21 & 22 weeks!

Time is just blowing by, and it shows no signs of slowing down as we are now in the middle of the holiday season! Here are some pregnancy related things and updates.



I felt like I was at a standstill as far as belly growth from weeks 18-21, but this week was a big belly growth week apparently! The second photo, taken by my mom, really shows little girl's ever expanding home (This was even before eating our Thanksgiving meal!). There is nothing to complain about. Sickness is gone (after 20 weeks, thank. goodness.), no stretch marks or itchy skin yet, steady weight gain, no heartburn, no swelling, belly button is hanging on for dear life (ha!). These are the glory days of pregnancy, I know, so I'm enjoying it! She's a little wiggle worm and brings her parents (and grandparents! and uncles and aunts!) so much joy already.

Also, had my first guys-hitting-on-me-then-realizing-i'm-pregnant-and-freaking-out moment. It was hilarious. Colin got to witness it from about 30 feet away and we died.

Ventured out shopping this weekend, also, which I've never done on Thanksgiving weekend, but I must say... GAP is the best thing to happen to pregnant women! I already had a few things from there, but holy smokes. If you're pregnant, you NEED these pants (side note, they look a little awkward in the photo, the foldover is NOT that long and it's more scrunchy). They are so soft, stretchy, and the foldover covers your butt. I love these.

Also of note at GAP, anything from the Pure Body line, especially these t-shirts. I have loved everything I have of theirs (camis, tee shirts, long sleeves, a sweater, two kinds of leggings), so if you're pregnant and want some comfortable clothes, go to GAP!

it feels like spring.

1. Hope everyone had a great Valentine's day! We definitely don't treat it like the huge relationship-altering holiday it seems to have become to many, but we relish the opportunity to take one another out and speak love in an active way. Colin, sushi, and a bottle of Merlot made the night beautiful and peaceful.

me about to tear into that Jade Roll. helllooo.

2. A dream of mine is being actualized this coming May-- We are going to see Cirque du Soleil!! The show that's coming to Columbia is Alegria. Our seats are so good I'm convinced we'll be able to high-five the clowns, for real. SO excited, you guys! Thanks, Colin!

3. Love this post by Color Me Katie. It will make you smile!

4. Thank you for this, seventeen-year-old Zooey Deschanel.

5. I laughed so hard when I read this article. 'homeless chic'.

6. Check out Brooke Waggoner if you've never heard of her. Her music is beautiful, delicate, and happy. I love listening to her and hearing random harps or banjos thrown in... her album Fresh Pair of Eyes (2007) is so good, and it makes me sad it took me so long to hear of her!



Have a wonderful week and enjoy the beautiful weather!

here's to the new year!

1. goodbye, 2010! you were an awesome year for us, but i'm also excited about what 2011 will hold. although there are so many things that will, Lord-willing, be happening in the coming years, i wish time would just slow down. i love right now. even though right now isn't perfect and is difficult at times, i love seeing Him at work, and love what He is doing.

2. Colin and i have had Sufjan's Christmas albums for years, but for some reason i've never really noticed this song. i love it. i love it. i love it and i can't stop listening to it. It's on Vol. V of his Songs for Christmas albums.



3. this article about David Bazan and his walking away from the faith/first solo album (he used to be a part of Pedro the Lion) Curse Your Branches (which is described as a, "harrowing breakup record—except he's dumping God, Jesus, and the evangelical life"). really sad. raises a lot of questions in my mind..

4. so, i love world market. we've talked about this before. most of all (well, besides their rugs, throw pillows, and curtains... haha), i love their glass moroccan-style lanterns. i picked up a few in various shapes, sizes and colors this past week since they were on sale, and am really excited to find a spot for them to hang in our little place! if only i had a back patio, i would string the smaller ones up outside.


5. Also, i made this last night for Colin and I... and we can't stop thinking about it, it's that good. this Spicy Shrimp recipe is a meal fit for the summer, with good friends sitting around a newspaper-covered table. highly recommend you make this! don't forget the toasted french bread with it!

via the Pioneer Woman Cooks.

6.. thank you, all, for the affirmation we have received on this blog (whether it be in person, personal messages, facebook, comments...). it has surprised me that people like to read our thoughts and about our life and find it interesting and encouraging, but we are so glad! i think the next post we write together will be on why we blog. anyways, thanks guys!

grace and peace!

christmas came early.

Colin and I have never been the couple to give each other extravagant christmas gifts. To us, it has always been more valuable to exchange meaningful but smaller gifts, and then treat each other to a nice dinner out (usually sushi) and spend time together around christmastime. we're usually much bigger on spending money to do things together rather than just giving things.

Colin is a funny guy. There hasn't been a special occasion in our marriage or our dating relationship that he has held off on giving me my birthday/christmas/anniversary gift until the day of, simply because he is too excited and can't keep it from me any longer. it's really cute. i thought this year would be different for some reason, but of course i was wrong :)

last night, after telling me (twice) that my breath stunk and that i needed to swig (how sweet), i finally give in, walk in the bathroom, and there is a little tiny drawstring sack sitting in the sink. I had no idea what it was, but all of a sudden, Colin is behind me, grinning like a fool, telling me that my breath really didn't stink, and to open it. this is what was inside..

the bronze and gold river rock ring i have been eying on etsy for over a year, with four skinny silver bands to put around it! you may remember, i blogged about it here. it's so incredibly dainty, unique, and beautiful! he did so, so good. my mouth just fell open, i was almost speechless. very unexpected, especially since it was only december 5th (haha).

hope everyone's enjoying the chilly weather and the beginning of the christmas season!