Lance in DC . . . Again!

Wow!  There has been a lot of excitement around here in the past little while.  I think things might be calming down now, though.  However, I must tell you about Lance's last adventure.

Last week, Lance went to Washington DC.  This is his sixth time going there, I think?  I almost went with him, but the plane ticket for me was too expensive.  Lucky for me, though, it was rainy almost the entire time he was there, so it wouldn't have been much fun for me if I had gone.  Oh, and don't worry about me not getting the DC experience, because I went there with him three years ago.  It is an amazing place!

 

Cool view of Washington Monument (Lance's favorite) from WWII memorial

 

  Protesting in front of the White House.  There is often some type of protest there.  Lance didn't know exactly what this one was about.

Another reason why I am glad I didn't go is because there was lots of construction at the National Mall.  The pond in front of the Lincoln Memorial is being redone, and they're building a new museum.  They'll be nice when they're done, but the construction is kind of an eyesore.

 

Construction of a new Smithsonian museum

 

Pond construction in front of the Lincoln Memorial

He was really excited this time because his training was in the Treasury building.  He has wanted to go inside the Treasury building ever since his first time in DC, three years ago.  He got to go into the cash room for his training.  He said that the room was really fancy and ornate.  There were intricate little details in the walls and ceiling that were gold-plated.  Wow!  Why can't architecture be like that any more?  Now, it has to be clean, modern, minimalist lines, which are nice as well, but I wish some things were fancier.

The Treasury building

While he was there, he was able to visit his cousin, Brian, and his family in Baltimore.  Lance had a blast hanging out with them, and getting to know the kids.  He also went to Arlington Cemetery, and learned even more information than he had learned previous times there.

Arlington Cemetery

The old Estate house at Arlington Cemetery

 An old Estate house and slave quarters at Arlington Cemetery

I'm glad he had fun, but I like it best when he's home.  :)

Raising a Little Awareness

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week!  We have all these awareness reminders for so many things, especially cancer.  You don't really hear that much about infertility, though.  I think it's because people who are aware of it either are experiencing it or have experienced it, and it is a very personal topic.  I'm sure the only reason why many of you know I've experienced infertility is because we announced we were planning to adopt a few months ago, and most people don't adopt at a young age unless they've gone through infertility.

Most people don't talk about their infertility.  Maybe it's because they are embarrassed?  Maybe it's because they tear up every time they think about it?  (I was a constant soggy mess for a few months straight.)  Maybe it's because a lot of people sort of recoil when they hear people talk about it because it makes them uncomfortable?  Maybe they're afraid of what people might think of them?  (I personally felt defective, and if I felt that way about myself, what would other people think of me?)  There are tons of reasons why it seems to be a "taboo" subject.

I won't tell you my story, because honestly, I don't want you to feel sorry for me.  I'm a very happy person right now!  I'm very grateful to have gone through infertility.  I'm a stronger person because of it, and I've learned so much!  I learned that I can do anything.  Really!  I can even give myself shots!  For those of you that know me well, you know that is a huge accomplishment.  You can do anything with the right motivation!  I learned compassion for others because we are all going through our own tough trials, whatever they may be.  I learned patience.  I learned tolerance.  I know for a fact that I won't take my children for granted.  There are so many blessings that have come to me from this trial.

Something I would like to teach you, is how to act around an infertile couple.  I know it's awkward for both parties when infertility comes up, so hopefully, this will give you a little guideline to follow so that nobody is offended.

-Never ask someone why they don't have kids.  That just creates an awkward situation for everyone, whether they're infertile or just waiting to start their family.

-If someone tells you about their infertility, just listen.  Show concern or support by saying things like, "that must be hard," or, "I can't imagine going through that," or, "I think of you often."  Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and if you're the lucky one they choose, you should feel honored.

-Don't tell someone, "Oh, it's on the Lord's time."  We're aware of that.  What we're not entirely aware of is what action to take.  There are so many options to consider, and you really can't help with that decision.  Sorry.

-Don't tell someone, "Once you relax, you'll become pregnant."  There is no proof of that, and even if it were true, you can't simply relax when something is bothering you this much.
 
 -Never tell someone, "When you're pregnant, you'll understand," or "When you have kids, you'll understand."  Ugh!  I HATE this!!!  Honestly, in my experiences, I have been around tons more kids than many mothers who have said that to me, and it drives me nuts!  I know how kids act!  I understand that they aren't perfect.  You don't have to apologise to me when your kids act up.  I may not have had the 24/7 experience yet, but I am around kids . . . a lot!

-If someone tells you they're experiencing infertility, don't ask them what's wrong with them.  First of all, it's not really your business.  (Sorry for the bluntness, but it's true.)  Also, half the time, the infertility is unexplained, and we have no idea why.  It's the most frustrating thing, because the doctor is stumped just as much as we are, and there is no known reason why we shouldn't have kids.

-If in doubt, keep your mouth shut.  Silence is golden!  Still show support, but you don't have to have an answer for everything.

*If it is a close family member (like a sister or daughter) experiencing infertility, you may ask specific questions because you are a huge support to this person, and you need to know specifics to be of full support.  But if it's just someone you're friends with, let them be the one to talk and give out information he/she is comfortable with.

*Also, understand that what they're going through is very traumatic.  Every month they don't become pregnant is similar to having a miscarriage or a stillborn child.  Be there for them without judging them when they cry or lash out in sudden anger (I did that a lot.)

If you are experiencing or have experienced infertility, know that you are not alone, and you are much stronger than you think you are.  You're an inspiration to me and many people around you.  I hope you get your miracle(s) soon!

Happy Infertility Awareness Week!

The Big Reveal

Saturday, we had a fun little party for our family to reveal the gender of our baby.  I got the idea from pinterest, but simplified it to make it our own.

As people arrived, I had them cast their votes by writing their name on either a piece of pink paper for girl, or blue paper for boy, and then put it in a bowl.  We ended up with 8 votes for girl and 12 votes for boy.

 

Voting and name suggestion table

Casting votes and suggesting names (Lance was helping the young kids.  He already knew the answer.)

Then, they wrote down girl name suggestions on pink slips of paper, and boy name suggestions on blue slips of paper.  I told them it could be as silly as they wanted, so there were some pretty crazy names in there.  Here is what everyone came up with:

Boy Names (Blue Papers)

Anakin
Boba Fet
Obamanique
Barackisha
Squignid
Dakota
Tate
Pat
Dylan
Jason
Red
Pen
Pizza
Scooter
Adam
Pake
Dalen
Hanniball
Ernie
Wolf
Linus
Tanner
LaFawnda
Esmerelda
Aaron
Micah
Humberto
Gunther
Jean-Ralphio
Juan Paco Pedro de la Mar
Alfalfa

Girl Names (Pink Papers)

Amy
Julianne
Darla
Lilly
LaFawniqua
Laurianne
Humberta
Alicia
Savannah Girl
Venessa
Megan
Emily
Marlene
Kate
Katlyn
Cheree'  (That's supposed to be an accent mark)
Gabby
Gertrude
Bruinhilda
Espn
Willow
Tana
Pat
Bright
Larry
Cheyanne
Barackisha
Obamanique

 Lance and I have a different name chosen, but we won't tell anyone until our baby is born.  It could change last minute.  You never know.

 

Waiting for the results

 Refreshments were spritz cookies, half in blue, half in pink.  I also made a cake, which is how we revealed the gender.  The cake was pink, because we're having a girl!!!  It would have been blue if it were a boy.  The suspense was intense as I cut the first piece!

  Yummy refreshments!  The cake was pink inside!  It's a girl!

Everyone is so excited for another girl in the family!  I'm excited to dress her up in frilly dresses and bows, and lots and lots of pink!

Lance is a Master!

I need to brag a bit about my amazing hubby.  Friday, Lance graduated with his Master's of Business Administration degree!  I'm so proud of him!  He's the best!

Before graduation

Getting "hooded"

What a stud with his diploma!

Me, with my well-decorated hubby

Sexily showing off his Master's hood, ha ha!

Now, he's a double alumnus!

Family "Weber" photo

Woohoo!  He did it!

Hey Look! A Project!

I know it's been pretty much forever since the last time I posted about a project.  I've had this project in mind since Christmas.  I got the materials for it from my mom as a Christmas gift (we went shopping together just a few days after.) 

I didn't do it in January because I was not very confident in my abilities, and I needed to work up the courage.  Then, well, in February everything changed, and I didn't do much of anything for a while.  But now, I have most of my energy back, and just enough ambition to get the job done.

I'm so glad it's finally done!  That's a huge monkey off my back!

So, you know that green couch we acquired from Lance's grandpa's house?  Remember how I stuffed the cushions with bean bag beans?  Well, it turns out that it wasn't such a great idea after all.  The beans tend to spread out and create a pit right under your bottom when you're sitting down.  Nobody seems to like to sit on it except for kids that come over for Activity Days and piano lessons.  That's alright, you live and learn, right?  Ha ha!  So, I made real replacement cushions.  They aren't green, like the rest of the couch, but I think they are okay.  Oh, and those millions of beans?  I think I'll either buy or make a bean bag to put them in.

All of the materials for the cushions were purchased at my favorite fabric store, Hancock Fabrics.  They have much better prices than JoAnn's!  The fabric I got was $3 per yard.  The actual cushions were expensive, but the cheapest I've seen for cushions.  If you plan on redoing cushions, be warned that it is a pricey project.  Who knew foam pads would cost so much?

 Anyway, you're probably dying to see pictures, so here you go!

Before picture with bean-filled cushions.

 Beans in the cushions.

 

Redone cushions.  The fabric is very smooth.  Kind of a cross between vinyl and micro suede, but not as soft as micro suede.

 Lots of different textures in the couch.

Entire finished product.  Much easier to sit on!

Thanks for reading!

Thanks!

Thank you so much for all your nice comments about my last post, both here and on facebook!  You are all wonderful! 

However, I must say that my reaction to the news was a little different than a lot of yours.  Many of you said that it made you cry.  My reaction was laughter . . . not in a bad way!  I was super happy, but also surprised, considering we had just barely been put on the adoption list.  I promise I'm not a lunatic!

It was almost as if Heavenly Father was making a joke.  I appreciate His humor and constant pushes to make me a stronger person, even if during the time, I'm miserable.  But hey, fairy tales only end happily if there's a big obstacle for the hero/heroine to overcome.

Next week is National Infertility Awareness Week.  I'm debating on whether to share some of my experiences or not.  They're very personal and tear-jerking, but many people have no idea what it's like to experience infertility.  For now, I simply want to bring it to your attention.  There are so many people experiencing infertility that you may not even be aware of.  Keep them in your prayers!

Thanks again for your sweet comments!  Hopefully, if Baby cooperates, we'll find out the gender this week!

Our Plans Have Changed...

You know how two months ago, I announced that we are going to adopt?  Well, we've decided not to adopt any more, because we're thrilled to announce that just 4 days after being put on the adoption list, we found out that I'm pregnant!!!

I know, it's hard to believe.  I had to take a picture of the test and keep looking at it to believe it myself, until my first appointment.  Even now, it's hard to believe that the ultrasound pictures on my fridge are of my baby, and not one of my nieces or nephews.

Best day ever!  Positive pregnancy test!

I'm very sorry if you're offended that I didn't tell you sooner.  Please understand that I was worried sick about miscarrying, and still worry about everything that could go wrong.  After all I've been through with infertility and the adoption process, I don't think you can blame me.  It's been a very hard secret to keep, though. 

I'm through the first trimester now, and things are going great!  Every time we go to the doctor, the baby has been very wiggly.  I like to call it my tiny dancer.  It seems to be taking after me already.  Ha ha!

 The baby is due on October 9, 2012, which means that today, I am 14 weeks.  Hopefully, we'll find out the gender at my next appointment in a week and a half.

4D Ultrasound taken at 11weeks, 6 days

So, if any of you have wondered, "Is she or isn't she?" because of my growing belly, the answer is yes.

Lance and I are so beyond excited!  We can't wait until October!