It's Been A While...

Okay, so once again I am failing miserably at this whole blogging thing, but seriously, things have been a little out of the ordinary around here. If you are reading this blog, then I'm sure you already know that we are unexpectedly expecting. This makes me smile :) You also probably know that means I haven't been doing much of anything the last two months except for... well... I'll spare you the gruesome details and will instead let it be the excuse for my absence in the blogging world. I must say I am feeling much better, and much to my surprise, much quicker than expected. This also makes me smile :) I am currently almost 11 weeks, due November 23rd, but am guessing based on previous experience that the little one will make its glorious appearance in early November... at least we can hope, right? The boys have been busy, busy, busy putting their new hockey equipment to good use. They have completed the first hockey class and have two weeks left in the second class before we will take a break for a while. They love every minute of it, and we have enjoyed watching them.

Isaac just celebrated his 8th birthday! No one is more shocked about this than we are! We like to drag out our celebrations, so we started out with a family party at the park. The cousins had a great time playing baseball together, despite the 90 degree heat.





Isaac specifically requested a "dirt cake," and yes, those are worms in the cake, also a specific request! The last picture should have the caption "Ashlyn grows one for the team." If you have no idea what that means, read this The birthday celebration didn't stop at the park. Once we got home, the Legos were immediately assembled (with daddy's help, while mommy took a much needed nap!) and many light saber creations were made. Isaac took tons of pictures with his new digital camera, and the day ended with a cook out in the backyard and several hours of fun on the new Slip N Slide...


... but of course, the fun didn't stop there! On Monday, my mom and I headed to the beach with Isaac and Ethan (per Isaac's request) as an extension of his birthday.
The weather was absolutely PERFECT! 82 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, and just enough of a breeze to keep you from being uncomfortable. The water definitely could have been a little warmer, but we weren't complaining... just happy to be there! There is something about the ocean... something about the sound of the crashing waves and the breath of a cool breeze brushing against your cheek that seems to melt all your cares away and allow you to truly marvel at the awesomeness of the Creator. My morning sickness seemed to be carried away by the wind that day and swept deep into the ocean. I was able to truly enjoy myself for the first time in a long time, and I am happy to report that my most miserable days seem to have been left behind. My day at the beach was truly a turning point for me, and that is definitely something to smile about :) After our beach trip, we spent a few days enduring the miserable after effects of being in the sun for too long, but that will not keep us from going back! We are already planning another trip to celebrate Ethan's birthday in June... and this time, we plan to bring more family along! Thursday was Isaac's actual birthday. We spent the day at an INDOOR pool, so as not to add insult to injury :) The sunburns are finally fading and giving way to the itchiness that begins the peeling process. Next time, maybe we will spend a bit more time UNDER the umbrella! In the weeks ahead, we are looking forward to our first ultrasound and REAL doctor's appointment which will be May 12th. We will spend Memorial weekend in Nashville, TN to be a part of Jordan's brother's wedding. The boys and I will be making the long drive on our own and Jordan will fly out and meet us in time for the rehearsal dinner. I am not looking forward to the long drive, but I AM looking forward to the festivities and the extended time with family!

All in all, things are going well at the Whiteside household. We have so much to be thankful for and praise God for the many blessings he has poured into our lives. We ask your prayers for the health of the baby and for provision for this pregnancy, and we continue to pray that Jordan's job will soon become permanent so that we will have health insurance. We know God is in control. He has an amazing track record for being faithful (flawless, in fact!) and we are excited to see what he has in store for us through this unexpected, yet welcome adventure. I leave you with my one and only belly shot so far, and a promise to upload the ultrasound pictures as soon as we get them. This was taken at 10 weeks...

blessings... ~c