Catching Up

Well hello again. Long time no see, or write/read. I am starting to blog again at this beautiful piece of my heart along with 3 other women: Girls of God's Heart. A friend of mine, Tiffany and I, started Girls of God's Heart about two years ago, first just as a Facebook page and on Twitter (now go follow us @girlofgodsheart). Now, with two other women, we are blogging daily to encourage, support, challenge, and love women who are seeking more of Christ. Please check out and follow the blog for daily reads! Yes... you can click on the link and go now. There's more reading to be done with you come back... =).

Besides that, here is a few important things that have happened during my "hiatus" from blogging:

I gave birth on August 5th at 6:03pm to this little miracle. His name is Miles Thomas. He was 6 lbs. 4 oz., and 21 3/4 inches long. He is the JOY of my life and I thank God every single day for this gift. My husband, Eric, is an AMAZING daddy. He is such a huge help to me and I am so blessed with his servant heart. Miles is now 3 1/2 months old. He's smiling, starting to roll over, and (THANK GOD) he's sleeping through the night! For a full time working mom, that's amazing! So that has been my life lately... I went back to working full time on October 8th. I hate the 45 minute daily commute and not being able to spend my days at home raising Miles, but I am thankful for the daycare on site at my company where I can go check on Miles at lunchtime. But I'm praying God has it in His plans for me to stay home with Miles eventually, or at least part-time. Being a mommy is a desire of my heart God has fulfilled and I am so grateful.

Miles has also been on two trips home to Indiana. (For any new readers who don't know me well, mine and my husband's families are all from Indiana. We both grew up there, but after getting married, moved to Arizona in 2010. I still call Indiana "home".) We flew home in September to spend time with Eric's Grandpa after he was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. The last week of October we flew back again to mourn his grandpa's death and celebrate my little sister's wedding (all in one week!) We're looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with extended family here in AZ, then flying to L.A. to spend the weekend with friends! 

So now that you have an update... I'm going to photo bomb you with my little man... ENJOY!

 

Things NOT to Say or Do to a Pregnant Woman

 I'm now 21 weeks pregnant and blessed beyond belief. However, some of the lovely things that come along with pregnancy... well, let's face it... aren't so lovely. Of course there's the physical and emotional changes (that's a whole nother blog!), but the way some people act around you change. Please understand, if you are my family or close friends, this does not apply to you. I feel if you know me well enough, you know what you shouldn't say or do, or what you know I will be comfortable with.

That being said... here are some of the things that have been said to me recently:

• "Look at how big you're getting!!!" (Shouted excitedly by a co-worker for ALL the workplace to hear.)

           Yes, thank you. I am fully aware that I continue to get larger everyday. But now that you've pointed it out to everyone around us so they can stare down the aisle at me, I feel much better that they know how big I'm getting too. (Please sense the sarcasm.)

• "Wow! You're really starting to sprout out there!" (Another co-worker)

My response was, "Well that's what happens." I didn't want to continue the conversation from there.

• "Wow, you're as big as a house! HAHA." (A guy at church as he greeted me Easter Sunday morning.)

Really.... Clearly, I'm aware that you are kidding. I'm not that sensitive. However, thank you for letting me know that your equation to my pregnant belly is a house. Fantastic.

Here are some of the actions of people I have noticed that I don't think I'm too fond of:

• My eyes are up here.

Yes... now I know what larger breasted women feel like when men stare at their assests and not their eyes. However, the stares aren't directly to my bosom... but to my belly. I walk around the office or in a store and although I love my growing baby bump, when you are speaking to me or passing me, please acknowledge my face and not the ever growing tummy. Yes I know, it kind of sticks out there, hard to miss. But it does not talk... yet. However, my mouth does.

• Rubbing of the Belly

Like I said previsouly, if you are my family member or a close friend, you are usually more than welcome to touch or rub my belly since its more than likely your future grandson, nephew, cousin, etc. My close friends should also know me well enough to know what I am comfortable and not comfortable with. I never thought I'd be uncomfortable with other people touching my pregnant belly, until I became pregnant and people started reaching their hands to invade my personal space. Yes, this is my personal space. Just because you know there's a living baby in there doesn't mean you need to touch the outer part of where I am harboring it. How would you like it if I started rubbing your belly? Invasion of your personal space??? I would think so. Please take the gentle hint when I purposely back away or turn my body away from your reaching hands. Ask before touching. Thank you.

We're Having A.........

The day is finally here and the announcement has finally come!

Baby Obregon cooperated for the most part this morning to show us five fingers on each hand and little feet. All the bones and organs are growing very well and everything looks healthy. The baby weighs 8oz… and mom… well I need to gain a more weight according to the Doctor. So bring on the good food! I’m also 19 weeks as of today, not in a little over 18 as I had previously thought. There was a slight difference in how I was counting my weeks and how the Dr. was, but as of today we’re at 19 weeks! That puts that due date at August 16th!

Baby with hands by the face, good view of ambilical cord

"Look I have all 5 fingers!"

And now….. the moment you’ve all been waiting for….

Drumroll please!

 

Right after the ultrasound!

Stay Tuned!

Tomorrow is a big day!

Thursday morning, Eric and I will be having our anatomy ultrasound done to make sure everything is going well with Baby O... and to find out (for sure) whether we're having a BOY or a GIRL!!! We are so excited and although our 14 week ultrasound seem to reveal the early surprise, we are trying to stay neutral and wait till tomorrow before we start calling this little one "he" or "she". We are blessed that Eric's parents and his sister and her husband are staying with us this week from Indiana, and they will be able to see the pictures as well as soon as our appointment is done. Don't worry - those who are family and close friends will be getting phone calls or text messages.

BUT if you want to find out what we're having, stay tuned! We will be taking some pictures tonight to prepare for tomorrow's post (thank you Pinterest for all the ideas!) All will be revealed tomorrow, so check back here for details!

Miracle in the Making

Our little miracle in the making has been growing in our hearts for a long and has been growing in my body for almost 18 weeks. Eric and I have prayed our way through this pregnancy and thanks to a proactive Doctor and faith in Christ, we feel peace that this baby is going to be okay. All my life I've wanted and waited to know how it feels to have that little baby move around inside me and kick me from the inside out. My little baby knows the sound of my heart, and now can hear the sound of my voice. As I was laying on the floor in our baby's room tonight and singing Jesus Loves Me, I felt our baby kick and move. I can't tell you how much joy and peace that brings me. I am so thankful for God's faithful and patience. Everyday I learn that my trust in Him is vital, and He has a great plan for this baby's life. Our little miracle in the making is going to arrive already so loved and so wanted. Today I am just thankful for the experiences and losses I've gone through to get to this point in our lives. 

10 Week Ultrasound - Baby O waved at us and kicked his feet to let us know he was doing just fine!

Tag Team.. BACK AGAIN

Ohhh HEY!! Long time no see! I know I know, I’ve been slacking! No posts for… I don’t want to even know how long. BUT the point is I am here now and ready to update you this beautiful life I have.

FIRST – Under Construction

Please don’t mind the horrible template/background I have going on here. My apologizes; but I attempted to upload a new template and adjust all my old settings. Thought I knew what I was doing. Guess not… so if anyone wants to offer up some advice, I’d love it! I tried to use a template from Cutest Blog on the Block and it did not work. I need a professional for this.

SECOND and MOST important change since the last update:

WE’RE HAVING A BABY!

After our second miscarriage in October, my husband and I found out we were pregnant in December. Let me tell you how much I’ve learned about faith and trust in God. If you know me well, you know I’m a worrier! God is teaching me about letting go, and giving me peace about this pregnancy. In another post I will fill you in on details of the meds I was on and the ultrasounds I’ve had. I am so happy to report that I am currently 17 weeks pregnant with a healthy little baby. The first trimester, well let’s just say I was friends with the toilet (puking that is), and enemies with food. I was sick – and sometimes still am – every morning and sometimes at night. I did start to like food or gain weight until about 3 weeks ago. But I am in the second trimester and have officially “popped” I believe. (See for yourself, below!) The exciting news is that next week, we will be finding out if a little boy or little girl will be joining our lives come August. During our 14 week ultrasound, our doctor took a peek to see if he could determine the gender… well he gave us his thoughts, and next week we’ll know for sure!

Don’t worry… I’ll let you know too!

I will definitely be posting more about my pregnancy journey – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

For now… I promised my dear friend Tiffany from Blabbering Thoughts that since she wanted to play tag… I would play too. So, I’m IT!

1. If you could live in any state, which one would you pick & why?
I would live in Arizona (which I do now) or Colorado. Because I absoulety love the sunshine and mountains. I could not imagine living without the views of the mountains now.
2. Why do you blog?
I love writing, sharing my life to hopefully be an inspiration and light to others. To be creative and to just update my family and friends on our lives.
3. What's your favorite genre of music? Artist?
Christian and Worship music, but LOVE country music including Gary Allen, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum.
4. What would be your ultimate profession, no limitations?
I would love to be a full time gymnastics coach for elite gymnasts. Either that or a stay at home mom that only worked part time as a counselor with elementary school kids.
5. If you could swap for a day, what celebrity would you pick & why?
Carrie Underwood... just for her singing voice... and her body, cause let's face it, she's got a hot bod.
6.What's your favorite beverage? Alcoholic or non!
I love a good raspberry or strawberry lemonade.
7. What's your favorite thing to pin on Pinterest? (If you don't pin, WHAT is wrong with you? Kidding :) Let me know & I will invite you!)
Currently, I love looking at the creative baby room ideas. But I also love the outfits! I've always loved fashion and, not going to lie, used to look to Pinterest for outfits ideas during the week. (You know you have too!)
8. If you had a super power, what would you pick?
Flying. Just to take off and go whenever I wanted, as fast or as slow as I wanted.
9. How many babies do you have? {{kids, boyfriends/husbands, doggies, kitties etc}}
I have two babies in heaven and I have one growing baby who is due to arrive in August! Married for 4 years, sometimes I call my husband "child". It's true.
10. What CHORE would you pick to NEVER do again?
I HATE putting away my laundry. I don't mind starting it or even folding it, but I hate putting it away. That and dishes.
11. Before you go to bed at night, what is the LAST thing you do?
Pray with my husband, with our hands on my growing baby bump.

Weekends

Weelll Hheeellloooo darlings. Welcome to the weekend. It's been about 2 weeks since I blogged, but I'm back and with some pictures to share. Last weekend, Labor Day weekend, my husband and I returned home to Indiana (and Michigan) for some family time. My cousin got married in Detroit to his beautiful bride in an elegant, amazing extravaganza. I also got to spend time with my family and nephew. 

So be prepared, this blog is all about the pictures.

My younger sister Katelyn and I before she moved to college last weekend.

My love and I heading to the rehearsal dinner in Detroit

My cousin, Steven, and I. Love him and so excited for his wedding day.

 

Parents of the groom, my aunt and uncle.

Bride and Groom. Husband and Wife. Kristen and Steven.

Not so little brother. Senior in high school. When did I so old?

Some of my beautiful cousins. 

 

With the happy couple.

Meeting my cousins new baby twins. Erik and Lydia. So precious, such a blessing.

 

The big man. Zephaniah Lee!

Smile for Auntie Kelly.

 

He LOVED playing piano with Auntie Kelly. 

 

Zephaniah not only has learned to walk, but runs. Has 4 teeth. Shows us how he can whistle. And knows to smile when you say "1, 2, 3!" and doesn't turn away from the camera until he sees the flash go off.

Smart cookie.

GiRls NiGhT

This past Saturday night, a few friends and I had a lovely ladies night while our boys were out doing their own thing. I am so thankful for the friends I have made here in Arizona. It was definitely a rough transition when my husband and I first moved here. There were a lot of lonely feelings for a while. The culture out west is a lot different than my traditional comfortable mid-western roots. I like country music, dirt roads, going to Wal-mart in my sweats, and even passing an Amish buggy once in a while. And that will always be home, along with my family and childhood and college friends. But I also love the mountains and sunshine of Arizona. And I am very grateful for the friends we have made here and how God has challenged us to be stronger in our walk with Him to help keep ourselves, and our friends accountable.

With that said... here's some friends from ladies night!

Megan, me, and Kendall- my first friends and co-workers in AZ. I could have never gotten through work without them sometimes. Grateful for the people they have introduced us to and the women they strive to be. Kendall is going to be a mommy to baby boy Emerson in November and is my partner in all things Twilight.

Mrs. Sarah Brooks (I can call her that because she's a teacher). An amazing kind hearted, beautiful woman of God. Who also has a golden retriever. 

Holly... my dear friend who I am so grateful for. Laughs and learning. For years to come.

Mexico crew! Me, Sarah, and Holly along with our husband and another couple are headed to Rocky Point, Mexico in October!

I LOVE MY FRIENDS :)

Football Friday

Hey football fans (and fan-nots)! Happy FRIDAY! 

One more week until college football season is upon us! It's time to start studying up! Today we're just starting with the basics! So put your reading glasses on, or contacts in, get ready to learn some good ol' football facts. Trust me, the football fan (or man) in your life might be impressed with what you're about to know!

The Objective

The object of the game is to outscore your opponent by advancing the football into their endzone for as many touchdowns as possible while holding them to as few as possible. There are other ways of scoring, but a touchdown is usually the prime objective

The Field

Learning the exact dimensions of the field is not necessarily that important, but it is good to have a basic knowledge of the field itself.

• The playing field is 100 yards long. 

• It has stripes running across the field at five-yard intervals.

• There are shorter lines, called hash marks, marking each one-yard interval. (not shown)

• On each end of the playing field is an end zone (red section with diagonal lines above) which extends ten yards.

• The total field is 120 yards long and 160 feet wide.

• Located on the very back line of each end zone is a goal post.

• The spot where the end zone meets the playing field is called the goal line.

• The yardage from the goal line is marked at ten-yard intervals, up to the 50-yard line, which is in the center of the field. After reaching the 50-yard line, the yardage markers start to descend (40, 30, 20, 10) every ten yards until they reach the opposite goal line.

The Teams

• Each game features two teams playing against each other.

• Each team is allowed 11 men on the field at a time. Any more than 11 could result in a penalty.
• Unlimited substitution is permitted, but players may only enter the field when the ball is dead.
• Each team is comprised of an offense, defense, and special teams.
• If team A has possession of the ball, they use their offensive team to attempt to advance the ball toward the opponents endzone.
• If team B has the ball, team A will use their defensive team to attempt to stop team B from advancing the ball.
• If a kicking play is expected, both teams will use their special teams

Beginning of the Game

• Before each game, the captains from each team and the referee meet at the center of the field for the coin toss.
• The winner of the coin toss has the option of starting the game by kicking the ball to the other team or receiving the kickoff from the other team.
• The game begins when one of the teams kicks off to the other.
• The receiving team must catch the ball and try to advance it as far back toward the kicking team as possible.
• The play ends when the player with the ball is knocked to the ground (tackled), or makes it all the way to the kicking team's endzone (touchdown).
• The spot where the kick returner was tackled becomes the line of scrimmage. The line of scrimmage is a term for the place the ball is spotted before a play is run.
• Once this starting point is established, the offensive squad of the receiving team will come in and try to move the ball toward the opposition's end zone.

What is Down and Distance?

Understanding down and distance is probably the biggest key to understanding football, so make sure you really understand this part before moving on to the next section.

• Basically, a down is a play. From the time the ball is snapped (put into play), to the time the play is whistled over by the officials, is considered one down.

• A team's offense is given four downs (plays) to move ten yards toward the opponent's end zone.

• Distance is the number of yards a team needs to get a new set of four downs.

• If they make the ten yards needed within four downs, they are given a new set of downs. This is called getting a first down.

• If they don't make it the required ten yards, the other team's offense takes possession of the ball.

Fourth-Down Strategies
If a team fails to gain the required yardage on third down, several things could happen on fourth down:
• A team can elect to "go for it" on fourth down and try to pick up the remaining yardage, but they run the risk of turning the ball over to the other team if they do not get to the first down marker. If they do not get the required yardage, the other team takes possession of the ball at the spot of the last tackel and now has four downs to move ten yards back in the other direction.
• The majority of the time, teams will elect to "punt" the ball away on fourth down. A punt is simply a form of kicking the ball that gives possession of the ball to the other team, but also pushes them back considerably farther away from the end zone.
• Another option is to kick a field goal. If a team feels they are close enough to kick the ball between the upright bars of the goal post in their opponent's endzone, they may attempt a field goal, which is worth three points when converted successfully.

After a Score
• After a team scores via a touchdown or field goal they must, in turn, kick off to the other team, and the process begins all over again.

(Yes I possess this knowledge, but the above can be referenced at www.football.about.com)

Football Friday

Are you ready for some football?!

It’s that time of year again folks.

Football season.

Tailgating.

Cheering on your favorite high school, college, and NFL teams.

Wait… what is that you say? Are you thinking… “Who cares about football?”  Hmm… SMH. (Shake my head.)

Let me introduce you to some facts:

“Ranked among the top most popular sports in the United States along with the National Football League and Major League Baseball, NCAA (college) Football counts 103 million adults as fans* or 44 percent of all US adults. Among adult college football fans, 61 percent are male and 39 percent female.”

http://www.militarybowl.org/college-football-continues-to-build-unprecedented-interest-with-record-attendance-and-stellar-ratings/

So for those of you who are football fans – welcome back to football season. For those of you who are not… let me ask you, are you dating, engaged, or married to a football fan? The answer, I’m guessing, is quite possibly! Do you know anything about it though? Have you wanted to learn about because you’d like to become a fan or please the man in your life with some football knowledge?

Well now is the time to learn.

I’m going to starting a Football Friday blog. The basics, the history, scores and updates.

Let me introduce you to my personal story with football:

I grew up in Goshen, Indiana which is about 30 minutes east of South Bend, Indiana. Those two towns probably don’t sound too familiar to you. Well, South Bend is home to the one and only: The University of Notre Dame. This place is full of history; hallowed grounds with its own zip code. I grew up a Fighting Irish fan. Specifically when it came to football – my dad taught me almost everything I know. My grandpa also helped to build the actual Golden Dome (seen in the picture below).  I was the kid in middle school that listened to the radio on Saturday afternoons for that special moment before kickoff when Notre Dame’s own pop song, “Here Come the Irish” came over the radio. Feel free to listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45P6Q2oe_I4 . I would sing it at the top of my lungs while putting on everything blue, gold, and green I owned. This also included painting my face or using green clover stickers to show my pride. All this… just to watch the game in my living room at home, cheering on the Irish.

Then… I met my husband. Who not only has Irish blood, but also has a tendency, at times during the year, to look like the Leprechaun. And is the biggest Notre Dame fan I know. He taught me even more about football and shared the same love, or in his case, obsession about the Irish that I did. Many people have asked me, “So are you a Notre Dame fan because of Eric?” NOPE! I was born an Irish fan! 

 

 My husband, Eric, and the leprechaun in 2005.

He and I religiously follow Notre Dame football and up until last year when we moved to Arizona, Eric was a field usher on the football field at Notre Dame Stadium every home game. The first time I was in Notre Dame stadium, I had such a rush of adrenaline that I cried! It was amazing. There is nothing like it! I slept outside the stadium in front of the ticket office over night, just to get tickets for the Notre Dame vs USC game in 2005 and it was so worth it.

So needless to say... I, as a woman, am a football fan. I love watching it and playing it. And this season... I'm gonna be teaching you a thing or two about it!

Me and Eric in 2009 at the midnight drum circle in front of the Golden Dome.

Eric and I tailgating on my 21st birthday in 2006

My brother and I at the Notre Dame opener in 2010... I literally got off the plane from Phoenix, got into my brother's car, drove 10 minutes to Notre Dame, and FULL OUT RAN a mile to get into the game before kickoff. 

GO IRISH!

Wednesday Ramblings

Hola amigos.

Welcome to hUMp day... aka Wednesday. Thank you for making your way over here today. No specific topic for the blog today, just random ramblings of thoughts. Feel free to join in on my lunch hour day dreaming and scheming.

Currently I'm dreaming that my heartburn will chill out. Frozen yogurt might just do the trick - but we'll save that for later. I love this place. And, along with some friends, like to get yogurt at least once a week. Still that doens't seem often enough. If you live in the Peoria/Arrowhead, AZ area... check this place out.

Yogurtime

Did I mention friends a second ago? I think so...and can I just tell you how BLESSED I have felt recently in regards to relationships and friends. As most of you know, the husband and I moved here a little over a year ago all by ourselves. We have a very small amount of extended family that live in AZ and have started friendships all over in this new place. Most of the people we know is because I've work with them and in turn, they have introduced us to their friends. Amazing people, simply awesome, great people to hang out with. And God has been putting certain people into our lives and just the right time to encourage each other and bond. The last few months have been great getting to know new people. And therefore, I am grateful for friendships today.

“Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold.”

Next item on the scheming blog agenda... sports. That's right - LADIES: it's time to talk sports! I love sports. Specifically football, even more specifically... Notre Dame college football.So starting in a few weeks I will be doing a Friday Football series. I'm guessing most of your husbands, fiancee's, boyfriends, etc... are into sports... but, the question is: do you really have any idea what they are talking about? Do you know what the NFL Lockout is.. or was? What's your husband's favorite team? Do you really know if they are doing good when you watch the game with him? How about running a route? Nope.. it's got nothing to due with a newspapers. So it's time for some lessons.

Stay tuned for more info!

Chop Chop

Alright folks... as promised... after much thought and definitely a freaking out moment at the salon... I did it! I chopped 11 inches off my long light brown hair and went a little blonder.

So without further adue...the reveal of my haircut!

BEFORE

AFTER

11 inches donated to Locks of Love!

So... whadda ya think?!