tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20374832180587994262024-03-13T22:20:34.062-04:00The Ackermann BlogAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-84406262856740152172010-06-29T11:43:00.001-04:002010-06-29T11:44:05.821-04:00109 days laterI am mother to an almost 4 month old baby girl. What? The past four months have literally been the craziest, longest, shortest, most trying, changing, self evaluating of my life. And, of course, I have not had the time to blog. How in the world do I compact the last 109 days in words?<br />
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I LOVE being a mom. It is so freaking hard and I still love it. And it's nothing like I thought it would be. There is nothing like motherhood to show you how much you need to change and how much you, in fact, do NOT have things together. <br />
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Our hospital visit is a wonderful blur of a memory to me. I was told that the hospital stay kind of sucked, but I absolutely loved it. Despite being in some pain, everything was ethereal - the nurses were kind, Drew was a champ and Jolie was, well, very real. Drew and I were exhausted and undeniably elated. Those two days may become some of the sweetest in my memory. </div>
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We came home to a clean house (thank you, Renata!) and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. What would I do with this little, helpless baby with no nurses around and Drew soon returning to work? The first week was a challenge, and that's an understatement. We had a bout with jaundice, nursing issues and then a car accident to top off the first 7 days of Jolie's life. I'm pretty sure I've never cried more in a 7 day period - ever. The next 2 weeks were a recovery period; though there were some nights I felt like I couldn't do it anymore. I remember the first time I felt angry at Jolie and the first time (of many) I lamented, <i>I never want to do this again! Why did we think this was a good idea?! </i>as I cried my eyes out and Drew gently assured me that it could only go up from there. People asked me if I liked being a mom and sometimes, I lied when I said yes. Sweet Jolie was in the world and I was her mom, but it was harder than I thought...and my heart was heavier than I expected. Drew always reminded me that all first time moms go through all this muck and that I wasn't weird. In retrospect, the late nights really did take their toll on me. Though, even in the late night feedings, I was given grace in the form of a sweet, sleeping baby, her stomach full, diaper changed and needs met. Sometimes I would just sit in the dark and hold Jolie while she slept, taking my time to hold her close and smell her before putting her back in the cradle. Mmm, yes, those were sweet times.</div>
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Things started getting better once I began implementing a routine with Jolie. Drew and I decided before Jolie was born to give Babywise a try. I know it's super controversial, but it's principles worked wonderfully for us. Jolie began daily cycles of eating, awake time and naps. The first 6 weeks were pretty challenging. Jolie's little body had to get used to eating and sleeping, plus she was learning the difference between night and day. By week 8 though, we were averaging 6 hours of nighttime sleep and we both began to know what to expect during the day. Now, at 15 weeks, Jolie sleeps 10-11 hours every night - and so do I, thank goodness. I know Babywise and routines are not for everyone, but they worked wonders for my sanity. I received a ton of practical advice from Chrissy S. (thank you, thank you!), and since then have joined a forum with other Babywise moms. </div>
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Jolie has been exclusively breastfed since day 1 and, with the exception of maybe 4 bottles of formula, has continued to do so. I love nursing! That may sound weird, but I do. We're coming in to 4 months and going strong; and since we had such a rough start, I am proud of both of us! :) I'm hoping to continue for her first year; we'll see how it goes.</div>
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Right around week 8, Jolie began to smile! I definitely cried. We discovered she has a trademark dimple like me, just a little higher on her face. She crinkles her nose when she is happy, too, and I'm not sure where she got that from. Smiling babies are wonderful. Motherhood began to feel rewarding! Nowadays, Jolie smiles most of the day and coos and chit chats with me regularly. She is a little social butterfly already, sometimes interrupting a nursing session to look up at me and babble. She even wakes in the morning happy and cooing away!</div>
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We started off with nicknames immediately, shortening Jolie to Jo a lot of the time. I began calling her Jolie Girl, which has still stuck. Drew trademarked Jolie Bug early on and, surprisingly, that is her most common nickname! Jolie Bug inspired Jo Bug, Little Bug, The Bug, Bug...and with different activities, Water Bug and Bed Bug. She is The Bug. Drew also dubbed Jo's pajamas "P Jo's" (instead of PJs). :)</div>
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Jolie's entering such a fun stage of life! She really likes looking at books and loves her bouncy chair. She is very interested in words more than pictures; she likes contrast. Funny enough, her favorite things to look at are our Chinese scroll and her panda bear dangling toy. Proof of her heritage? :)</div>
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I can honestly say that now, 109 days later, I am having fun. I love spending the day with Jolie and getting to experience her little milestones. I know she's growing up fast and we're already talking about her being mobile and throwing tantrums...and I've already cried over her wedding day. Oh my. </div>
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<i><b>Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.<br />Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.<br />He fills my life with good things...<br />Let all that I am praise the Lord.</b></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 103</span></i></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-89198076104919479672010-03-30T14:34:00.004-04:002010-03-30T14:36:57.824-04:00Work it, girlIt's been 18 days and this is the first day I brought out the big guns camera! Look at this gorgeous girl:<br />
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(Love the headband, right? It's from <a href="http://www.knitsandwhatknots.etsy.com/">Knits and What Knots</a>!)<br />
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We don't think she smiles on purpose yet, but it's a smile none the less!</div>
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And the last one...poor Jolie. This is the "Mom-why-are-you-doing-this-to-me" face. :)</div>
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I've been anxious to try and take her picture the past 2 weeks, and now I figured out some tricks! More to come, I'm sure.</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-71103866594704069612010-03-25T13:57:00.000-04:002010-03-25T13:57:33.202-04:00Jolie's birth dayJolie Kate Ackermann is 13 days old today. We're sort of starting to settle into a routine around here, and it's high time I told the story of her birth!<br />
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I will offer this disclaimer: this blog is a personal archive of our family; something for me to look back on in years to come. If you think some parts of this post are TMI, sorry.<br />
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<b>March 11 - 3:00am</b><br />
I woke up to use the bathroom for the 27th time since going to bed, as usual. While in the bathroom, I noticed that I had lost my mucus plug! I, of course, got very excited, but with only Braxton Hicks contractions for the past 2 weeks, tried my best to go back to bed.<br />
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I awoke sometime later with my first true contraction. Definitely different than Braxton Hicks, which was a relief to me. I woke up Drew and we started timing them. By 6am, they were getting stronger and closer together. Drew and I both thought it was the day! We called the doctor around 8 and they said to high tail it to the hospital. I wanted to shower and eat breakfast, so we didn't leave until about 9. By then, the contractions were a lot closer together, but they were starting to become less painful. Weird.<br />
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They literally stopped when we walked into triage. I was hooked up to the monitors for an hour or so, then they sent us home. To say I was disappointed is an understatement. We spent the rest of the morning in Annapolis, trying to walk around, hoping that the contractions would come back or that my water would break in some dramatic fashion. I didn't have a contraction while the sun was still up. Boo.<br />
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That night, we watched a movie with Tom and Renata at home and I realized that I was getting contractions again. They started around 15 minutes apart, but they hurt a lot more than the previous ones did. We went to bed at 10, contractions still far apart and very bearable and I fell asleep until 1.<br />
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<b>March 12 - 1:00am</b><br />
I woke up to pain with excitement! I could no longer sleep through the contractions. On the 1-10 scale, they had climbed to about a 5 and were about 8-10 minutes apart, so I woke up Drew. He told me to try and rest and that when they got closer together, we'd start really timing. <br />
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I laid awake contracting the rest of the night. By 6am, they were 5-7 minutes apart and had climbed a 7 on the pain scale. I couldn't talk or move through them anymore. We called the doctor and headed to the hospital once more. I tried not to get myself too excited, and kept telling myself that they could still send me home. <br />
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Sure enough, my body hates me and the contractions slowed in time and intensity as soon as they hooked me up the machine. I was only dilated about 3cm and it looked like it might be another disappointing morning. Boo again.<br />
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My doctor was not available and was being covered by the doctor on call. A nurse came in and said that the doctor would like to admit us and get me started on Pitocin! We were really surprised, but told her we wanted some time to think about it. <br />
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Drew and I really wanted to let my body go into labor on its own. I was scared of Pitocin, as I heard it made contractions a lot worse. We spent a good 20 minutes discussing whether or not we wanted to be admitted or to go home and wait it out. Under no pressure (which was wonderful) and some prayer, we decided to stay. It would be my actual due date, plus it was a Friday which meant Drew wouldn't have to take off work to stay at the hospital and I was ready to not be pregnant anymore. We came to the conclusion on our own and both felt great about it. <br />
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<b>March 12 - 10:00am</b><br />
We were checked in and I was hooked up to a lot of IVs, including the Pitocin drip. Our wonderful nurse Mary (wonderful does not describe her well enough - she was awesome!) made sure we had what we needed and we were off!<br />
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Contractions started picking up almost immediately on the Pitocin. I had planned to not make a definite decision about an epidural until I was actually in labor, as I wanted to feel contractions for myself and not be pressured either way. I labored unmedicated for 4 hours, which got pretty intense. By the time 1pm rolled around, my contractions were 2 minutes apart, lasting a good minute and a half (so only 30 second breaks) and a definite 9 on the pain scale. Drew was awesome. He kept reminding me to breathe and that each contraction was one less I had to do again. I decided on an epidural at 1:30 and they came to administer it at 2pm. <br />
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I was a little nervous about the giant needle being stuck into my spine, but all went great (and it really didn't hurt). I did have one last contraction during the procedure and must've squeezed the color out of Drew's arm, but then it was done. The second that it started working, I was so happy. Just ask Drew. I kept saying, "Drew! I am so happy right now!" I promptly fell asleep soon after I was checked at 4cm.<br />
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By 4pm, I had slept almost 2 hours and the doctor came to check me again. We were surprised to find out I was at 10cm already! Jolie was still up pretty high, but I would start pushing fairly soon. I tried to get some more rest, but it was hard. The epidural made me a little nauseous, plus I was anxious to get started.<br />
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Mary came back in at 6 to get the pushing started. They told me it could take up to 3 hours of pushing, but I was hoping to be lucky. :) No such luck. I pushed for 2 and a half hours. During the first 2 hours, I was literally trying to get her past my pelvic bone with not a lot of success. My contractions actually slowed down a little, too, which was frustrating. I was getting so discouraged. I was tired, nauseous and pushing is hard! Drew tried to keep my spirits up and was wonderful. The nurse finally convinced me to look in a mirror, which was super encouraging. Drew got to see her head before it crowned. <br />
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Finally, at 8pm, things started happening. With one good push, half her head was out, the next contraction brought her whole head and with one last push, she was born. Drew was a mess as soon as her head came. When she was born and put on my chest, we both lost it. I was super surprised at the overwhelming amount of emotion from both of us. I'm tearing up thinking about it now. What a wonderful memory. <br />
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Drew stayed with Jolie while they weighed her across the room. I got stitched up and enjoyed watching Drew with his daughter. Funny enough, we had to take our first pictures of Jolie with a cell phone because we forgot a camera! She didn't open her eyes until she was in Drew's arms for the first time, which was wonderful. <br />
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Our stay at Anne Arundel was amazing. Our nurses were all awesome. Even though I was in pain and pretty much bed ridden, I will cherish those memories as some of my sweetest.<br />
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Now, 12 days later, Jolie sleeps in her cradle next to my bed, still captivating us with every little movement and facial expression. It's still pretty hard to believe that she is real and mine and that I am part of my own family. Learning to completely give of yourself is a super hard lesson. But Jolie is worth it.<br />
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I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and was a little disappointed to find out that I'm not dilated at all. I've heard it doesn't matter though, so hopes are still high! Actually, it gave me some peace of mind. I've been so anxious about labor starting! Today, I have a lot of peace that it will start when I'm ready and if that's not for 2 more weeks, it's okay.<br />
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My doctor told me that if I don't deliver by my due date (which is next Friday), we can induce on March 15th or 22nd. Honestly, I'd very much like to go into labor on my own. Drew and I have decided to wait it out until the 22nd, as long as Jolie and I are still healthy and I'm not in pain. <br />
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I would so appreciate prayer about this; for peace, labor to begin naturally (and preferably soon!) and health for everyone. Eight days until my official due date! AHH!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-61722471281254930802010-03-03T09:47:00.002-05:002010-03-03T09:51:18.956-05:00The Home StretchHere I am, at the cusp of 39 weeks, almost not believing how fast the past 9 months has seemed to flown by. The past two weeks have been full of impatience on my part and I am very eager to go into labor.<br />
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Everyone says that the last month of pregnancy is the hardest. I'm actually not sure that's true for me yet, but the waiting has been killing me. Back in August, I determined that I would deliver early and willed myself to produce a February baby. Obviously, my plan did not work out as it is March and I am still very pregnant. The weekend of my Mom's birthday came and went, with no Jo. I don't know why I set myself up for such impatience early. I've really been trying to get over that this week. I started having noticeable contractions two Fridays ago, with 3 instances of 8-10 minute intervals for over an hour. I'm starting to get used to it now and not work myself up each time.<br />
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The (good) anxiety in Drew and me has been rearing its head in interesting ways. My urge to nest is RIDICULOUS, but at the same time, I try to avoid feeling overwhelmed by getting out of the house. I wake up every 2 hours or so at night to go to the bathroom and start the tiring process of turning over in bed. Each time, though, I wake up thinking to myself, "Am I in pain? Did my water break? Why am I awake?!" I can't help it. <br />
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Drew, on the other hand, has been telling me more that Jolie crosses his mind more frequently during the day. At night, he is not sleeping well and hasn't been realizing it. He is a stomach/side sleeper usually and has been sleeping on his back for the past week. He's been talking in his sleep a lot to me and says things like, "It's okay! I'll fix it!" spiritedly. He wakes up at my smallest whisper, which is super odd as normally I have to shake him. I think he's just subconsciously waiting for me to wake him up and say it's time. Poor guy.<br />
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The few times I do get to actually sleep, I dream about labor and Jolie and real life things. Sometimes, I wake up feeling disappointed that it didn't actually happen. I seriously cannot wait.<br />
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My mom threw me a wonderful shower a few weeks ago and I was so blessed by all the love and generousity. I'm pretty sure we've spent more money this month than we have in a good year and I've loved putting all of Jolie's pretty little (pink) things away. Thank you to all who came to the shower and have blessed me with advice and gifts.<br />
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I have really wanted to spend a lot of time with my mom over the last month. Not that I don't normally, but I really want to be around her most of the time now, even to just sit around. She came with me to my last 2 ultrasounds and it's been so nice to talk about babies and motherhood. <br />
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Mom pulled out the only newborn picture she has of me yesterday so we could compare it to Jolie's little face from the 3D ultrasound. The resemblance is uncanny. The only difference is her lips, which belong completely to Drew, but the rest of her is me. I try to tell Drew that no one really understands what it's like for me to finally have family that looks like me. I don't know anyone in the world that I look like. To most people it's not even a second thought to hear "You have your mother's nose" or "You did that just like your dad!". I've never gotten that! I can't wait to hear "Jolie looks just like you" or "You're going to look just like your mom". It's very exciting for me. I know the chances of having a girl/boy are 50/50, but I don't think my first child being a girl is a coincidence.<br />
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I get so excited and lost in hanging her little clothes and washing her things, sometimes I forget that we're actually having a BABY. Like, a child. Our friends <a href="http://livingtheknightlife.blogspot.com/">Danny & Andrew</a> just had their baby, Malakai, last week and by random circumstances, Drew and I were able to visit them just hours after birth. I got to hold sweet Kai for our entire visit and it was just intoxicating. And he wasn't even mine. Danny told me she couldn't stop crying when she looked at him. It was a wonderful visit. :) I'm so ready for that experience! <br />
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Hopefully I'll get a chance to take one last pregnancy picture and I'll post it. We are continually appreciative of all the generousity, love and prayers that are physically FELT. Let's go, baby, let's go.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-15713180673829037112010-02-18T16:06:00.001-05:002010-02-18T16:08:43.320-05:00SnOMG 2010I guess since Drew and I missed the first big snow of the season for NYC, it was only fair that we be here for the mother load. We've been snowed in for almost a week, with Drew only going to work one day.<br />
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We're at the very end of the road, so we haven't gotten a lot of help from the plows. Drew and Tom have shoveled very valiantly.</div>
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The amount of snow we got is just ridiculous. Ree. Dic. You. Luss. I was up to my thighs and could comfortably sit.<br />
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The plowing and snow drifts were as tall as Drew:</div>
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Renata and Tom brought the boys out to play; it was fun watching them try to traverse the snow!</div>
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Jack just wanted to eat it.</div>
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We even tried a little sledding down the small hill in front of our place.</div>
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I love Hayden's "That was VERY fun!".</div>
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We are all super sick of the snow now, but it will be fun to remember the blizzard of 2010!</div>
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</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-81875058566780733382010-02-07T10:43:00.001-05:002010-02-07T10:48:11.081-05:00Jolie in 3D!After weeks of constant wondering, bizarre dreams and almost unbearable impatience, I got a break. We discovered that our medical benefits would cover an elective ultrasound - even in 3D! I scheduled an appointment for the next morning. :)<br />
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My mom came with me and we got to see fully developed Jolie, looking ever so much like an actual baby. The last time I saw her was almost 20 weeks ago, and boy oh boy, little lady has changed. </div>
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I have worried for a couple weeks now over if she would, in fact, come out a boy and I would have to return everything pink. It is confirmed that she is indeed a girl and I have begun cutting tags! :) Weighing in about 5 pounds and probably a little shorter than 20 inches, she has a head full of hair (oohh, I hope it's dark!) and is nice and chubby! The technician showed us her fat little butt, chunky forearm and even a fat roll on the back of her neck. Mom and I died. Apparently, she has a wide head, too, which is something every first time preggo wants to hear. :)</div>
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As far as what she may look like, we determined that she does have Asian eyes and a wide face like me. Her mouth, though, is all Drew. Proof:</div>
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Jolie was pretty mad at us for interrupting her rest time; she kept trying to hide behind the placenta and her hand, and gave us a couple of mad faces, which Mom and I still loved:</div>
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We also got to see her in 2D from the side and got to watch her little mouth move around. We got a great shot of her puckering:</div>
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And, of course, she sucked her thumb, probably trying to get us to stay away :) (P.S. Please ignore the "I Love You!". I'm not sure why technicians think you want that on an ultrasound picture.)</div>
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It's crazy to sort of know what she looks like! And it's even crazier to think that we're just a few short weeks away from seeing her in person!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-59558303130630002002010-02-04T17:00:00.002-05:002010-02-04T17:01:40.829-05:00A few of my favorite thingsAs mentioned in the last post, the nesting instinct is starting to kick in hard core. Never before have I had such a strong desire to organize, clean and organize again (Chrissy? Kaley? Jessica? DREW? Back me up, here). I have started a "Jolie" pile in one corner of my room that is slowly growing. Mostly, I am excited about organizing her clothes. :)<br />
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It started with <a href="http://andreajaephotography.com/blog/?p=1824">these shoes</a>. They still sit on my dresser where I can see them everyday. Now, however, we have entered the world of super cute hand-me-downs and thoughtful gifts! Baby clothes are so. cute. Since I have no closet to show yet or baby to dress, I figured I might as well confess my mini obsession with Jolie's wardrobe and show you how cute some of this stuff is.</div>
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Renata has been coming home with a thing or two over the past couple of months. One day, she came home with these:</div>
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A former photography client of ours started her own Etsy business and her stuff is gorgeous! I HAD to buy some stuff from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/knitsandwhatknots">Knits and What Knots</a>! I got a sweet hat:</div>
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And this ridiculously adorable headband:</div>
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Even though I have no baby to dress yet, I still like to go through the clothes and pick out little outfits. Go ahead, call me crazy. I don't care. :) My favorite so far (compliments of Rachael and Ava!):</div>
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I would totally wear this. Jo is going to be my mini-me. :) </div>
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Thank you for indulging the crazy pregnant lady.</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-55630051775852956712010-02-02T15:08:00.003-05:002010-02-02T15:12:38.051-05:0034 week thoughtsEver wonder what I would look like if I gained 15 pounds in my middle? Here's what 34 weeks looks like:<br />
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Yes, for you Salisburians, I am indeed wearing the free t-shirt I got when SU redid Fireside Lounge. It's pretty snug. :)</div>
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Time is flying and creeping at the same time. I remember just trying to get to 12 weeks so we could finally tell everyone. I remember reaching 20 weeks and realizing how big of a milestone it was. I remember the first time my pants did not fit and thinking how much I was showing (this is laughable). And now, here we are, at the brink of 35 weeks - 2 weeks from being full term. Holy crap.</div>
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Now that I've experienced nearly an entire pregnancy, I'd like to make some observations:</div>
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1. I don't think I will miss being pregnant. A lot of women have told me both, but I think I'll be okay. I understand why some women do this just once. It takes quite a toll on your body! I am constantly in a state of discomfort, my belly button has all but disappeared, and sometimes, I really fear that my stomach skin just might not make it. I will say, though, that I have had an easy pregnancy and it's been fun. I will most certainly do it again.</div>
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2. I WILL miss maternity pants! Oh, the joys of stretchy material and no worries of fat rolls. Wonderful, wonderful invention.</div>
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3. I always thought the reason pregnant ladies waddled was because of balance. I was wrong. We waddle because our hip joints and back hurt. I'm fine on my feet balance wise, but that waddle just relieves a little bit of the pain.</div>
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4. There really is a "honeymoon" stage of pregnancy and it IS the second trimester. I was literally in a state of constant EUPHORIA during my entire second trimester. I cried because I was SO HAPPY. The week that I entered third trimester...well...there was definitely a change. :) Poor Drew.</div>
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5. Being touched on the belly is actually enjoyable. Renata didn't like it, but I do! I don't mind when women (even strangers) ask to give it a rub. It's just so round and there's a cute little baby in there! Men should still not cross that line, however. :) </div>
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6. A birth class is not a waste of time! Drew and I took the 4 week class at AAMC and really benefitted from it. I would recommend it to all first timers.</div>
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7. Husbands are the best idea EVER. No matter what I always have someone around who will rub my back, help me put on my socks, pick up things I drop, make sure my fly is not undone (since I can't see it anymore), tell me how pretty he thinks I look, freak out with me over how weird my belly looks when she rolls around, encourage me, listen to every fear and keep me grounded. Even though I get jealous sometimes that he gets to be a parent without going through birthing the child, I am so glad Drew is around. </div>
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8. Nesting is REAL! I am anxious to put things away and get things ready. Since Jolie's room is not quite done yet, I have been limited to rearranging piles of her stuff in my room. It's killing me a little.<br />
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9. Besides labor and delivery, I think my biggest fear is that she will actually come out a boy and I will have nothing but pink things to dress him in. I'm praying about this one. :)</div>
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I have many more observations. But this will do for now. :) I'm going to take a pregnancy nap while I still can.</div>
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-61427648674031546022010-01-30T08:56:00.004-05:002010-01-30T15:24:23.465-05:00November-January : The Holidays, et al.I guess since it is January, I should probably just get my holiday post over with. The pictures have just been sitting patiently, waiting. A lot happened in the past three months I'd like to archive!<br />
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<b>November</b><br />
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Smizzle got engaged this year! I got to see her briefly for dinner...and got asked to be a bridesmaid - holla!</div>
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For our last childless Thanksgiving, we went on vacation with Drew's family to the Poconos. It was wonderfully relaxing! We stayed in a gorgeous cabin on a lake, read to our hearts' content, visited Scranton and had a great time.<br />
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<b>December</b></div>
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The Christmas season was a little overwhelming for me this year. I entered my third trimester...and became somewhat annoyed. :) Amidst hustle and bustle, we really tried to soak up Christmas this year. And we even let ourselves dream a little of next year when there's a little one to wake up on Christmas morning! </div>
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Renata's dad, Charlie, came to start work on Jolie's room! The boys have worked tirelessly over several weekends and it's almost done.</div>
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This was scary:<br />
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I got to go to my first Sara Groves concert this year! We drove all the way to Hershey, PA on a weeknight, arrived a little late, and drove home in blinding snow (and at an average of 25 MPH) all the way home. This picture is blurry, but it was a great concert and worth noting.</div>
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Last year, Drew and I did not exchange Christmas gifts. I think we went on a trip and called it our mutually beneficial Christmas exchange. This year, we purposefully decided to get gifts. Drew pimped it out. </div>
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A few weeks before Christmas, he told me that my Christmas present needed to be given over a certain weekend in December. And even though we ended up ruining the surprise (THAT'S a funny story that includes pregnancy hormones), it was fantastic. He planned a weekend trip to New York City, including site seeing, the Brooklyn Tabernacle and a visit to the Rockettes!</div>
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I also got to see my childhood best friend, Elizabeth, who happened to be in NYC the same weekend! We had lunch in Union Station.</div>
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Funny enough, we actually escaped a good deal of snow by traveling north. At home, they received about 2 feet of snow. We got a dusting in New York...just enough to feel like Christmas. :)</div>
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I had a fantastic time in New York and loved being surprised. I did get Drew a gift (that didn't even hold a candle to his) that he opened first thing Christmas morning: several books he wanted, new slippers, new pajama pants and a picture frame for Jolie to sit on his desk. He liked them. Then, he gave me ANOTHER gift - a maternity massage. Let's just take a moment to reflect on Drew's awesomeness. :)</div>
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We spent Christmas traveling between both of our families, which was kind of crazy, but good. My sister, Rachel and her husband Harry were town from Texas and it was SO SO GOOD to see them. My parents randomly decided to purchase a Wii and we spent the day eating and laughing. Instead of exchanging presents this year, my mom just decided to pimp out the food, which did include cookies that her and I made a few weeks prior with my new Williams Sonoma cookie cutters!</div>
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<b>January</b></div>
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For New Year's, the AckerJanes decided to party it up at our place! We invited over our LifeGroup and friends. As is becoming tradition, hats were made and the photobooth took place. Drew and I kicked butt in the Wii tennis tournament! It was wonderful bringing in the New Year with those people. :)</div>
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Overall, I enjoyed the holidays, but was glad when they were over. I couldn't believe that there were no more significant holidays before the baby comes. And I still can't. But, bring on baby. :)</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-34326668814381355472009-12-14T08:19:00.000-05:002009-12-14T08:19:23.223-05:0027 weeks and getting fatter...I've really ballooned in the two months! At my last doctor's visit, I had gained 10 pounds in ONE MONTH. Holla at some Mexican food. :)<br />
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There is no denying I'm pregnant anymore and this month marks my first experiences with strangers asking me about the pregnancy. I like it! <br />
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Jolie weighs about 2 pounds now and I can feel her stretching those 16 inches of height. My stomach frequently changes shape. Drew and I felt a foot or hand or something the other night, which was cool. I'm right on target with the book and having weird dreams about what she looks like (including being completely covered in hair and distinctly looking like Drew...but an asian girl...). <br />
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Third trimester, here we come!<br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-7714381794142522342009-12-11T17:20:00.091-05:002009-12-11T18:19:44.424-05:00Babymoon!*I started this post in November when we returned...and am just now posting it. Whoops. :)*
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We're back from our whirlwind, yet relaxing babymoon to Florida! Drew is ever the vacation planner (seriously, if you need someone to plan a fantastic vacation, call him) and we had such a good time!
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We flew into Fort Lauderdale on Thursday evening, checked into our sweet hotel and headed out for a late dinner of (what else?) Mexican food. Drew researched restaurants around the area and the place got great reviews! It looked like a long standing dive; it had to be good, and it was!
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We woke up the next morning to drive down to the Keys. Drew planned on stopping in Miami to check it out. The beach was gorgeous, a little windy, but the water was beautiful!
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We had breakfast at the 11th Street Diner, which has apparently been on the Food Network. It was a fun experience, but the food was only okay. :)
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We spent the night in the Keys, only to wake up to wind, rain and a forecast for much of the same. Drew had planned on hitting several different beaches during our stay...and that's it. We decided we could sit in the condo all day OR change our trip completely. We found the local library and booked a hotel in Orlando, where the sun was shining!
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Before leaving, we headed down to Key West, just to go. We had lunch at the Southernmost Beach Cafe, which I'm pretty sure is the southernmost restaurant in the US.
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Since we were in the Keys, we decided to try some Key Lime Pie. And we didn't like it. :)
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On a sunny day, you can see Cuba from this point!
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Redundant much?
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The drive to Orlando took about 6 hours and we got there late Saturday evening, crashed in our hotel and slept great. The next day, we were determined to get some rays at the beach. We headed to Cocoa Beach where it wasn't raining, but the wind was still killer! We stayed for about 30 minutes and decided to stop trying to be brave. (I did, however get to dig a hole in the sand for my belly to fit in - it was so nice to lay on my stomach!)
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Apparently, the world's largest McDonald's is in Florida. They have a full arcade and play area, plus a gourmet menu. Weird. We didn't eat there, but I did get to pee in one of the most unique McDonald's in the world.
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Before we left Orlando to come home, we just had to visit Universal and Disney. We went to Universal for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and ended up seeing a crap movie, but it was fun. The next day, we went to Disney.
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Since I can't ride anything (literally), we didn't even buy park admission. We rode the free tram from park to park and then the ferry from parking to the Magic Kingdom twice. Man, we know how to vacation :)
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It was a lot of fun talking about bringing our kids to Disney one day and dreaming about our upcoming family. I didn't realize how much Drew and I had been lacking in quality time! We came back relaxed and happy. It was a great trip to commemorate our last big splurge as 2. The next time we see Florida, we're bringing more Ackermanns. :)<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-69528809351884923662009-10-20T10:36:00.004-04:002009-10-20T11:23:09.076-04:00Jolie Kate AckermannTwo weeks ago, Drew and I went for the 18th week sonogram of Baby Ack. We really wanted to find out what this little person was, and I was told by some wise women to drink a Mountain Dew before going to ensure baby moved around a lot. Since our appointment was at 8am and I had to drink the fluid an hour before, I was up at 6:30 chugging 16 ounces of Mountain Dew. Ick. Halfway through, I told Drew that I never wanted to drink Mountain Dew ever again. <br />
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It paid off, though! Not only did we get to find out sweet baby's gender, we got to see her move around like crazy! Drew stood behind the technician's shoulder, enthralled, and I smiled like an idiot the entire time. <br />
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We wanted to find out the gender alone, so we had the technician (who was super nice) print out the image and put it in an envelope for us. We planned on having breakfast together to open it, but couldn't even wait until we go to the restaurant. We tore it open in the car.<br />
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She kindly drew us a diagram. :) Sweet baby GIRL! We both were ecstatic and started calling people right away. We had already decided on names for either gender, and we're happy to announce that her full name will be Jolie Kate Ackermann (first name pronounced JOlee). Holy moly, I love her already.<br />
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At breakfast, I couldn't stop being excited. Maybe it was all that Mountain Dew. :)<br />
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The technician printed out so many images for us; the paper stretched out was my height! Here are some cool ones:<br />
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Beautifully formed spine:<br />
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Suuuper creepy image of her face. We both kind of jumped when it came up on the screen. I got to see her sweet little lips move around and I totally think she has my jawline :) <br />
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Profile! Drew's nose maybe?<br />
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Arms and legs both crossed:<br /></div>
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The technician showed us her four heart chambers, different organs, brain, everything. I was amazed. Everything is looking good and I came out of there feeling so, so grateful. <br /></div>
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Now that we know she's a she and she even has a name, I feel so many things. I have moments of intense fear over everything, and I have days of deep, deep contentment. Mostly, I am finding how crazy it is to love this little thing so much without ever having seen her face to face. I can't wait to dress her up and sing to her and take her places and to call her Jo and for people to say, "She looks just like you!". I can't wait for the rest of her story.<br /></div>
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</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-17767956302020130312009-10-19T20:50:00.005-04:002009-10-19T20:51:46.030-04:00Proof...There IS something growing in there! I can't believe I've become one of those people who post pictures like this:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/St0Iy5FFchI/AAAAAAAAA6k/vs1Lf1GQo-c/s1600-h/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/St0Iy5FFchI/AAAAAAAAA6k/vs1Lf1GQo-c/s400/IMG_0054.JPG" /></a><br /></div>
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Whatever. I'm freakin' excited. :) New pictures of baby girl (!!!!) coming soon! And more pictures of Ackermann adventures. I promise not to become the person who only blogs baby things. :)<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-13298796491761474812009-09-28T13:34:00.013-04:002009-09-28T14:02:56.367-04:00Great GorgeHoly moly, we've been busy! Closing on the house and moving was a crazy experience. Our close date got moved at least 4 times. The last time, we had already packed up the truck and feared we would not have a place to sleep! We did close, FINALLY, and worked our butts off the next 5 days.<br><br>
Renata and I were so proud of our husbands. Since closing was such a rush and we had such little notice, Drew and Tom did the majority of moving by themselves. They packed up the truck alone, unpacked the first load with the help of Drew's dad, packed up the second load alone, unpacked the second load with Jason and Mike, packed up the third load alone, and unpacked it alone. And that's just the official moving truck. Many trips were made to our houses in cars and much was moved by Drew and Tom's sore muscles. By the end of the 4th evening, Drew crashed into bed, told me how sore he was, and promptly fell asleep.<br><br>
Renata and I did as much unpacking as we could. And, before you can ask, I only used the pregnancy card a couple of times during the whole process :) Just kidding! Sort of. I was trying to keep busy, but was absolutely not allowed to lift anything, push anything or even travel up and down the stairs too many times, to my chastisement!<br><br>
We do want to thank Drew's parents, Jason, Mike, Tom's parents, Kim, and Shannon for being huge helps! (Seriously, thank you thank you for making my bed on the first night!)<br><br>
Renata and I had one weekend, yes ONE, to get a lot done before our fall wedding season took off with 6 wedding weekends in a row. We're finding out that, between the two of us, we'd make the absolute perfect housewife! Renata is so clean and hates clutter (soooo not me!) and keeps our place looking neat and clean. I have loved doing the cooking and haven't even minded doing the dishes! We spend at least a little portion of each day together and I'm loving it!<br><br>
We still have a long way to go, but I figured I could at least give a little peek into the house! Welcome to the first shots of Great Gorge or, as it's being affectionately referred to, the AckerJanes.<br><br>
Here is our living room, which we are super proud of! :)<br><br>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SsD3PZO1tUI/AAAAAAAAA58/6Z-kFPMA9zo/s1600-h/living-room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SsD3PZO1tUI/AAAAAAAAA58/6Z-kFPMA9zo/s400/living-room.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386576998178338114" /></a>And my favorite room so far, the giant kitchen!<br><br>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SsD3lSCSPwI/AAAAAAAAA6E/kM-NNT8lpvw/s1600-h/kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SsD3lSCSPwI/AAAAAAAAA6E/kM-NNT8lpvw/s400/kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386577374203756290" /></a>We found some old Polaroid film in a box and decided to use the 40 or so shots left to document the first guests in our home and stick them on the fridge! There's still some room left, so come over!<br><br>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SsD4g5mZPAI/AAAAAAAAA6M/-qQBg3JJPsg/s1600-h/IMG_0041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SsD4g5mZPAI/AAAAAAAAA6M/-qQBg3JJPsg/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386578398436473858" /></a>We're still ironing out some necessary kinks, but so far it's been fantastic. I've been joking that it's like getting married again. Nobody has to go home after a late night of hanging out. We just go to our rooms. We share meals. There's almost always someone to hang out with. You can be jealous. :)<br>
<br>I promise we will showcase a full tour of our house in a month or so!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-22059315517459334972009-09-08T16:17:00.008-04:002009-09-08T16:56:22.880-04:00Cribs, strollers and...skulls?<div>On Saturday, Drew and I decided to venture out on our first baby shopping trip. Renata and others rave about <a href="http://www.greatbeginnings.net/">Great Beginnings</a> in Gaithersburg and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I, of course, brought along my new Canon point-and-shoot. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br>
</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/Sqa8f4aGtUI/AAAAAAAAA5k/2TkPB5ew5TU/s1600-h/IMG_0012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/Sqa8f4aGtUI/AAAAAAAAA5k/2TkPB5ew5TU/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379194060844479810" /></a><br>
This store is freaking huge. Huge and inundated with pregnant women. I felt a little like an impostor since I'm not really showing. Needless to say, if you would like to be overwhelmed at the thought of having a child, I would highly recommend going.<div>
<br>
</div><div>We did have surprisingly a lot of fun, and even picked out Drew's super manly diaper bag (who would carry this?! What are you feeding your child? POISON?!):</div><div>
<br>
<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/Sqa9jTzCeGI/AAAAAAAAA5s/ij5gvVk5xD8/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379195219248052322" />We made a day of it and had a leisurely Tex-mex lunch, which is the only type of food that has not attacked my gag reflex thus far. :)</div><div>
</div><div><br>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/Sqa-7w9LcPI/AAAAAAAAA50/tpZHof6-4tA/s1600-h/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/Sqa-7w9LcPI/AAAAAAAAA50/tpZHof6-4tA/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379196738903699698" /></a>
<br>A good day indeed! We haven't actually purchased anything yet (though I do have my first official purchase in mind!), but I'm sure this isn't our last visit to Great Beginnings. Oh my.
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-80760829584927382032009-08-31T20:07:00.005-04:002009-09-06T21:22:43.166-04:00Moving on and moving outApparently, Drew and I can't do just one big life change at a time. We got married 3 months after I graduated college, 2 months after I started my first real job. Neither of us had never lived anywhere but our parents' houses outside of college. What a whirlwind time. Now, at the onset of the pregnancy, we are preparing to make another huge life change: moving. And not only moving, but living with another family. <div><br>
</div><div>We decided to live with the Janes in late winter and began joint house hunting. After 2 failed offers, we were beginning to feel discouraged. Finally, on a whim, Tom and Renata found a new development of townhouses being built right near our church and parents. We signed a contract in April and the house went up quick! We were supposed to close today, but due to several different things, we are still in our basement room with our boxes. </div><div><br>
</div><div>We are excited to move into our brand spankin' new house and even more excited to live with some of our best friends. We should probably credit Tom and Renata for encouraging our desire to have kids, as they have two incredibly cute boys. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Both families know we're giving up some things. But the pros outweigh the cons. We've all prayed and thought and discussed and made lists. While it will be challenging at times, this decision is allowing both me and Renata to stay at home and still afford a house. We'll be working from the house, as we do from our homes now, but our priorities are our families, and this gives us the opportunity to serve our families better. And the biggest plus? No longer throwing away money for rent. Yesss. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Hopefully closing will happen sometime this week. And I'm sure I'll be posting pictures I take with my new little point-and-shoot Canon, which Drew and I bought this weekend!</div><div>
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-57947422301823666512009-08-28T07:40:00.004-04:002009-08-28T08:05:50.408-04:00The Thank You post<div>It's been 13 hours, 50+ Facebook comments, 3 text messages, and many phone calls since our news went public. And we want to say THANK YOU for the kind words and support! Being privately pregnant is a much different beast than being publicly pregnant and we are so grateful for our friends and family. :)
</div><div><br>
</div><div>I'd love to chat with everyone who asked us questions, but since that's not possible, I figured I'd post an all-clarifying list of facts:</div><div><br>
</div><div>1. Yes, it's true. I am pregnant.</div><div>2. I am due smack in the middle of March. We found out at the end of June and I'll be 12 weeks along on Tuesday.</div><div>3. The past 2 months were challenging for me, with a lot of nausea and tiredness (especially not being able to tell anyone!), but the past two weeks have been looking up and I'm feeling better all the time!</div><div>4. I'm not showing at all really, so don't think I'm lying if you see me in person.</div><div>5. No, Baby Ack's name will not begin with the letter "A" or be another kind of derivation from "Andrew", like "Andre".</div><div>6. I think we're ALL hoping it looks more like me than Drew. Just kidding. :)</div><div><br>
</div><div>It's been fun telling and getting reactions like these:</div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Let's hope he/she looks more like you, Drea. </span>Thanks, Bob! :)
</li><li>To Drew: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">So, you figured it out, huh?</span> Uncle Alex in CO</li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I can't wait until little Jessica Sheena Ackermann is born...Maybe Sheena Jessica Ackermann is more appropriate...Maybe Booze Sheena Jessica Ackermann would be best. </span>Jessica, Sheena, Jenn via email</li></ul><div>Seriously though, thank you for the messages of support! Please feel free to call us, take us out to dinner, join me in peer pressuring Drew to sleep on the couch so I can have the whole bed once in a while, suggest great baby music, and get excited :)</div></div><div>
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-67570409944232391682009-08-24T17:23:00.010-04:002009-08-27T23:33:07.999-04:00Baby Ack's first pictures<div>Today was our first doctor's appointment, and it felt like it took forever to get here! I am a week further behind than we originally thought, about 11 weeks, and due in the middle of March.<div><br>
</div><div>We finally got to see Baby Ack! With a heartbeat just a fluttering, it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.</div><div>
</div><div><br>
</div></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SpMFmBwZ4dI/AAAAAAAAA3I/a7DWVJhmIJA/s400/baby.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373644931247759826" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SpMFm3x_c3I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/bAD0HIIPsj4/s1600-h/babylegs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SpMFm3x_c3I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/bAD0HIIPsj4/s400/babylegs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373644945749930866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SpMFmcwzFPI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/DNpNJsyiQ5o/s1600-h/babyarms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SpMFmcwzFPI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/DNpNJsyiQ5o/s400/babyarms.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373644938497168626" /></a>We're allllmost ready to go public! We need to tell some more family members, a few key friends and then, Facebook here we come. :)
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</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-4504029978119328522009-08-17T13:00:00.000-04:002009-08-27T23:31:56.610-04:00The first 11 weeks<div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Week 11</font>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">
</font></div><div><br>Finally! My appetite is returning! I got on the scale last week and was shocked to see that I have dropped 10 pounds. TEN. Um, shouldn't I be gaining weight? I'm sure it will come soon enough, but it was a little concerning. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Reading over the last few weeks makes it seem so short. But time has been dragging! As I approach the end of week 11, and the beginning of coveted week 12, I feel so many things. I'm almost relieved...and I'm still scared...and I'm just ready. On Monday, I have my first doctor's appointment and ultrasound and, if everything is well, we go public. And I'm still not sure how I feel about that. It will be a different experience for sure. Our poor parents have been troopers and I think everyone will be relieved after Monday. </div><div><br>
</div><div>I can definitely tell that my uterus is expanding this week! It's positioned lower than I thought, but I did a double take in the mirror when I saw it. </div><div><br>
</div><div>It still hasn't quite sunk in for Drew, yet. But I have money on the fact that he'll shed a tear or two at the ultrasound on Monday :)</div><div><br><br>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">
</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Week 10 & 2 years</font></div><div><br>
</div><div>Here I am, at the beginning of week 10, trying to choke down a tuna sandwich. My gag reflex has been on overdrive lately. It seems I can hardly brush my teeth without gagging and I have to yawn very carefully. Another fun fact, my ears pop a lot. It feels like they are clogged, which causes me to yawn, which causes me to gag...which we know is trouble. Pregnancy sure is glamorous.</div><div> </div><br>
<div>On a happier note, today is Drew and my two year anniversary! It's been so overshadowed by the baby thing and the moving thing that we nearly forgot. But at this moment, I am overwhelmingly grateful. Grateful for my sweet hearted husband, grateful for my life.<br><br>
</div><div>
</div><div>
<br></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Weeks 8 & 9</font></div><div>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Times" style=" "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><div><br>Am I being monotonous yet? Week 8 & 9 are about the same. It was a little crazy to pass the 2 month mark and I'm starting to get very anxious to just get to 12 weeks, see the ultrasound and tell the world. It's just so close...it's getting harder to keep my feelings in check. I find myself being extremely anxious sometimes about everything: miscarriage, finding out the sex, birth, being a parent. The list could go on.
<br><br>
<div>I am finding already that just as marriage has been used in my life to draw me close to God and shape my character, being pregnant is another heart changer.
</div></div></div></font></div><div><br><br>
</div><div>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Week 7</font></div><div>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Times" style=" "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br>Dear Week 7 baby,<div><br>
</div><div>You were so much better than week 6. I can't describe how happy this has made me. Even though you only let me eat about 1/4 of what I usually do and sleep frequently...and be winded after going up the stairs, I am appreciative. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Thanks for waking me up promptly at 4am every night. I appreciate the bathroom break reminder, and so does Drew. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Because of week 6, I actually weigh less this week; my pants are a little looser! It's difficult to tell if there's a little bump...but that will come soon enough. :)</div><div><br>
</div><div>We told our LifeGroup about you this week! They were all very excited and are praying for you, which we are grateful for. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Baby, you are doing weird things to my body! My body hair grows extremely fast! I have to shave 2x more frequently. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Even though I still have several food aversions and am pretty picky, I am grateful for you. And hopeful that I will get to see you soon. </div><div>
</div><div><br><br>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Week 6</font></div><div>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Times" style=" "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br>The first 5 weeks of my first pregnancy have been relatively uneventful, at least body change wise. The 6th week, if I may say, was a bitch.<div><br>
</div><div>I woke up Tuesday morning feeling queasy. My first instinct was just a stomach bug. But it didn't go away. On Wednesday, I picked up my week-by-week pregnancy book only to find out that morning sickness usually begins around week 6. Awesome.</div><div><br>
</div><div>Since then, I have been nauseous everyday from sun up to sun down. My appetite is 1/4 of what it usually is, even though sometimes I feel hungry. Since I can't eat, my body is tired all the time. I get winded going up the stairs. And I wake up several times during the night, either to pee or just continue feeling nauseous. I've been taking about two naps a day, once in the late morning and once when Drew gets home. </div><div><br>
</div><div>This week, we celebrated Drew's 26th birthday! We took a trip to Philadelphia to celebrate and Drew was very gracious with his sicky wife. We also took our video camera and Drew made this:</div><div><br>
</div><div>VIDEO</div><div>
</div><div>Here's hoping week 7 is better!</div><div><div><br><br>
</div><div>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The first 5 weeks</font></div><div>
</div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Times" style=" "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br>This week marks the sixth week of my first pregnancy. Sometimes, I can really tell. Sometimes, I forget. I've felt some tingles in my body that feel like what I imagine mild electrical stimulation would feel like. I haven't had any nausea yet, so that's a plus.<div><br>
</div><div>I have been craving green vegetables, especially spinach! I've been really wanting ice water and having to go to the bathroom what feels like every 20 minutes. <br>
</div><div>We told our parents a couple of weeks ago. We told Drew's family on a whim while on vacation at Hilton Head, scaring a couple of people in Panera. We told my parents at home on the porch. Everyone's excited, but still trying to be cautious. </div><div><br>
</div><div>I don't have an appointment with my OB/GYN until the end of next month, so we'll find out a lot then, I'm sure.</div></div></font></div></div></div></font></div></div></font></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-82395431079122074392009-06-30T10:55:00.007-04:002009-08-27T23:13:46.127-04:00The day has come...<div>I remember a time when I didn't know how pregnancy tests worked. I knew they had lines and that women used them in the bathroom. That was it. Today, I am very familiar with pregnancy tests. Over the past year and half, I have opened numerous boxes, torn the labels, peed in cups, tried not to pee on myself and waited. Do you know how long 3 minutes can be? Each time (most occuring at 2 or 3 am), I watched the control line appear and...the other window stay white. I would check it a couple more times before going back to bed, just in case. Always white. And I never was sure how I felt about it.<div><br>
</div><div>Today, that all changed. I saw the result and knew how I felt. 6am, 2 blue lines. A little bit of a freak out, then into the bedroom to wake up Drew. The line was very faint, but there. I tried going back to sleep, to no avail. I've been up since 6. </div><div><br>
</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SlYNA6igdpI/AAAAAAAAAzc/5NMu31PoRek/s1600-h/pt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oGhxApiSoW4/SlYNA6igdpI/AAAAAAAAAzc/5NMu31PoRek/s400/pt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356483116168935058"></a><div><br>
</div><div>When 8am finally rolled around, I began calling Renata, who didn't answer. I decided to take another test, just to be sure. As I suspected, a darker blue line! I got in the car, went to Renata's, where we both freaked out enough to make Jack cry. <br>
</div><div><br>
</div><div><div>Now, I'm excited and trying not to get ahead of myself. I know a lot of miscarriages happen early on. And I am scared. And trying not to be. I'm trying not to be excited or scared. A little confusing.
</div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-7627930934536252922009-06-16T07:30:00.005-04:002009-08-27T23:14:23.455-04:00Timing shmimingI wasn't expecting more timing issues as far as when to have babies. I figured we would choose to start and just go for it. We're still not quite out of the woods yet. :)<div><br>
</div><div>There are several things that we've been wrestling with as far as good timing. I know God holds it in his hand. However, we want to be prepared, seek the right time and make the best decision we can. A few things are riding on future baby Ack.</div><div><br>
</div><div>1. Wedding season. Photography is very seasonal. We work our butts off April-October, then sit around January-March. Knowing this, we figured the best time to have a baby would be in the winter, giving me enough time to recover and get pumped for wedding season. We, however, missed this window of conception, having not made a definite decision yet. We have already booked weddings in April and May in 2010, so March would be the last opportunity to deliver and have enough time to recuperate. Delivering in March means being pregnant in June, which is now.</div><div>
<br></div><div>2. India. Our hearts have longed been stirred by India. In fact, we should credit India with bringing us together in the first place. And now, we have the opportunity to go, serve and bring it back. We were asked to be a part of the missions team at church a few months ago and the team has since met, decided on India and are in the planning stages of a trip in late 2010. God has been faithful in planting those seeds in us and is allowing us to see fruit. It's pretty cool. But we either have to have the baby before leaving, allowing enough time to wean to formula or wait until after India to conceive. I SO don't want to be pregnant while there, and I'm not even sure I could go if I was. </div><div>
<br></div><div>Those two things leave a very small time window. It's get pregnant NOW. This month. Getting pregnant this month would be ideal; enough time to get back on my feet before wedding season starts and far enough away from the India trip. My biggest concern now is, of course, if I don't get pregnant this month. We will sacrifice something, whether we keep trying or wait. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Honestly, I never want to be the kind of person who puts career before family. Ever. And neither does Drew. India is also something extremely important to me and I want to make every effort to go. </div><div><br>
</div><div>I told Renata this morning to pray that it happens this month. :) I'm praying for that, too. But I'm really trying to trust. And that's hard.</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037483218058799426.post-69341834557005504802009-06-02T08:17:00.005-04:002009-08-27T23:14:47.090-04:00A new leaf<div>So, we've decided to start a family. Or at least give it a try, for that matter. :) </div><div><br>
</div><div>I've been thinking about having babies on and off for a year or so, trying hard to wait for right time and really letting Drew make his decision without manipulation. Once 2009 hit, I was ready. Sure, I'm young. Sure, we're not rich. But there will always be a reason to wait. And we both want to be young and full of energy...and on a personal note, I want my body to be in the best shape to bounce back! </div><div><br>
</div><div>Drew wasn't quite there yet, and I really wanted to give him his space and not pressure him for a decision. In April, after some thinking and reading (thanks, Brian McLaren!), Drew made up his mind and decided we should go for it.</div><div><br>
</div><div>So, we decided to stop using the pill and just kind of see what happens. I'm not calculating my ovulation or body temperature or anything. I'm trying hard not to think about it all the time!</div><div><br>
</div><div>In our first month, I've already taken 3 pregnancy tests...with negative results. And that's okay. I'm trusting that when it happens is the right time; God knows the date already and that's best. </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378020924320472998noreply@blogger.com0