From the other side of the world

We are halfway through our vacation here in Taiwan. Everytime I visit, I realize how much I love my family here. They are fun, spunky, and just wonderful to be around. I especially adore my grandparents! They're so cute. I promise more pictures and details when I return stateside.

But, I did want to share one of the things I really look forward to when I come here: getting my hair cut the cute Asian way. Here's a preview of my hair the day it was cut and styled. It's straight now, but still unbelieveably adorable.



P.S. Blake, I miss you {and Sophie too!}!

Taiwan 08

Is here! I'm off to bed for about 5 hours before I wake up and head to the airport. Even though, I'm going to miss a lot of people, I can't wait for my little vacation! :)

To all my Taiwan relatives, I can't wait to see you!!

My faithful readers: rumor has it that I will have access to a computer. This means there could possibly be an update or two during the trip. Good news for you! :)

Love,
Becky

I cried

...when I read this book. I got it in the mail as a present from my friend, Joanna. {miss you!} After reading the entire book, and learning just how "bored" the baby is, the last lines read:

"I love you, Your Baby"

awww......This is a seriously perfect gift for any expectant mother.

Sexy legs

We had our 20 week check-up and ultrasound today {everything looks great, Bubs weighed in at 12 oz and had a heartbeat of 154 bpm}. The first thing out of the ultrasound tech's mouth when the image appeared on the screen was, "Wow, look at those long legs!" You can see it for yourself. Its legs are almost touching the very top of its head! And, for a comparison picture, I've included Bubs' very first picture. My, how we've grown.

Bubs at 12 weeks

Bubs at 20 weeks

Apparently, our little one is already trying to be just like Dad....or maybe Dad is trying to be just like Bubs?

Today's great deal

I've been looking for a cute maternity dress that was cheap, but cute enough to wear around town, to weddings, etc. Hooray for clearance racks at Target! I picked this one up for $7.48. Could I have found a cuter dress? Probably. For less than 8 bucks? Probably not.

Trees for our yard

Since we moved into a new house, we don't have any trees. We also don't have much for landscaping, which is something else we have to work on. But, I know what tree I want for our front yard. Whenever I'm driving in spring, the flowering crabapple tree catches my eye. I can't help but stare. It's so pretty!

When we lived in our condo, the main street was lined with these trees. Talk about a gorgeous picture. I wonder why I never took one?

Imagine this in my front yard (the little creek and bridge would be nice too, but I can settle for the tree!):

Just in time

Look what showed up just in time for Taiwan 08:


Aren't they so funky? I really wanted the cow print, but they didn't have my size. I'm almost glad about it because these shoes make me happy. They're a little brighter than I expected but they are super comfortable. This is a cheap pair of shoes that I should have bought in multiple patterns....hmmm...tempting. :) Here's the shot zoomed out too...looks like I'm not the only one that loves my shoes. Sophie is staring jealously!

To buy or not to buy?

Can someone please explain to me why I'm drawn to these shoes? I love them {and they're only $8.99}, and they look like a cow, but I think they will be soooo cute for Taiwan 08. HELP!!!


PS: I also like them in the yellow geometric print {but don't know what I would wear it with}, and the plain black.

Guest Post: Trying it out

Blake's first guest post on my blog, since his is private. :) Here goes!

Ever since Becky and I found out that we were going to be having a baby I have felt very excited even though at times it doesn't seem that real. Even though I go to all the doctor appointments and Becky tries to fill me in on all that she is experiencing, it is often hard for me to relate. That all changed just before we were going to get ready for bed for the night. She told me that the little one was really moving around (something that has been going on for a week or so) and that she wanted to see if I could feel it. My doubts were quickly replaced with surprise when I felt two little pokes. This is now more real than ever...and I love it!

We will now return you to your regularly scheduled blogger.

Hooray for our little bubs!!! :) Honestly, I didn't know if he would be able to feel it {since I thought it could possibly still be too early}, but I'm sooo happy that we got to experience this milestone before Taiwan 08. Seriously, we are both on Cloud 9.

Kids

One of my students pulled me aside and said this to me today:

"You know, you're really starting to look pregnant now. From the front, it's skinny up top and then all of a sudden there is a belly. But, I still think you are small for having a baby."

You be the judge. This is my 18 week - 3 days picture:



Sure, I can tell I'm pregnant, but I still feel that I'm in a relatively awkward stage when others see me. It's still the stage where it's hard to tell if it's a baby or just too many cheeseburgers for dinner. I am, however, just starting to feel some more regular movement. It feels weird, and amazing. Yet another little reminder of the miracle God has given to us.

Gifts and Prizes

Gifts: Baby is already spoiled. Many thanks to Abby for her "mini baby shower" this weekend. It was perfect. Sure, it sucks that you won't make the actual baby shower {whenever that is}, but congratulations on graduating from med school and best wishes with your residency! You are wonderful.

You see that polka-dot baby blanket? That is my inspiration for the baby's nursery. I had no idea what direction I wanted to take with the nursery because I didn't want to paint the walls. They are already a nice neutral tan color. The blanket matches the walls, and I love the splashes of color on it. We'll see what I come up with! :)


Prizes: Every year, my children's choir plays a little game called, "Choir Idol." Yes, it's similar to American Idol, as week by week we eliminate contestants. Last week, we had our final round, and they have chosen their winner. I give small prizes for 1st - 4th place. I already know who's getting what, but wouldn't you like a piece of these prizes?! I would! :)


PS: Since it's a church thing, I always try to get something religious for the winner...to remind them to be thankful for their talent, and to reinforce the reason for the church children's choir in the first place. This year's winner gets a crystal with the Crucifix in it {you can vaguely see it in the blue box in front of the pens}.