September!!!

Ooooh! Everyone is so excited to write in a fresh month! I love all the happy first day posts today! I am even more excited to have the whole day with Dan even though we are both busy doing other things, I love having him home! I have had a leisurely morning, one that I have wanted for a long time! I got to read my new book that arrived in the mail this week:Jesus the King

Dan and I have a few new challenges for the Fall. We are going to be small group leaders together! Our church is going to study Mark and learn more about making the Gospel real and evident--- in our lives, in our friendships and relationships with all people. I was a bit nervous to make the commitment, knowing that December will bring us our little one, but there is another couple that is going to take over/help out during the last few months! I am so excited to see Dan in this role, like most things, he's not nervous or anxious at all, as compared to me! I don't always like the commitment of attending every week nor have I ever lead a small group before. I'm usually the girl that gets super passionate, riled up and bothered in the group, so I have already been praying for a quiet, listening heart to learn and allow the Holy Spirit to do HIS work in our group. My greatest prayer is that it will be a time that people look forward to and sense that Jesus is lifted up. I don't like going to small group when it feels like people aren't centered around GOD, the WORD and Truth. But this is my own issue. I know that God is big and GOOD and look forward to the Work that will happen in my own heart! 

Looking Back, its hard to say goodbye to such a precious summer. I have spent every work day with these kids:

I can honestly say that as I drove to work every day, I prayed to be an "effective teacher who is gentle, patient and kind"...but this was really hard! Teenagers are....well.....not my forte! But I was SO grateful for work! I know they learned and they were my first class to give me flowers, a card and a Starbucks giftcard! WOW! sweeties! 

 

Fall Renos are all up in here! I can`t wait to get this little room all set up for our cutie! Thankful for a man who knows how to do stuff! I am proud of him! 

I`ve done this before during Christmas time, but saw this posted on FB the other day! Looking forward to get my ``Grateful`` on in this season of thankfulness that will be upon us before we even know it! 

Today`s: 3 Gifts of Summer

• My blow up boat that I only got to use twice so far! I love relaxing in it at my fave beach Canoe Cove
• Work, so glad I got to go to work every day and help contribute to our family this way
• Cow`s Icecream...probably indulged in this too much, but LOVE Messy Bessy (chocolate icecream with SKOR and OREO and homemade caramel sauce)

6 Months Large

I'm a little shy about putting lots of pictures of my belly up, but when I saw this picture I could def tell I was chunking out!!! hahah I can still squeeze in some of my comfy clothes but I could barely squeeze on my bathing suit last night! LOL! Dan had to help pull it up! I am glad I didn't have to buy a new one for this summer though, and Dan told me I can spoil myself with a new one next summer when I get my beach bod back.....hahah (YEAH RIGHT)!

Best Parts so far:

• As always, I love hearing that strong little heart beat (Aug. 11th) and since Dan couldn't make it to the appointment, my SWEET nurse practitioner had the precious idea to call him and let him hear the heartbeat while he was at work. This time I didn't cry the whole way home, I was VERY VERY happy and smiley after hearing the great report!
• Dan and I both felt the baby's movement on the outside the same night a few weeks back, but I have been feeling lots of moving for the past couple weeks. I love putting my hands and pressing and feeling a little kick! 
• We welcomed our little nephew last week and knowing that he has arrived just reminds me that my time is coming soon...which kinda scares me (A LOT!!!) but we have got a lot to do before that....We have got our flooring bought and paint to redo our bassinet...My Grampie MacLean made this for ME when I was born....and there are a few repairs and repaint it as well as making it a bit higher as I am sure my back will not feel like bending so far down to the ground to put the babes in...plus we need to find a mattress this size! This will be the BEFORE pic...I'll post later when we get it all done!
  
• I have had the best summer, and I am so thankful I haven't had to miss any work for feeling sick, in pain or nauseous at all. There was one day I kinda wanted to stay home, but I was tough and made it through. I am so glad that I have pretty much felt physically capable of everything. I do notice I am very emo/moody and as much as I notice, my darlin husband notices it more, but he treats me like a champ and is so good to me. I can't wait to see him as a Daddy. 

Wonderful August

There is a very short season of hot weather here on PEI. So when that weather comes...all we can think to do is drive straight to the beach! We have gone to some pretty BEAUTIFUL places this summer.

Canoe Cove (10 min drive away)

near "Camp Seggie" beach with the littles!

Canoe Cove, again!! with Turner and Ally

North Rustico during Hurricane Arthur with Hebbs *for about 2 minutes, until we got sand blasted*

Brackley Beach, with my students

The BEAUTIFUL AMAZING BASINHEAD, about 1hr. 30 min. drive!! But we camped beside it so it was basically a 1 minute drive!!!

Camping in Nova Scotia at Laurie Provincial Park

MAN! I am so  blessed to live to close to so much beauty. Summer has been wonderful. I am thankful---although some days my students drive me nuts by falling asleep and constantly sneaking their phones under the desk!!!---for a job. I pray every day to be an effective teacher...I wrote out this verse and its basically what I strive for in life....3 qualities I want---Patience, Gentleness and Kindness----2 Timothy 2:24-24.

I am now 21 weeks preggers!!!

The best things so far:

• BY FAR....the ultrasound on Aug 1. We got to see all the sweet parts from the head to the hands to the toes...but did not identify a gender!!! We are excited to find that out on December 17th!! I really hope this babe is on time, cuz I want to bring them home for Christmas!!!
• I kinda feel movement but nothing that I could really for sure say "it's a kick!!" but yesterday I was really wondering! I know its the baby inside moving and that feels wonderful, but it's not really consistent or obvious yet. 
• We still haven't bought much for this little ones room, but a few little treasures here and there. It's overwhelming thinking of what to get first, but thankfully we still have a few months to budget and prepare. 
• I'm def noticing my belly's growing larger!!! I still wear lots of comfy clothes and got to go shopping a bit in Halifax for some new matern stuff, but mostly getting it off FB/Value Village! I am thankful for all the clothes that fit me, are long enough and don't hurt my belly at this moment! 
• Love seeing Danny's reaction watching the ultrasound. He is going to be an amazing Dad. I love hearing him talk about names and he already claimed bedtime routines with the littles! We have been trying to find names, but a lot of my favorites are used by people already but we have a girl and a boy up our sleeves that we like so far!!! 

So far so GOOD!!!

Summer has been so wonderful. I worked up until the last day of school.....got a half day in one of my fave kindergarten classes on Weds. June 25th....so until July 7th....I was on VACATION!!! ( although I did do a morning at Study Abroad) I just lived it up so much those days because I knew I would have work this summer. There is something about just enjoying days off and having a REAL relaxing time off! Danny even took one of the days off with me, and that day turned out to be one of the SUNNIEST BEST days! Here's some of my highlights:

Took Levi to town while Kristi was away. We had the best time looking at Toys in every store and made a few purchases at the Dollar store. He was such a good boy! We wished Jonah could have come, but he wasn't feeling good. 

Jules came to visit, and we had a great time too at Boom Burger, North Rustico, and she was a real sport and went to our Stretch Fam BBQ/Campfire for most of Saturday night! I just loved having time with her!

Took Jonah to the beach (while Levi was napping) and we had the BEST time together too! The waves were the best and warmest so far this summer and he was brave and was swimming with his tube so much! 

We went out to North Rustico to check on the waves from Hurricane Arthur! It was beautiful, but we stepped outside and got sand blasted...not so much fun...but we had a great night *didn't lose our power, thankfully* and once we got some of the sand out settled in for a cozy night at home with the howling winds outside!

We went to a Triple Header at the Drive In, but the power went off so we got free tickets to go anytime we want this summer!! (SWEET)

Dan found this BEAUTIFUL picture at Winners and we hadn't hung anything in our room, so this makes me feel so happy when I see it! 

Finally got my clothesline up and a friend gave me SO many matern clothes which is a HUGE blessing and encouragement! 

But the GREATEST thing about my summer so far is of course, my BABY!!! Yesterday I heard the heartbeat again, and couldn't help but just cry and cry because I am so relieved and thankful and overwhelmed that there is a little soul tucked inside just moving and with a strong heartbeat...although I haven't felt any movements yet, it was a relief to know that so far our little one is safe and sound in there. 

Best things so far: 18 weeks

• hearing the heartbeat again
• we found a crib and changing table on KIJIJI and its our first big purchase for the babe's room. We want to redo the flooring at some point this summer, so I can't wait to pick that out. Thankfully I already seam filled and painted over the March Break and the closet and ceiling are all repainted too!
• getting alot of advice from friends and family, especially on baby gear. Dan's sister and bro in law let us tag along to Toys R Us because they are also expecting their second child this summer and got lots of advice on strollers, car seats, baby tubs, etc. I've been so overwhelmed with the kindness of people and even offers of lending me clothes, giving me baby books to read, and just being excited with us as we anticipate this HUGE adventure
• So far I fit in normal clothes, but I am collecting longer shirts and putting away shorts/pants that hurt my waist! Loving wearing my comfy black pants, and pretty much change into my summer pj's if I know I'm staying home for the night!

Guess what!!!!

Dan and I are having a baby. 

I'm 16 weeks today!

I know this won't be too surprising for my 3 readers, since you are all close friends...but I wanted to blog a momentous event in my life. It's still very surreal for me.

I am not sick but I do have a few symptoms so far:

• not liking coffee too much in the mornings, except Starbucks!!! ( I treat myself to a few sometimes, but not going nuts!!!)
• a little moody *Dan may put a different adjective instead of (little) but he's been a champ at loving me and encouraging me. I am so thankful for this guy. He already rubs my feet without me asking all the time and is so kind and loving to me. But he rarely treats me like a baby, he's tough and gentle at the same time with me!! I feel so blessed that I get a husband like him.
• lots of bathroom breaks, especially around 3 or 4 at night, and feel a little hungry in the night too...but nothing too serious. I am usually too tired to worry about it till the morning. But I eat breakfast more faithfully now! Trying not to forget my pre-natal vitamin every morning!
• I feel a bit chubby, but so far fit into most of my clothes. I put a few things away cuz they were a bit tight but I am not wearing maternity stuff yet....I am on the search for some cute things though! I got a sweet little dress at target, but so far my maternity wardrobe is 2 pairs of jeans from value village and 1 shirt. Luckily most of my wardrobe has always been for comfort so alot of my clothes will fit me for awhile I think!! 
• A little tired, but not too bad. I fell asleep in Star Wars a few times, and we usually go to bed at a decent time anyways, but there have been a few days that I felt totally zonked and slept in and then even had another nap. But for the most part I feel normal. 

Best parts so far:

• I will never forget Danny's reaction to finding out he was going to be a Daddy. He is very excited and although we know we aren't prepared/ready/have ANY sweet clues about this...he always maintains a very confident and relaxed and happy attitude about becoming parents. For THIS....I am thankful...because I feel WAY nervous, scared, excited, terrified.....etc...
• Hearing our little lemon's heartbeat on June 17. I haven't "felt" pregnant at all, but this was such an amazing thing to hear. I can't even describe how it feels to know there is a little person inside me who can suck their thumb and even is growing toenails....Today they are the size of a pear!!!
• The amazing, unbelievably ENCOURAGING support we have received from our family and friends. It was very odd to tell people we were pregnant, but the momentum just kept building. After we had held the secret between us for 3 months, it was exciting to share the news with the people we love. I was just so encouraged by all the friends and acquaintances who sent support through wack ol' FB too. I was a little nervous to post it there, but in the end it was nice to tell people that we otherwise may not have run into personally, but still care about us. 

So my life is changing. I'm resisting some of the changes. I have loved the time that Danny and I have shared, especially in our first year of marriage. In some ways it feels soooo quick to already be pregnant, but I am beyond thankful and overwhelmed with joy that God has blessed us this way. I know that this is a miracle and I pray hard that our baby will be healthy, happy and will arrive safe. I still can hardly believe I found Danny, and this new miracle is just blowing my mind.

One Year Strong

June is such a fun month!!! June 1st started with a celebration of one beautiful full year with my true love. I can hardly believe one year ago was our beautiful wedding day spent with all my bestest friends and dearest family and loved ones.

My heart is so full and I hardly know how to write down what this year has meant to me. It has been the best year of my life. I have never been happier, felt more loved or secure or been blessed so abundantly. Don't get me wrong, I have had a good life before I got married. But waiting for Danny was hard. Being single when most of my friends had three or four or FIVE children and celebrating their 8th or 9th or 10th wedding anniversaries was just hard at times. I felt like I was waiting forever!!! I was 30 when I even started dating Dan....not how I imagined life going. 

But...

Never did I imagine that I would find a match just perfect for me. Totally, TOTALLY worth the wait.

Do I believe in soul mates? I have to. This guy is mine and I am his. I wouldn't want anyone else in the world. I think that question always bothers  me cuz people write articles or even books to say soul mates aren't real, but that's just how I feel. He's my best and my favorite.

This year has been filled with joy but.....also lots of stubborness, more then our fair share of fights, arguments and those DEADLY silences....thats what I hate more than anything!!! 

YET every day I wake up more in love with this man, and every day around 4pm I just get anxious and EXCITED waiting for him to come home to me. My favorite time of the day is getting cozy together and knowing that we are HOME for the night. And we had such a full year of togetherness. Our summer was filled with canoe rides and beach days and watching movies with 3 fans blowing on us. Our fall was filled with hikes, games nights and lots of cheap Tuesday night movie nights. And our GLORIOUS long cold winter filled with storm days were SO fun because this year we were together...not separated at our own apartments like last year! I loved snuggling up with this guy on our (MANY) storm days this year. Now it is spring and we have worked hard to get our yard straightened up and setting up our deck with my new hammock and flower baskets. 

One full year of love and happiness. 

We have learned alot about budgetting money, adjusting to a new church, balancing time together, figuring out how video games fit in our life!!! and lots of time with our fams (and friends if we are lucky!!!)

I love Danny Stretch more than ever and I feel so loved by him. 

Marriage is not easy. I knew that it wouldn't be, but its the best thing that ever happened to me!

Our one year old yard

I can't help but marvel at the change the summer sunlight and green grass and blue sky makes to a crazy, over run backyard! Oh, 46 Hilltop Drive, we have so so so much work to do but as I look over these pictures I am realizing that we have come a long way! I actually really like looking at my backyard now, it reminds me of where we CAN possibly be with a little hard work and patience. Dan always reminds me that we can't do it ALL on our budget or timeline, but its fun to start dreaming! Mostly, if I find a place for a hammock and laundry line I'll be a happy gal!!

                  April 2013-Back                                               June 2014-Back

             

   

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 August-2013-Shed                              December-2013-Shed

 

    April-2014-Shed                                  June-2014-Shed

 

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    April-2013-Front                                       December-2013-Front

 

    April-2014-Front                                  June-2014-Front

 

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    Crazy, Back Corner-Dec, 2013                April-2014

    June-2014

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    Our Front Tree-During 

    Snowmaggeddon-March-2014       Pre-Pruning-April-2014

         

            In all her glory-June 2014

    

All of these pictures really don't probably seem that "STARTLING" to any one but me, because I know what has happened and I am really only recording this as something that probably only I am interested in...but its still fun to see the changes that have taken place in just a little short year!!!