Rewind

Wow, what a perfect weekend we just had! Everything about it was wonderful, and I'm paying for it today...I'm exhausted and yesterday my feet were so swollen I looked like I didn't have ankles! Welcome to 30 weeks of pregnancy!!! Let's rewind a bit...


Jay and I were so busy last week...We spent time with my aunt and baby brother on the 4th of July which was awesome:) She made the most adorable things for our little girl and we can't wait to use them! (Pics to come...) It was also so great to spend time with my brother, but it was bittersweet as we had to say goodbye the next day because he had to get back to Texas and prepare for his next year long tour in Iraq. I was a mess at the airport and cried the entire way through security...but I'm so glad I had that time with him. I am praying day and night for his safety and am so proud of him and the man he is becoming. 


I was at the airport the following day to pick up my best friend Cindy Lu who flew in from Atlanta. We'd been counting down the days and were just so excited to see each other it was so nice to just spend some time catching up in person and hanging out like old times! We met Ms. Jenn Harp for dinner and fell back into our old banter, and it just reminds me how blessed I am to have the friends that I do and how lucky we are to have such strong relationships after all these years despite the distances between us. 


Friday came quickly and we got into the car to head to Chicago!!! (We got out of the city just in time...I don't know if anyone outside of Grand Rapids, MI heard about what happened, but a man snapped and went on a killing spree that lasted from 3pm to midnight. He killed 7 people before killing himself and leaves a wake of grief and questions unanswered behind. Read more here) We are continuing to pray for the Heeren family and all the others that were closely effected by the events that occurred that night. 


On a happier note, we made it to Chicago in record time and had an amazing dinner with our newly married friends the Boonstra's. We headed out to the Kerryman and met up with all my girls and Miss Walters, the bride to be! Friday afternoon we finally made it to Kuma's Corner...we were stoked! Jason and I lived in Chicago for 2 years and never made it there to try the cities best hamburgers...what in the world were we thinking???  Best hamburger EVER!! The pretzel bun did me in...I really think that every other hamburger joint in the world needs to make this a priority, that's just my personal opinion. 
Friday evening we attended Ash and Brett's beautiful wedding downtown at Pazzo's. We are so happy for them and had such a wonderful time celebrating with everyone! 


Saturday we headed out to the burbs to catch up with our Chicago friends with burgers and Arnold Palmers (I drank Izze...no worries!) Then headed back for what was one of the best dinners I've ever had in the city at Carnivale! The Guac was killer, and the Ribeye was mouth watering...let's just say it was a pregnant woman's dream. 


Sunday came too quick and we headed out after having one last breakfast with Amanda and Smaka at Twisted Spoke. It's an absolute must for Sunday brunch and it never fails to make us full and happy. Then we made a pit stop in South Haven to unwind on my Dad's boat. The water was a very cool 70, but I braved it to try and help the swelling that had taken over my feet. We stopped by our house to water the flowers (trying to be responsible homeowners) and collapsed into bed. 


*I just realized that I have been talking a lot about food in this post. I'm pregnant, don't 
judge me. 

Now it's go time...we're working, packing, and moving all week long! Packing is a pain. Necessary, but a pain nonetheless. As I type this, Jason is being a wonderful husband and he's painting our master bedroom at the house right now...I needed to take a break from the packing. Being 30 weeks preggers is kind of crazy. Only ten more weeks until we get to meet out little girl, and I'm getting more and more excited with every kick I feel. I feel huge, tired, hungry, and uncomfortable pretty much all day everyday, but I'm keeping a positive attitude. It's all part of the process, right?! We finally chose the bedding. Our little beanette's room will be gray, purple, and white! We're so excited to put her nursery together!! 


All in all our entire week last week and weekend was perfect! I love my husband, and I have the best friends that any girl could ask for. Life long, pick up where you left off, funny, sincere, blunt, beautiful, crazy, and always entertaining friends! 


I am going to end this post before I start rambling...more updates to come and say a prayer for us and our move!! 

Things I like on this 4th of July

I hope everyone is having a great 4th of July weekend! It's hot...so I'm trying to stay as cool as possible so I don't swell up!  Jason isn't feeling very well, poor guy...how does one get a cold in the summer??? 


Anyway, I'll keep this simple and sweet and just show you all that I love that is red, white, and blue! Yummy treats, stylish home decor, and a cute top! I really want to try and make those strawberries...maybe next year when my lil'one can get in on the fun!!! 

Progress

Wow it's been a crazy couple of weeks! We've been busy working on the house and we're so happy with the progress that's been made! Last Sunday our parents came over to help with cleaning and fixing the landscaping (which was incredibly unruly...the owner just let everything go after he'd sold us the house...irritating, but out of our control!) My dad was there this past week helping to fix our french doors, trim around the house, and just making sure everything was safe and stable. We also found out we had a bit of a bird problem in our attic....he took care of that thank goodness! We're so blessed to have all of the help that we have had, all of our parents have been so wonderful! 

So here are some before and after pics of the front of the house....

Jason is working on the outside trim that we'll have to repaint, and Keith is trying to expose our porch...all of the trees and plants were so overgrown and it honestly looked like the porch had been swallowed up! 

Surprise...we do have a porch! It looks so amazing! Jason's dad brought over some new mulch, hanging baskets, and flowers that we still need to plant!

We're still working on the inside...we need to paint our master bedroom, the babies room, and the guest room downstairs. We're waiting until my dad is done making his adjustments and we'll get in there asap! We're shooting for a July 17th move date...so stay tuned! 

And so it begins

Last night Jason and I were able to walk over the threshold together into our new house!! We were so excited all day and the moment was finally here! After walking through the front door, Jason led me downstairs and uncorked (twisted off the top of) a bottle of sparkling grape juice:) We clinked our plastic cups and took a tour. We hadn't been back in a couple of weeks so it was so fun to visit each room and discuss our ideas. Especially when it came to the nursery!!! 


This evening we headed over to Lowes and got paint for the downstairs bedroom, and the upstairs bathroom. We're still not quite sure what color we'd like to paint our room....but we've decided to try a couple of different shades of an aqua type blue....to be continued! 


My dad, David C. Hall builder extraordinaire, will be coming over to Grand Rapids at the beginning of next week to take a look around and see what he wants to add:) I'm sure he'll have a plethora of ideas and we can't wait to see what he suggests! 


I admit, the thought of packing is pretty overwhelming...but we'll be able to do this slowly as we have our apartment for another month. We'll be recruiting help within the next couple of weeks so if you are reading this, and you are bored and want to lend a hand, we'll gladly accept and pay in pizza and beer:) 


Pics of our progress to come! 

Prayer

Jason and I participated in our first prayer session this evening through a 24-7 prayer commitment our church has thoughtfully orchestrated to continue on for the next month. It was an hour full of promise, hope, and praise. We have so much to be thankful for, and yet there are so many things going on around us that we wanted to make it a priority to focus our attention on those things as well. We prayed for wisdom in certain situations, health for family members, prayer for the oppressed, continued progress in seeking God intimately everyday, and the encouragement to grow in our personal relationships with Him while keeping him at the very center of our marriage. 


I am thankful for this uninterrupted time that I could spend with Him. I am thankful that I could share my heart, and hear what is on Jason's heart as well.

Twas the night before closing...

...and I can hardly contain my excitement!!! Tomorrow at 12pm Jason and I will be homeowners! God has blessed us and this entire process and tomorrow everything will final. There are a couple of cosmetic things we'd like to take care of on the outside of the house...painting the trim, power washing the siding, and fixing the landscaping a bit....and we'd like to paint the bathrooms and bedrooms...but other than that it's pretty much move in ready. I promise I'll post pictures just as soon as we can get in there, but here is a picture of the outside...we fell in love with it!  It's just right for us and we hope to make it a wonderful, safe, and very cozy home for our baby girl!!! 

the little things

Morning kisses from Jason when he leaves me in the morning.
Feeling our baby girl moving around inside me. I fall in love over and over again. 
Sunshine however brief it may be these weird June days. 
The color purple. 
Oreo Balls. 
Thinking up ideas for decorating the house we'll own as of June 15!
Pedicures and ice cream dates with friends. 
Dresses.
Cards, both sending and receiving, just because. 
Jimmy Johns. 
Journaling my thoughts and prayers on becoming a mother. 
New shampoo. 


And most importantly...
Lucky charms because they really are magically delicious! 

What I learned this morning...

For the past couple of weeks I've been watching A Baby Story on TLC while eating my morning breakfast. At first it was intriguing, then it was a little scary (especially when they were showing these woman during labor and the plethora of things that can happen...) and now the emotional flood gates are opened every time I see the end labor scene when the baby is brought into the world and the mom and dad hold the baby for the first time. 

I'm an emotional person in general, but man oh man, these kinds of emotions are like nothing I've ever experienced and I know as the months progress they are only going to become more intense. (Please say a prayer or two, or 10 for Jason!!)

So, what I learned this morning....I need to put my make up on AFTER that end scene :) 

Watching these shows only makes me that much more excited to meet our baby girl! 15 more weeks to go!! 

Crushing on Pinterest

How did I just learn what this was?? Well, I'm now obsessed with Pinterest and can't stop pinning things to my boards! It helps get the creative juices flowing and I'm in need of that right now as we're getting ready to close on our new house soon, and will be welcoming our baby girl home just a couple months after that! 


I pin places I want to visit, ideas for the house, things for our baby girl, fashion, creatives I'm crushing on, and many things I wish I could do myself! 


I love seeing what my friends love, and having them see what I love in return! 


Join, and follow me so I can follow you!!! 

Memorial Day 2011

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

-Arthur Ashe-

I'm so proud of my brother, Davey! Thank you for all you've done, for all you do, and for all you will do on your next tour in Iraq. I love you with all my heart!

Thank you to all of those who have served, currently serve, and in remembrance to those who have given their lives. It all means so much and we are all so blessed to have men and women willing to fight for our beautiful country and all it has to offer. 

25 Weeks

Well, here we are at 25 weeks! Growing and still growing! We have 3 more weeks to go and we'll be in our third trimester. I can't believe it's gone by so fast?! Yesterday Jason and I headed over to Buy Buy Baby to start registering for everything our precious baby girl will need! Overwhelming is he best word to describe our 2 hours there, and we didn't even get through our entire list! I have to say Buy Buy Baby is amazing...and it's seriously a one stop shop! We may not even register anywhere else?! (For all you moms out there...do you think only registering at one place is ok?) 


We will be moving soon so we will wait to choose bedding until we decide what colors we want to use for her room. We're very excited to get started on that....really, we're just ready to get into our new house!!! 16 more days and it'll be ours! 


Stay tuned...

Just Dance

On Valentine's day this year Jason surprised me with a Groupon he'd bought for couples dance lessons! I was geeked! We'd talked about doing this for awhile and now we really could take advantage! February and March were jam packed so we had to wait till April to schedule something...but I'm so glad we did because of how much fun we both have! We laugh the entire time, and it's so fun to learn something new together!


We are a sight I'm sure! I'm 24 weeks preggo and Jason has been known to have two left feet (Sorry hunny! haha) We've had two private lessons and one group lesson. The private lesson is awesome because we have the full attention of one of the instructors, Mr. Johnson, and he spends time teaching us the basics of certain dances. So far we've learned the box step for the Waltz, and the Cha Cha. (I'm sure there is another one in there, but I can't remember...preggo brain, my apologies) In the group lesson we danced with two other couples and began learning the Foxtrot and the Tango! I love, love, love the Foxtrot! I think we did really good (after practicing it 15-20 times in a row!)

I'm so glad we decided to do this! It's great for our date night, and we can start showing off our dance moves at the weddings we have coming up!!

It's a girl:)

Jason and had our second ultra sound yesterday and Baby K was in a much better position (after I drank about a gallon of water and some OJ for a bit of a sugar rush! She's a girl!!! We both had a feeling, and it was confirmed! We are so excited, and Jason knows he's in trouble...he'll be wrapped around her tiny little fingers from the second she is brought into the world! 


I want to go out and buy everything that is purple! We can finally start planning on colors for the nursery, and I love referring to her by her real name (this will remain a secret until she's born! Sorry guys!) 


This past weekend Jason and I attended our child birth class. It was a weekend deal, so we were committed for Friday night and 6 hours on Saturday. It was a lot of information and a bit overwhelming, but I'm so glad we did it. We learned about the labor process, relaxation tips, breathing techniques, child safety, basic child care, breastfeeding, and so much more! I admit, even after seeing the birthing videos I'm still not that nervous about the labor....this probably isn't normal is it? I know it's going to be extremely painful, but we'll have a beautiful baby girl at the end of it, so all the pain will be worth it! 


I'm 24 weeks right now and feeling good! I still want to eat just about anything and everything, my belly is still growing, and I'm still pretty tired, but I feel good and really can't complain! Everything with the ultra sound went perfectly, and she looks beautiful:) Our next appointment is on June 3rd and after that will be all of the testing for diabetes! That should be interesting! 


Here are some of the ultra sound photos! The 3D pictures are so crazy aren't they?! You can see her little hand by her face, and then there's a great 3D shot of her left arm! It's so amazing!!! God is good! 

Spring brings a new season

The last couple of days have been sunny, warm, and just about perfect and I finally feel like spring is here. Even though it's the second week of May....I'm just now noticing the buds on the trees, the leaves growing by the minute, and the grass is so much more green than memory serves. The houses all around us provide a technicolor of entertainment with all of the lovingly planted flowers, and I was lucky enough to get out my sandals today! 

Springtime provides the start to new season, and I can easily relate this newness to the season of life I'm in right now. Pregnancy has been by the book...morning sickness, ever growing appetite, weight gain, backaches, and belly touching. All new things that I learn about everyday. Things I'm thankful for. Things I have been blessed with. I admit there are tiny valleys here and there when I get scared and overwhelmed, but I know that's normal. I have to remind myself that I should just enjoy this time and not over think things like I sometimes tend to do! 

So when the rain clouds seem to set in, I just think of clear blue skies, sunny days, the smell of spring, and know that God has a plan for me, Jason, and our baby. He has prepared and will continue to prepare us for whats to come, and I trust that with my whole heart. 

Banana's and Chocolate...yes please!

Just call me the baking queen! I attempted to make banana muffins last weekend and I admit, they were not the most tasty of treats so I thought I'd try again. I found and LOVE this recipe, and I can't wait to try a piece!!! 

Banana Split Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 
  

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. beat in egg. In a small bowl, combine bananas and milk. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with banana mixture. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans.
2.  Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Enjoy!! 

Reflections

When God closes one door, he opens another. I'm sure we've all heard this before, but as I think back to the week my family and I have had to endure it seems very fitting. Monday morning I received a phone call that my Grandma Hall had passed away. I admit, even though I had been anticipating this news because of her health failing so rapidly, hearing those words still never seems to sink in appropriately. 


We are all so happy that she is finally at peace and that she is now with my Grandpa in heaven most likely playing solitaire, wearing her bright pink lipstick, while waiting to take her banana cream pie out of the oven:) 


In the midst of all of the sad news we were still dealing with, Jason and I experienced a small miracle of our own...our first ultrasound! We were able to see Baby K for the first time and I fell in love a million times over. It was the single most amazing thing I have ever seen! The baby is growing perfectly, and I continue to be healthy as well. The only thing that could have gone differently was finding out what the sex was...Baby K was spine up and being incredibly stubborn (there is definitely some Hall blood in there, that's for sure) and we'll have to go back May 24th for another ultrasound. I admit, I'm excited to be able to see the baby again, and I pray that he/she will cooperate this time, but I can't help how impatient I feel! 


This weekend we also celebrated Mother's Day! We were able to spend time with Kathy, and have dinner with my Mom on Saturday, and had brunch with Jason's family after church this morning. I am so blessed to have all of these women in my life! 


Specifically, My Mom. 


Mom, 
I am the woman I am because of the way you raised me. Your unfailing love, support, encouragement, and continued blessings have helped shape me, and I am forever grateful. You are my best friend, and constant rock. I only hope to be that kind of mother for my son or daughter one day. 
I love you very much, 
Courtney Marie

Baby K Sucking his or her thumb! & Spine up, stinker!!!

We love you Grandma! 

20 Weeks and still learning...

Well, we're 20 weeks today and we get to find out if Baby Kingma is a boy or a girl tomorrow morning! We're so so excited and I probably won't sleep a wink tonight! 


May is here already...and there have been a lot of things that have entered my world, and some have just been amplified by this tiny baby that's growing inside of me. 


These things include, but certainly are not limited to: 


- Gaining weight never felt so good! (Not being able to fit into my pants is a little scary!) 
- Unwanted belly touching, isn't as unwanted as I thought it would be! (Shocking, isn't it?) 
- I am obsessed with smoothies, and egg salad sandwiches. 
- Comparing the growth of our baby to a fruit each week/month, cracks me up!
- Jason is amazing everyday! He loves me even in the middle of all my hormonal fits! 
- I cry at commercials, and any article baby related. 
- Forgetfulness!!! (I haven't locked my keys in my car yet, so I think that's a good sign!) 
- My new body pillow is my best friend. (Jason might be a little jealous! Sorry hunny!) 
- I will never again take sleeping on my tummy for granted...
- I love flats...it's getting harder to tie shoes, oh boy! 
- I know at the end of this there is going to be an enormous amount of pain...
  yet I still can't wait for that day  to get here!!! 

Easter Weekend

This weekend was a wonderful, and very eye opening weekend. I was able to spend time with family and friends...I laughed and I cried, and sang my heart out during worship today in church. God is good, he is so so good. 

Friday Jason and I spent time with family at dinner, catching up and getting updates on my Grandma Hall. She is in extremely poor health and had made the decision that it was time to go into a hospice center.  This is a very difficult thing for family to process, but she is incredibly at peace with her decision, so we are all going to make every effort to keep her happy, comfortable, and surrounded by family until she is taken to heaven in Gods' time. 

We were also able to spend time with more family...Lindsay and Jessie and their families. Visiting and hearing all the wonderful things that are happening in their lives. Jess and Kris are busy with their twin boys, and Lindsay and Greg are building a house, and planning a wedding! It just seems so crazy how time flies! It makes my heart smile knowing that my girlfriends are so happy, and that we've remained so close after all of these years. 

My brother, Davey, is also home on leave to spend time with our Grandma. He surprised me at church this morning, and I felt like I was in my very own episode of the show "Coming Home" and screamed with absolute joy, and cried like a baby when he hugged me. I didn't want to let go. My baby brother was home. I'm so excited to spend time with him this week, as he'll be deployed to Iraq in July for 12 long months. 

On this Easter Sunday, I am reminded of Gods' unconditional love for his children. In the midst of pain and suffering, His love and grace is comfort, and the hope that lives in him also lives in me. It's been a tough week, and this weekend healed me a little bit. 

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11: 25-26

awards are fun

Thank you Catie (Our Little Beaner Blog) for passing on the Kreativ Blogger Award to me! 


The rule is to name 10 things about myself and pass it along...


1. I'm obsessed with smoothies. 2. I married my best friend on October 30, 2010, and no it wasn't a Halloween wedding! 3. I love classical music, it calms me down when I'm in a bad mood. 4. I'm a HUGE Michigan fan. 5. I wish I knew how to knit. 6. I have 4 brothers and sisters but I'm an only child. 7. I'm a really good bowler. I have my polish heritage to thank for that one! 8. I'm a neat freak...I am a happy wife when the house is clean. 9. I couldn't live in a world where there were no potatoes. 10. My family and friends sustain me. 


I'm passing this award on to The 311, and house of earnest!!! Love your blogs girls!!!

Baby Update

Larger appetite, bigger belly, tighter clothes, more energy, no more morning sickness, and counting down the days till we find out if we're having a boy or a girl are pretty much the standard for what's been going on lately! 


I had another doctors appointment last week and heard the beautiful heartbeat for the second time. It's healthy and strong, and my blood pressure reading was perfect. So all is well in the baby department! The next appointment is in the beginning of May...we'll have our first ultrasound and first picture of our lil'one! Jason and I are so excited to find out if we need to buy Michigan gear in pink and white, or maize and blue! 

Updated belly pic!!! 

The Lord Gives...

In the midst of pain and suffering the word beautiful doesn't really come to mind, but this morning in church, what I saw was beautiful. 

This past week our church community experienced two very tragic losses. One of our pastors, Derek Taatjes, and his six month old son, Dylan, were taken up to Jesus late Thursday evening. Devastating, sudden, and seemingly unfair. My heart is broken for his family...his wife and their two little girls who will never see her husband, or their daddy again. 

The question of "why" comes up constantly, and frustration ensues because in God's perfect plan for all of us, we'll never understand how something like this came to be. 

Our entire church community gathered together as one this morning to worship, pray, and grieve together. I could barely see through the many tears I was crying when they were talking about the amazing things he's done in the church and how he has changed the many lives he's touched. Dylan, so small and tiny, was Derek's joy and he wanted nothing more than to be the best father he could be. Then, they spoke of Derek's wife, Charity, and their two girls, and my heart broke that much more knowing that these girls so young, and fragile may not yet understand what it means that their daddy will never come home...

All we could do as a community was listen, acknowledge, and praise God. 

I am humbled and reminded how truly blessed I am for the gift of life God has given me, and the life I'm now carrying inside me. I know I take it for granted, and I really don't want to do that anymore. If anything can come of this sadness that I feel right now, it's that I want to be better than what I've been, and I know with God's encouragement and love, I can be. 

Our pastor Rod spoke of Derek's favorite verse today and it seemed incredibly fitting...

Job 1:21

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. 

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. 

Big Love

As I sit here staring out the window on this gorgeous sunny day, I realize how incredibly blessed I am. I am thankful, and humbled. In quiet times like this one, I try to check in with myself and appreciate the life I have, and the life laid before me.

In the midst of everyday life, I am now carrying a new life, and I already feel this intense, and rapidly growing big love for the miracle that God has given us.

The morning and night sickness are behind me, my appetite is that of a small village of people, and although my energy levels are increasing, I'm still so tired all day. My belly is very noticeable, and I'm overwhelmed by everything that is baby in the stores and online...but with all of that comes the excitement of knowing I'll be a mom in just a few short months!!

Life is good. God is good, and we're so happy:)

Who does that?

I like a clean car, who doesn't? 


So, I decided it was time to get a car wash. I was quite content listening to Def Leppard on the 80's station in the car, when I decided it'd be nice if I also took the time to vacuum the car a bit too. It wasn't busy, the vacuums are free, I had the time so my mind was made up. 


I pulled into the first parking area next to a vacuum and went to work. A couple of seconds later I was tapped on the shoulder by women...she was short, plump, and needed to brush her teeth very badly. I turned, a bit startled as I didn't hear her approach, and asked "Can I help you?" 


She just looked a me and said, "Can"t you use that other vacuum over there?, My car won't reach it, I'm cold, and I want to use this one." 


I was taken aback by her reasoning and kindly told her I'd be done in just a second. I turned back and continued to clean....a second later I was tapped on the should a second time. At this point I'm a little creeped out and irritated...I turned again and looked at her without saying anything, and she went on to use some choice words I'd rather not repeat and asked again that I use the other vacuum. 


Again, I kindly tell her that I was almost done, and that she could use it in a second. 


Now...those of you who know me well, know that I can have a very short...SHORT...temper. I will be the first one to admit to this. I like to think I've matured and can handle myself now that I'm older and wiser:) So, during this whole debacle I'm trying with every fiber of my pregnant being to hold it together and take the high road. I will absolutely not let this ridiculous woman get the better of me. 


With that being said, she continued to tap on my shoulder a third time (the tapping continued to get harder the more I blew her off I might add), and this time I was stern. I asked that she please stop touching me, and if she could please wait just another minute I would be finished. That was that. I was done responding to her. 


The next thing I know this woman is grabbing the hose of the vacuum and as hard as she can and  rips it from my hands. She did it so hard that it pulled me back and I almost lost my footing, and my hands were bright red and stung quite a bit. I was in disbelief. Who does that? 


She stalked towards her car and chose to yell a couple of more choice phrases at me. I couldn't move. I was fuming...absolutely fuming mad. Now, the 21 year old Courtney in this situation might have charged her, grabbed her, and let her know she was messing with the wrong girl on this particular day. Instead, I got into my car, calmly (even though I was shaking) closed my door and drove away. 


I admit, I started crying the instant the doors were locked and I was on my way home, but I think that's mostly the hormones in my body going loco. I just don't understand how a situation so small exploded into something like that??? Instead of reacting the way she probably thought I'd react, I chose to drive away and say a prayer for her. She clearly needs some of Gods love in her life. 


I mean really...who does that??? 


I'm done venting now. Tomorrow will be a better day!!!

The Best News

Well, it's official, the world knows you're on your way Baby K! 


I'm just about 15 weeks, and I'm feeling so much better now that the nausea has subsided and I've found my appetite again!  My belly is growing, and my pants are fitting a bit more snug these days. I can finally eat chicken again (thank goodness) and I put Frank's wing sauce on just about everything! 


We heard your 160 beats a minute heart beat about 3 weeks ago now, and that moment was one of the most beautiful moments of my life! It's just amazing to me that something that small and new can beat with that much life already! 


Your dad and I are so thrilled, and we hope you continue to grow healthy and strong until the day of your birth. 


God has blessed us with the miracle that is you, and we love you so much already! 


Love, 
Mom

Time flies...

I can't believe it's already March 15th! I went on a bit of a hiatus there for awhile, but things have been quite crazy in the Kingma household! My new job is keeping me busy, I turned 28, we've been house hunting, celebrating with friends with showers and bachelorette parties, entertaining visitors, and counting down the days till we visit my parents in Florida! Lots of exciting things are happening and we're so blessed and thankful for all of the beautiful work that God is doing in our day to day lives! 

I admit I've been really bad at documenting things, and I really need to get my camera back out!! So with the next few posts to come I promise we'll have some pictures to commemorate the exciting things that have been going on...stay tuned! :)