We're Having a Baby!!!

It's true. We would like to officially make the announcement. I'm pregnant!

We're so excited to welcome this new baby into the world. Right now I am 11 weeks pregnant and the baby is due on May 19th. We feel like we're living our dream. I can so easily remember driving down 15-501 with Calvin while we were dating and talking about how many kids we wanted and what kind of parents we want to be. It's so much fun to be living that reality now.

To answer the most popular questions: Yes, this was planned. We were so lucky to get pregnant the very first month we started trying. And Yes, we do want to find out the gender when that is an option. Anyone who knows me knows that I like to plan as much as possible, so that would be one thing just to help with my obsession to think ahead.

So far there have been several meaningful experiences with the pregnancy, but let me highlight two of my favorites that come to mind right away. The first one is that we've already been able to see the baby at 8 weeks on an ultrasound. Calvin skipped class to come to the appointment with me. The doctor zoomed in on the baby's heart and we could see and hear it beating. 170 times a min! What an amazing realization that there's a real little life in there. One that will grow up to contribute to the world and have thoughts and opinions of their own!


The second experience that comes to mind is one from church this past week. The church I'm attending now includes communion in the service every week. Patti, the person serving me the "wine" knew I was pregnant - she just found out that morning. So as I dipped my bread into the cup she stated "Rebecca, this is the blood of Christ shed for you and your baby." Tears immediately started flowing. I can't really describe how powerful those words hit my soul. It seems so inherent yet profound to recognize that one of the greatest forces in mine and Calvin's life - the love Jesus has for us - is also there for this tiny little growing baby who is currently only the size of a lime. At times when the pregnancy still seems unreal or distant that just brings it back home for me.

I've known since high school one of my greatest purposes in life was to be a mother. I'm so very much looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. I only hope I can enjoy this part of the journey for all that it has to offer.

Lunch at the Cherry's

This past Saturday I had the most perfect lunch in China Grove visiting my best friend from childhood, Ashley Cherry. She and I got together with both of our mothers for a quiet lunch of pasta salad, fruit, and chicken salad croissants. (plus chocolate chess pie!) With everyone bringing one small item it made for an easy and delicious lunch all around.

I think everyone knows what it's like to be blessed with friends like this. We haven't seen or really spoken with each other in 2 years other than the general e-mail updates with pictures of her sweet little boy Nick. However showing up at her house on Saturday was like we were catching up from a visit just a few months ago. And Ashley's two year old son is such a charmer! It's amazing the power a small child has to make adults feel at ease and loved just by crawling into their laps or asking to be held.

Ashley, thank you for such a yummy, easy and relaxing lunch. I feel so blessed for us to continue this friendship that started as soon as I was born. You and your mother always help me stop to remember the wonderful memories of sleep overs, hermit crab racing, roller skating in the garage, playing with the playhouse in your back yard, watching your dad trim the elephant bush, eating blackberries, and running down the street as often as I could to ask if "Ashley could come out and play". Just writing this list of highlights brings so many specific stories to mind, and all of them were good times together. I hope it won't be so long next time before we see each other again!

Home Alone

Well, Calvin is in California, so this seems like a perfect time to update the blog. I've had a lot of fun so far this month, and I'm looking forward to going into fall and the holiday season! (Only 5 weeks away from the annual Stockert Thanksgiving throw down!)

On Saturday 10/2, I got a little mother-daughter alone time when Mom came into town for a trip to Trader Joe's, dinner at Ted's Montana Grill, and the Sugarland Concert at Walnut Creek. I loved Jennifer Nettles before, but now she's seriously number 1 on my list. She is incredibly cute (I wish I looked like that when I danced), and she's an incredible artist. Plus, mom and I always enjoy people watching and there's no better place to do that then on the lawn at Walnut Creek.

I've also been lucky to catch up with quite a few friends over the past couple weeks. I have to say this is one of my absolute favorite ways to spend time. It is always easy to count your blessings with good food and good company. I'm looking forward to continuing this trend through the end of the month!

Last Saturday 10/9, I had the privileged of watching 3 of my buddies complete an incredible athletic task of 4 triathlons in 3 days. White Lake hosted the first ever Triple T event in NC where these crazy people sign up as both individuals and teams to compete in a Super Sprint triathlon on Friday, 2 Olympic distance triathlons on Saturday, and then a Half Iron Man on Sunday! Congratulations to Mike K, Forester, and Scott for finishing. This type of event is so hard core they don't even give you your t-shirt until you finish. Forester and Scott did so well they placed 3rd in the men's team division. You guys are incredible - I love watching you kick butt! I'm so impressed, and thanks for the excuse to go to White Lake and hang out for the day! I love that place.



And yesterday was Dave Ramsey Day with the Total Money Makeover Live event in Raleigh! I met up with Darcia and Joe to go to this event. Joe was a master at getting us through traffic with NC State football and the State Fair all going on at the same time. The event lasted from 1-6 p.m. so naturally I did not expect to stay the entire time, but we did! It was very engaging. I loved seeing Dave and I think I needed the refresher to get me focused again on the financial goals that Calvin and I have. Sadly though, I think Dave has talked me out of getting a new car this year. Waiting one more year won't hurt, and I'll enjoy not having car payments hang over my head if we wait. In the mean time, it will be much cheaper to take really good care of the paid for car that I have now. However, I do still plan to take advantage of shopping around all the 2011 models now to see which one I would like to buy after the 2012s hit the lots!

One last thought for tonight. Ladies, if you haven't seen the movie Julie & Julia yet - go and rent it this week! It's such a great story on so many levels - definitely a great way to spend a girl's night in.