31 Weeks Down...

...nine to go. There are times when I walk by a mirror and see my protruding stomach that I think, "Oh my gosh, this is really happening." There are times when it's uncomfortable to bend over and tie my shoe that I think, "Ugh, how am I going to get bigger and still be able to do things?" Then there are other times (most times) when I feel something rolling inside of me that I think, "Yes! Oh, I can't WAIT to hold this teeny little baby and know it's mine."

I'm feeling really good. So far, this pregnancy has been super easy! We're down to the home stretch. :) :)

The House

So, a little explanation about the house. Chris has completely ripped out the ceiling in the kitchen and living room because he is planning on creating a cathedral ceiling in those two rooms. It will open up the space nicely, but is definitely adding a lot of work. It will be several weeks before we have a ceiling, and then we'll feel like we're getting somewhere with our home. But until then, we plug away...

I learned how to use a power-washer this weekend! Don't be fooled by the grin; I was actually quite a baby and whined maybe a little too much about getting my pants wet. But now we can say that our house is no longer covered in mildew (I can't take credit for it - Chris did all the hardest parts like a good man should).

He also installed deadbolts on all three doors leading outside. Now that no one can break in, this means we can't either - guess we'll have to start remembering to bring a key!

Thankful

As soon as the deed for the house was signed, the demolition began. We have gotten so much done on the house already. Thanks to a few boys from church who helped Chris rip out the ceilings and all of the family that have come by (even on Thanksgiving) to lend us a hand, we filled an entire dumpster in only 4 days.

The yard that used to look like this...

(this doesn't even show the worst of it; there were loads of trash and rotting wood along with years worth of leaves and tall grass)

...now looks a little cleaner.

And the kitchen that used to look like this...

...now looks a little dirtier.

A Special Request

Dear Baby Valentine,

Your father and I would like to remind you that your due date is February 18th. We would like to ask that you remain where you are until this time. Come later if you must, but no earlier. This may sound like an odd request, however we are certain you will understand.

You see, today we bought you a house.

As you can see, the house needs a lot of work. And we need all the time we can get before you arrive.

Love,

Mom & Dad-to-be

(More pictures and plenty of updates to come!)

The Skirt Fits

I bought a white skirt several years ago that I really love to wear. But it's never fit; I've always had to pin it because it's too big. I haven't worn it for a couple months. This morning, getting ready for church, I pulled it out of the closet. For the first time, the skirt fit.

Trunk or Treat 2010

For those of you who believe babies have to be born in order to enjoy Halloween:

We went to the Trunk or Treat tonight. I went as myself, bringing the baby along of course. And Chris went as himself as well - only, deader.

He was totally creative with decorating our trunk this year.

He built this coffin an hour before the party and hung Aunt Em's awesomely haunted chandelier from the rear door. The picture doesn't do it justice; with only a small flashing light and the candles burning (yes, real candles) in the chandelier this was very dark and scary. Go Chris, for making little kids scream tonight :)

Baby Valentine

The baby was curled up so tight last week at our ultrasound that it was really difficult to get a good picture. Look at that cute little pointy nose!!