So, I've never been tagged before--other than on the playground and once at a garage sale (just kidding)--so, thanks Cheryl.

HUBBY TAG

Where we met: Bear Creek Singles Branch in Bothell--at a activity. (I refused to be part of the ward since I wasn't going to be in town long. I only went to the activities--at first, because I was bored and my friend went with me. Oh, and I needed a date with a free meal--I was starving when I got home from my mission! I was living with my dad after I got off in March--and planning to go back to college in the fall in Bellingham. My dad thought by not giving me much acess to the groceries, it would encourage me to get a job.)

How long we dated before we got hitched: Engaged after 3 weeks right before father's day. We were married September 9, 2006--before I started fall quarter.

How long have we been married: 2 years, 4 months, 13 days (same as the Martinsens)

What's my favorite feature about him: Muscular arms...and legs.

What's my favorite quality about him: Interest and care for other's well being.

What's his nickname for me: He calls me "Baby"---and "My love."

His favorite color: GREEN

His favorite food: Ginger flavored things--and Vermont Curry--and Jambalaya are a good start.

His favorite sport: Hunting maybe-- if that counts.

Who said the L word first: I forced him to say it basically. He did, but in Japanese--and I knew what he was saying--but I played dumb until he said the English L work. Then I said it back--finally in week 2.

First kiss when and where: His roommates house while sitting on the living room couch. (At the end of dating week 1)

Favorite couple thing to do: Try new foods, recipes, or restaurants...and kiss. That's really fun!

How many kids: WE HAVE ONE ON THE WAY---16 weeks, 4 days along.

His hidden talent: He can tell you all sorts of facts and info on animals and plants--and superheros.

His age: 28--almost 29.

His favorite music: A wide variety---but he really loves Nickelback and Harry Connick Jr.

What I admire most about him: His integrity and endurance. He can fail over and over--but he won't lie to make himself look better. He just keeps at it and develops new skills and virtues along the way. He's a good example of an honest--and happy person.

His favorite pastimes: Hummm---what pasttime? He's really busy right now. Ideally, he'd like to be hiking and exploring Mt. Baker. He'd also like to be hunting, camping, and travelling.

Will he read his: Yep. He caught me writing it...so, he'll find it.

Tag: Alicia Walters, Rachel (Moss) Holman, and Vicki Duersch.

All Cats Life--A cartoon by LW and added upon by SW

Sunday, I started a cat cartoon about the nature of cats. (I'm not a cat lover.) Shaun felt he had to add to what I had done...so, you'll see some blocks by him too. (He's a cat lover.) But basically, the plot is that cats are trying to take over the Human Race by getting people to love the, but I don't fall for it. Shaun would like to think that I would. (Sorry if it's too small to read. You might need to click on the individual pictures to blow them up.)

"BIRTHS Are All Around Us" Weekend

The weekend was full of birth-related events.

First, Saturday morning--I attended Sam Weigel's baby shower (she's due Feb. 2nd). It was held by Alica Walters--who is also expecting a new baby! Sam does not yet know the sex, so, there were lots of green and yellow items. Sam doesn't strike me as a "PINK" girl anyway. I doubt she's not missing the color's absence.

We played a baby game--which I lost--but was not surprised to loose. The amazing Mrs. Staples swept the board and blew everyone out of the water with correct-ness. Julia Mumford made the comment--"It goes to show you that the older you get the less you remember" (or maybe it was about intelligence reduction over time?--I can't remember). The pictures are of the part-tay are below!

Gift recording--done by Kaityn Holman.

Alica looks so pretty! (Kind of like Malibu Barbie with this lovely tone of magenta even.)

BLURRY--Sam smiling! After the shower, Shaun and I headed South to Bothell for our 3 year-friend, Emma's, Birthday Party!! She is in LOVE with the Little Mermaid, so, her cake reflected that. Although, we heard there was a little drama between Misty and the QFC cake decorator's skill level. Apparantly, the decorator cave Ariel brown hair instead of her signature red hair. So, Ariel had an emergency salon appointment with Misty and Wendy. Oh, and speaking of Misty, it was her birthday Sunday--so, we also enjoyed spending time with her too. (We couldn't make her late night bash in Seattle--sorry.)
After the Tuppers, we headed over to Shaun's Parent's house to say hello and drop off a birthday present for Shaun's dad, Pops. He was delighted with the old Garfiled DVDs we gave him since he's a big fan. We saw how big our nephews Richie and Andrew have grown to be. They're lots of fun! Kimi let me know that she has picked out fabric for the baby carrier she's making me. She didn't show me the fabric--as it will be a surprise. (Kimi, even though you made me feel like I should be nervous a bit--I'm sure it will be adorable and useful.)

Then on Sunday, Shaun and I drove to Ferndale for Stake Conference (a meeting held with lots of area congregations--which is held 2 times a year). It was great and very uplifting. Our stake president spoke on understanding/remembering who we were (Children of God with great worth--as all people are). We sat by Sam and Warren Weigel. They were good row buddies.

And look what we found on Main Street in Ferndale (TUPPERS!!). It is still under construction, but I'm pretty sure this will help our friends to come and visit more often.
AND THEN TODAY...we went to get another ultrasound. I'm at 16 weeks. I finally had Shaun take a picture of me so you can see my true belly size.

AND---Please enjoy the beautiful BOY pictures! Yes, it was confirmed we had a boy when he stretched out for the Ultrasound and showed off his manhood! We also have a picture of his left hand (with all five fingers) and two profile pictures. At this point, the eyes are where they will stay and when he looked straight at us--he totally had the Skelator face ("Heman" reference folks!). He's a mover/wiggler! I can't feel him yet, but he kept stretching out and kicking his legs. Then he even flipped over when we were listening to the heart beat. By the way, when they move during the heart-beat 'listen'--the heart beat sound just goes away! Kind of a confusing moment for us both until we got back in position and heard the little guys BOOM-BOOM-BOOM (heart beat).

OUR BIG BOY, Enoch! Giving us a good stretch!
Well, Shaun and I both think that being pregnant is VERY fun! While we'd like to hang out with our boy (ya know in our arms), we really enjoy sleeping at night and will continue to take advantage of this sleep until he arrives sometime around July 5, 2009!!! (So, unless he's born at the end of June--Family and Friends should plan on attending the baby blessing the first Sunday in August (2nd)up in Bellingham at 11am. Thanks!

Baby in the Uterus!

CHRISTMAS SUMMARY: It was a lovely Holiday. We felt very blessed to receive and enjoy so many things. But--Shaun and I have some cool new baby stuff to talk about. We went to my first pre-natal appointment yesterday. I'm not actually as big as the picture above. That was just a little fun with Teri and Maren Thursday night. I thought it would be funny to wear this pillow (as pictured under my shirt) to my first prenatal appointment---but I thought it wouldn't send the right message.

Anyway, the appointment went well. We were told that everything looked good. Also, we were told by Dr. Tu that she was 70% sure it was a boy. She thought she saw the little boy part. We have a better ultrasound on January 19th--which will have better images. Then we'll have another one at 20 weeks. She said, "If I were you, I wouldn't tell anyone until you know for sure." Both Shaun and I smiled and when she left the room we said, I can't wait to tell as soon as possible.

My predicted due date was the same one Dr. Tu gave--July 5, 2009. She said that could change depending on what the second ultrasound found. We don't think it will change.

Well, we got to see the heart beating and even Baby E's little arm moving around like it was doing the robot. It was a powerful and surreal moment for both of us as we saw the human growing inside of me and made a visual connection to the word PREGNANT and OUR FAMILY. Both of us are still in awe as we think back on our ultrasound. We feel so blessed and honored to be given a child to prepare for. As Dr. Tu measured the baby, she noted that the femur was a little shorter in length (more like a 13 week baby). This was funny to us because Shaun has a long torso and short legs. (He's a little taller than me--but the proportion of the baby may match Shaun in that way at least.) It was so special to connect mentally to Baby E!

Enjoys some of the pictures.

1) Baby's full body (well the legs are in the dark a bit)

2) Arms and fingers
3) Head circumference
4) Femur measurement
5) Baby full length again...it's the spine amazing!?
6) Abdomen circumference