What I have to look forward to

I'm sure all you moms can relate!

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7148143/

Keeping the Faith?

Several recent blog posts by friends and strangers have got me thinking more about religion, denomination and church attendance. Not to mention the fact that I want my child(ren) to know who Jesus is and how much He loves them, except that I really have no clue what type of church environment we will choose... seeing as how we haven't gone to church in years, really (Heidi posed a question about this the other day). Bill and I have some soul searching to do.

It's been easy to put off, with Bill's random work schedule and our location - the church I've felt closest to calling 'home' is in North Seattle which isn't too far of a drive, but to get involved would require more frequent trips and I'm pretty burnt out on driving to be honest. Plus, I sometimes feel like I'm in a Christian bubble at work--which has positives and negatives--and that, along with Bible study has provided a certain level of spiritual nourishment. All really lame excuses, right? I think the time is ripe to put some more serious thought and prayer into this. I want our baby to baptized (or maybe, dedicated - that's a whole other conversation), which adds a bit more urgency to coming to some sort of decision. I think I'm dealing with a bit of what this guy expresses, which is decision based on what a church is not, or rather indecision being easy to prolong for the same reasons.

Bill is definitely leaning towards returning to the Catholic church. There are many things I appreciate and respect about Catholicism - it provided the foundation for my beliefs and understanding of Christ, I'm just not sure it's 'me' anymore. Then again I've always said that as long as the doctrine teaches the basics about Jesus, the rest is non-essential and therefore not worth fighting over. If that holds true, I could be happy in most Christian churches. What I could really do without is the judgement every denomination seems to have (or at least some of the people within them) about what makes someone a 'real Christian'.

I know this is rambling on... just had to pour out some initial thoughts on this. Would appreciate your thoughts too.

Doc appt. #3

Had my monthly doctor appt. today. Got to hear baby's heart beat and got my flu shot, so that's covered. I also learned that I've gained 12 lbs. In a little over 3 months. Sweet. I think you're only supposed to gain 5 or so in the first trimester so, woah, I was a little shocked. I feel pretty good though, I mean I'm walking a lot and am trying to eat healthy (despite the week or so where I went to the fair twice, indulged in cheeseburgers and KFC, etc. I think my hormones were raging. That was also before I watched Food Inc! Yikes. But I digress...) Doc said not to get too caught up in that, every woman's body is different and some gain a lot of weight early on, then plateau, others don't gain much for a long time then they gain a lot in a short period. It's all part of the journey.

We will learn the sex of baby Finnerty on Nov. 4. I wish this next month would fly by, I can't wait!

Learning to love the tunic

And leggings. This is the not-so-fun in between period. Regular pants don't fit. Maternity stuff is a bit too big. Not feelin' so sexy these days. I've bought a couple tunic style tops and I think they'll be my new best friend. Trying not to buy too much stuff just yet but isn't this one cute? (H&M worn by Kendi)

Bump Watch - not much to see!

Sorry - yeah, I'm a little excited.

Fair Day

Went to the fair with my mom yesterday and we had fun despite the rain (boo)! So much for an Indian Summer (is that even politically correct to say anymore? I don't know). Anyway, I literally ate my way through the day. Starting with a philly cheesesteak, then bacon wrapped jalapeno popper, fried pickles (well just a taste, not so sure about those), chocolate covered strawberries and fair scone. Oh, and half crusty pup on the way out! Awesome.

We ended with going to a Natalie Cole/Chris Botti show. I was honestly not to thrilled to go but promised my mom I would go with her and I ended up really enjoying it. I was on the young end of the demographic which I expected, it was pretty funny because Bill & I are always making fun of my parents for going to these 'smooth jazz' shows. But can I just say, Natalie Cole blew me away. I think she's well into in her 50's but woman is hot! She was wearing this sequined top/pants and she could've passed for Halle Berry's twin, seriously. She has a voice like honey to boot. The rain just added to the ambiance - all that was missing was a glass of wine. :) Oh well.

Meet my little jelly bean!

After 12 + weeks, I'm out of the closet. All three of you who read this blog already know that I'm preggers but hey, I have to show off my first picture of the babe (sorry for the lack of quality, iphone upload). We got to see the little one kicking his/her arms & legs yesterday. It was amazing! It's still very surreal, knowing that the little bean has formed so much yet I can't feel a thing in there and am still squeezing into my jeans, albeit with a button undone. This may be the week to pull out those bella bands.

I'm thrilled. I've wanted this for so long and am still absorbing the fact that it's really happening. But my mind is also reeling with the fact life as I know it will never be the same. I'm going to miss my freedom, my body (imperfect as it is), my alone time. I know what I will gain will be worth it 10,000 times over. I'm so grateful. But it's just so hard to imagine right now. Blogging will be a good outlet for this. I'll try to keep it updated and keep it real.

Bye for now!