Valentine's in Branson

At least as far as I can remember, I have never been to Branson, at least before Sunday. Kevin tried to plan a trip a few summers ago to visit Silver Dollar City and other local attractions, but we seriously didn't have a free weekend (he claims I just didn't want to go, which while true, wasn't the only reason we didn't go!). But anyway, on Sunday morning, we were trying to figure out what to do with our day because we were planning to "celebrate" Valentine's on Sunday because on Monday we were playing trivia with a bunch of friends. Surprisingly enough, we both actually came up with the idea of heading to Branson.

While Silver Dollar City was closed, at least I think, and we were only there for a few hours, I must say I really enjoyed our day trip. I think it was mostly the beautiful weather, getting out of the house and spending some quality time with Kevin.

We went to the Branson landing, which has a really nice boardwalk and lots of shops and restaurants. We grabbed lunch, walked around, and just made one purchase - Kevin picked out a Cardinals onesie for baby. So sweet of him.

Some photos from our "day away"

Loved this quote (the middle one) on the menu at Waxy O'Shea's


They even did the shamrock on Kevin's Guinness


Apparently it's Christmas in Branson all year?


Walking on the waterfront!




The onesie Kevin bought and bear from me for our little one for Valentine's day!


Hope everyone felt some love on Valentine's Day!

3 Years, and 16 weeks

Like my mom, and her mom, I tend to think a lot about time... two weeks ago today, a month from now, etc. Well, three years ago today was the day I got in my car accident coming home from work in Jefferson City. I can honestly say it is the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. I feel so lucky to be alive today, and thinking back over all that has happened over the past three years makes me even more thankful - marrying my best friend... finding a new job that while extraordinarily frustrating and challenging at times, was a blessing in terms of giving me time off when I needed it most... and now of course 16 weeks pregnant.

Here I am, 16 weeks today!


Not a lot has changed in terms of symptoms or cravings or even weight (too much). The biggest change right now is probably emotionally. This week has been especially hard, maybe because I've been thinking about the accident, maybe because I am missing mom more during this particular time in my life, maybe it's job stresses and worrying about traveling so much in the next few months, maybe it is being alone so much because I work from home all day and then Kevin works so much, maybe it's just all hormonal. I don't know! I am trying to do everything I can to stay "sane" - yoga a few times a week, cardio the days I don't do yoga, trying to eat healthy but also treating myself (a few homemade milkshakes this week!), but I just feel "off." Trying to remind myself every day I am lucky not only to simply be alive, but to have so many blessings as well!

Snow Day

For the past few years, I have come to really hate snow and winter weather. It is scary to drive in, makes getting to work a pain and is dangerous to walk in... BUT... because this year I am working from home, I have to admit I am learning to like snow again! Especially when it is enough to get Kevin's office closed for two days. It was so nice to have him at home. Also really nice to watch the pretty snow fall, see Cocoa hop around in it, bake cookies and enjoy being warm inside. So I guess that's my thing: If I can just stay inside and watch the snow, I can really enjoy it! I still do feel for people who have to drive (especially people this week who got stranded, got in accidents, etc.)

Here are some highlights from the 2011 Snowstorm






It is strange and exciting to think that a year from now, God-willing, we will have a 6-month-old at home with us. It makes me really glad I am due in summer - sure the heat will be miserable, but how scary would it be to go into labor with terrible roads and snow... and have family driving in this to come visit (or not able to come at all). I'll take the heat any day!

As I like to do, will end with a simple quote about family.
"Then come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, we will stand by each other, however it blow."
(Simon Dach)

A blog announcement!

Well of course my thousands of blog readers have been eagerly waiting for me to return and have been wondering where I am. Hahahaha. But for real, as I am sure anyone who reads this blog knows.... we are expecting!! We are of course so excited and happy to now officially be in the second trimester. Our little one is already well-loved and we are counting down the days to meet him or her (still more than 180, at least we hope!)

Here's baby's first photo from a ultrasound two weeks ago today:


I am thinking about doing weekly blog updates about pregnancy and baby on the way. I have seen other blogs do this, and it can be a good record for us, and also a way to share with family that is not close by (meaning ALL of our family, unfortunately). So here's the update for this week:

How Far Along: 14 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 4 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Still in regular clothes, except one maternity shirt I don't quite need, but is really comfy!

Gender: We'll know sometime in late July/early August.

Movement: Haven't felt yet which is of course totally normally for how far along I am.

Cravings: So far my most common cravings have been ice cream and salty foods (soft pretzels, popcorn, etc). I am also obsessed with apples - actually had a dream about one last night!

Symptoms: I have been one of those really lucky pregnant women with no morning sickness. I have been a little more tired and can be forgetful. Also extremely congested and regular bloody noses.

Best Moment this week: snow day today!! After being in Columbia all week last week, and then driving back late Sunday night due to the crazy winter weather on the way, it was so nice to have our office closed today... and Kevin's was too! Of course he has worked for a good portion of the day, but we slept in and it has been super nice to have him around all day.

Photo: I will preface these by saying, yes, I realize I don't need the maternity shirt yet. But it was on sale, it is really, really comfortable, and also I am thinking about doing the weekly photos in this same shirt to better track "the bump."




Will share more soon! Miss you all!