award. Not only is the story compelling and interesting, but the characters are dynamic and well-written and the opportunities for discussion abound.

Amazon Book Description: From the unique combination of the timelessness of an old and seemingly forgotten world deftly mixed with the futuristic reality of a brave new world comes a chilling tale of ethics and mortality that is thought provoking and macabre, and yet strangly fascinating...Is this the way of the future? Matt is six years old when he discovers that he is different from other children, from other people. To most people Matt isn't a boy, but a beast, dirty and disgusting. But to El Patron, lord of a country called Opium, Matt is the guarantee of eternal life. El Patron loves Matt as he loves himself - for Matt is himself. They share the same DNA. As Matt struggles to understand his existence and what that existence trully means, he is threatened by a host of sinister and manipulating characters, from El Patron's power-hungry family to the brain-deadened eejits and mindless slaves that toil Opium's poppy fields. Surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards, Matt longs for escape. But even escape is no guarantee of freedom because Matt is marked but his difference in ways that he doesn't even suspect.

Title: Close Your Eyes

Author: Amanda Eyre Ward

Genre: Fiction

Rating: ***

I cannot remember why I put this book on reserve at the library, but when it came in, I went ahead and read it. Though it was well-endorsed by many popular authors, I found it merely a satisfactory read. It was interesting but not a page-turner.

Amazon Book Description: In Close Your Eyes, the author of the bestselling How to Be Lost spins another mesmerizing tale of buried family secrets.

For most of her life, Lauren Mahdian has been certain of two things: that her mother is dead, and that her father is a murderer.

Before the horrific tragedy, Lauren led a sheltered life in a wealthy corner of America, in a town outside Manhattan on the banks of Long Island Sound, a haven of luxurious homes, manicured lawns, and seemingly perfect families. Here Lauren and her older brother, Alex, thought they were safe.

But one morning, six-year-old Lauren and eight-year-old Alex awoke after a night spent in their tree house to discover their mother’s body and their beloved father arrested for the murder.

Years later, Lauren is surrounded by uncertainty. Her one constant is Alex, always her protector, still trying to understand the unraveling of his idyllic childhood. But Lauren feels even more alone when Alex reveals that he’s been in contact over the years with their imprisoned father—and that he believes he and his sister have yet to learn the full story of their mother’s death.

Then Alex disappears.

As Lauren is forced to peek under the floorboards of her carefully constructed memories, she comes to question the version of her history that she has clung to so fiercely. Lauren’s search for the truth about what happened on that fateful night so many years ago is a riveting tale that will keep readers feverishly turning pages.

Not All About the Baby

I have been wanting to blog for a couple weeks now, but I just could not seem to get my creative juices flowing. You see, I feel challenged. I do not want my blog, or my Facebook wall, or my life to be all-consumed with baby stuff just because I am pregnant. However, the thing about being pregnant is that it does tend to become the center of attention in your life. It tends to be the first thing people ask about when they see me or talk to me. It takes up a substantial amount of conversation time with my husband, friends, family, and co-workers. I don't really mind, but I also feel like I don't want it to be the only thing I talk about. I imagine it is not the most exciting thing in everyone's life just because it is in mine. In spite of the fact that it is the most exciting thing in my life, it is by no means the only thing going on. I am still reading (and not all baby books!), running, working, watching movies, playing games, going to church, traveling, leading a Lifegroup, etc. So why can't I seem to find anything to write about? I would love to write a post about our Christmas vacation in Arizona. I would love to write a post about the books I read in November and December. I would love to write a post about my New Year's resolutions. I just have not done it. Yet... I suppose it's never too late, so perhaps I will get to that this week. Then maybe I can tell you something else baby or pregnancy related and not feel too guilty about it.

October Book Reviews

*Only two books in October? I don't know why it took me so long to post this.

Title: Life of Pi

Author: Yann Martel

Genre: Fiction

Rating: ****

Life of Pi had been on my radar for years because I had heard it was a good book, especially for book clubs and discussions. What really moved it up on my list though was having it recommended to me by high schoolers. Last May I subbed in for an AP English teacher who was on maternity leave. As the kids had already taken the AP exam, I decided to do activities with them centered around creating or renewing their love of reading. I learned that their favorite book that year had been Life of Pi, and they all encouraged me to read it. That did it for me. 

All I knew about the plot before reading it was pretty much what I learned from the flap copy. Basically, there was a boy, a tiger, and a raft in the middle of the ocean, and the book was supposed to make me believe in God. That's a pretty big assumption to make about any book, but I already believe in God, so it is hard to say what effect this book would have on me if I did not. It was thought-provoking though, and I enjoyed the plot. Pi is a boy who grows up in India, whose father is a zookeeper, and who follows Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. When the ship carrying him from India to Canada blows up, Pi finds himself alone on a life raft. Alone that is except for an injured zebra, a hyena, an orangutan, and a tiger.

I thought this book was going to be purely philosophical, perhaps just the boy's musings about the meaning of life as he is stranded on the raft. However, it is actually a really good story with a real plot and some decent action. While it is philosophical, it is not overtly so. It makes you think but doesn't tell you what to think. The kids were right.

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult

Rating: ****

This one was recommended to me both by high school students and fellow English teachers, so I checked it out from the library.

Before committing suicide, Hannah Baker creates seven cassette tapes with thirteen stories for thirteen people explaining her thirteen reasons why she did what she did. Clay Jensen is one of those people, one of those reasons. As he listens to the tapes and follows the map that Hannah also left behind, the reader is sucked into a story that is sad yet compelling. I couldn't put it down.

Xiǎo Jiǎozi (Little Dumpling)

First, the amazing, awesome, exciting news - there is a half-Asian bun in my oven! Yep, that's right, people, I am pregnant.

Baby Yuen aka "Dumpling"

Next, let me answer a few FAQs:

1. When are you due? May 31, 2012
2. Will you find out what you're having? Yes, in January. And yes, we will let you know.
3. Do you have a name picked out? Not yet, but it will be a secret anyway.
4. How have you been feeling? Fortunate, excited, blessed... and very lucky not to have any nausea! I have had days where I get VERY tired, and I get up about three times a night to go to the bathroom, but I have otherwise had a pretty easy time of it so far. (Please don't hate me!)
5. Was this expected/were you planning it? Yes, very much so. It took longer than either of us expected, but I know it has happened in God's perfect timing. Though I struggled with patience, I also prayed continuously throughout the process and trusted God and His plan for our family. That did not always make it easier, but it gave me peace, hope, and joy when I otherwise would have felt lost and alone. As in all my struggles in life, I can see how God used this to draw me closer to Him and build my trust and faith in Him. Additionally, this experience has helped my marriage grow and mature as well. We are both really looking forward to this next chapter of our lives.

I would be more than happy to answer any other questions you might have. Ask away...

Family Trip to Chicago

We were fortunate to be invited to my cousin's wedding in Chicago in October, and we decided to make a vacation out of the trip. After a six hour drive, we reached our hotel in Bensenville. In an effort to save money on a hotel, we chose to stay in the suburbs and take the L into the city every day. This is not something I would recommend or repeat. Each day, we ended up spending at least an hour and half just commuting. Oh well, you live and learn, right?

That first night, Michael and I went into the city for dinner at Frontera Grill, a Rick Bayless restaurant. For an appetizer we shared a queso fundido, which was a dish of melted cheese with chorizo and roasted peppers served with fresh house made corn tortillas. For dinner, I ordered chicken tacos, and Michael had pork loin in green mole with microgreens and toasted seeds. The food was fresh, high-quality and authentic. It was not your typical Mexican restaurant, and I would definitely recommend checking it out. The menus change monthly. Though it had been raining during our commute and meal, by the time we finished eating the rain had stopped, and we were able to walk around downtown and explore in the lovely, crisp autumn air.

The obligatory picture of "The Bean" (officially known as Cloud Gate)

On Friday morning, we met up with my mom, brother, aunt and uncle to travel into the city together. It was my uncle's first time taking a subway-like train. We met my grandma and other uncle at their hotel downtown, and then we headed over to Lou Malnati's for a classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza for lunch. The pizza was okay, but I definitely prefer New York City-style pizza; it's one of the things I miss most about living there.

Uncle Tom's first time on a metro railway system

My mom, brother, Michael and I enjoyed a bus ride out to Lincoln Park Zoo (free zoo!) and wandered around looking at the animals. That was followed by a chilly walk to the Lake Michigan beach and then some much needed warmth and comfort at Starbucks. We had dinner that night at an Indian/Pakistani restaurant that seemed to be favored by cabbies. It was cheap and fast, but I thought the food was just okay.

Beautiful Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park

Lake Michigan

On Saturday, the four of us (plus Austin's girlfriend, Brittany) drove to the Museum of Science and Industry, which was having a special Dr. Seuss exhibit. It was a really cool museum, something I would highly recommend to others.

Standing in front of a scale model version of Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry

Just goofing around

After the museum, we headed back to the hotel to get ready and go to the wedding, which was at the Joffrey Ballet in downtown Chicago. The ceremony and reception were both beautiful and classy. It was my first time attending a Jewish wedding, and I really appreciated some of the different traditions and the Hebrew prayers. I wish I had taken more pictures, but my camera does not do well in low lighting situations. The bride was gorgeous and glowing, and my cousin is one lucky guy to have her. I also enjoyed getting to meet his cousins on the other side as they sat at our dinner table. I felt truly blessed to be with so much family and to witness the beginning of what I hope will be a long and happy union between two amazing people.

Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of the beautiful bride

Mom and grandma

With the wedding on Saturday, we were able to stay and enjoy some more of Chicago on Sunday including a daytime walk through Millennium Park and a visit to the Art Institute. We truly enjoyed our time in the city and with family.

"The Bean" in daylight

Hope-Shaped Creatures

Some may find it difficult to imagine that a church pastor could spend four weeks on one Bible verse, but not those of us who have been attending Vista Community Church this fall. Pastor Mike has been going through a series on the book of Acts. Not really the whole book though. For a month, he camped out on just the first part of Acts 2:42:

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..."


But I'm not complaining. It has been a great series that has, at times, really challenged me to re-evaluate how I am living out my faith. What Pastor Mike pointed out is that the apostles did not teach in the typical way we imagine teaching. Rather than direct instruction, simply telling people what they needed to know and how to behave, they lived out their faith on a daily basis. They made decisions and took actions that depended on what they believed to be true about God, Jesus, and the world. Their followers learned by watching the example the apostles set for them just as the apostles learned from the example Jesus set for them. Not long after the sermon Faith, in which Pastor Mike asked us what our lives said about what we believed, I read this tweet from Tim Keller:

@DailyKeller: Human beings are hope-shaped creatures. How you live today is completely shaped by what you believe about your future


I started asking myself, "What do you believe about your future? What do you believe to be true about God, Jesus and the world? What difference does it make? Can people tell what I believe by watching what I do?" These questions are not just for Christians or "religious" people. We are ALL driven by our beliefs, whatever they may be.

The first two questions are easier for me to answer because I've spent nearly ten years thinking about, studying, learning, and reflecting on just that. I believe that I have a hope for my future. I believe that there is a spiritual realm beyond this physical world and that I will spend eternity in God's presence where there will be no more suffering, no more pain, no more grief. I believe that God is the omnipotent, omnipresent Creator of the world who loves me, who loves you, who loves every person He created. I believe that Jesus is God's Son who came to earth as a human and died as a sacrifice for all, to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind so that those who put their faith in Him can be reconciled to God. I believe that the world was created by God and that one day the world as we know it will come to an end when Jesus returns, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth (BTW - I do NOT believe anyone can predict when this will happen). I believe that God wants us to continue the work of reconciliation, to love others, and to treat His creation with care as long as we are blessed to be here in this world.

So, what difference does this make? How I make decisions, how I try to live my life, how I treat other people are all based on those beliefs. I try to see people as the beautiful creations of God. I try to show them love. I try to follow the examples set for me by Jesus and by the apostles. Can people tell that I believe these things based on how I live my life? That I do not know. I hope so though. I certainly hope so.

May - September Book Reviews

I had a very busy summer reading, and since I chose to focus on young adult books, I was able to read quite a number of them. In order to catch up, I decided not to write full reviews for each book. I gave my personal rating and then just provided a brief description and link for each book in case anyone wants to check them out further. Three stars are fairly easy to come by, so I would more highly recommend any of the four star books.

Break the Skin by Lee Martin, fiction
**1/2
"In “Break the Skin” Lee Martin weaves the stories of two women to explore the evils that can lie beneath the banality of small-town life."
New York Times

The Adults by Alison Espach, fiction
***
"As this first novel's 14-year-old narrator looks on, her affluent suburban family disintegrates."
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/books/review/Kucyznski-t.html

Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman, middle grade
****
^Printz award, finalist (2001)
"Fourteen-year-old Shawn McDaniel, who suffers from severe cerebral palsy and cannot function, relates his perceptions of his life, his family, and his condition, especially as he believes his father is planning to kill him."
Amazon

Teen, Inc. by Stefan Petrucha, young adult
***
"Fourteen year old Jaiden's family is a corporation and his home is an office building."
http://www.amazon.com/Teen-Inc-Stefan-Petrucha/dp/0802796508

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson, young adult
****
"After being sentenced to a summer of character building physical labor following a graffiti prank, [Tyler Miller's] reputation at school receives a boost, as do his muscles."
http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Laurie-Halse-Anderson/dp/0670061018

Matched by Allyson Braithwaite Condie, young adult
***
"For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the 'burden' of choice."
Amazon

Claim to Fame by Margaret Peterson Haddix, young adult
***
"Lindsay Scott, 16, lives a completely secluded life after spending her early years in the spotlight as a child star. Her fame, coupled with an ability to hear all that is said about her by everyone throughout the world, take its toll, and, at age 11, she suffered a nervous breakdown."
http://www.amazon.com/Claim-Fame-Margaret-Peterson-Haddix/dp/1416939172

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen, young adult
***
"Juli Baker devoutly believes in three things: the sanctity of trees (especially her beloved sycamore), the wholesomeness of the eggs she collects from her backyard flock of chickens, and that someday she will kiss Bryce Loski."
 Amazon

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal, young adult
***
"For sixteen years, Nalia has been raised as the princess of Thorvaldor, but one day she learns that her real name is Sinda and that she is part of a complicated plot that would change the future of her country forever."
http://www.worldcat.org/title/false-princess/oclc/432992770

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, young adult
****
^Printz award, finalist (2000)
"In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager."
Amazon

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, young adult
****
^Newbery honor book (2010)
"A charming and inventive story of a child struggling to find her identity at the turn of the 20th century."
http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Calpurnia-Tate-Kelly-Jacqueline/dp/0805088415

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin, chick lit
**
"Friendships are tested and secrets come to the surface when terminally single Rachel falls for Dex, her best friend Darcy's fiancé."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0491152/

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, young adult
****
"Ella is under a spell to be constantly obedient, a fact she must hide from her new step-family in order to protect the prince of the land, her friend for whom she's falling."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0327679/

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, young adult
***
"A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs."
YouTube

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak, young adult
****
^Printz award, finalist (2006)
"Ed is a 19-year-old loser only marginally connected to the world; he's the son that not even his mother loves. But his life begins to change after he acts heroically during a robbery."
http://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Messenger-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375830995

Testimony by Anita Shreve, fiction
***
"In her latest novel... Shreve explores issues surrounding teenage sexuality and the long-term ramifications of our in-the-moment decisions. When a video surfaces featuring a 14-year-old freshman girl engaging in sexual acts with three senior boys, Avery Academy in Avery, Vermont is shaken to its core."
The Book Lady's Blog

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray, young adult
***
"... the story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island."
Amazon

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, fiction
****
"From the #1 internationally bestselling author of The House at Riverton, a novel that takes the reader on an unforgettable journey through generations and across continents as two women try to uncover their family's secret past."
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Forgotten-Garden/Kate-Morton/9781416550549