Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
The latest from Cali
Hi girls! So I thought I'd go ahead and add our little update to the mix as well. And by little, I mean around the size of a large grape. Yep, we're going to have another baby. I'm about nine weeks along and having morning sickness like you wouldn't believe. But thankfully, there are drugs for that. :)
We had the first ultrasound last week and everything looked great. They're putting my due date at March 25, which you may remember, is exactly three months after Violet's due date (for those of you who like that six-months-to-the-day stuff).
Can't believe we're going to do this all over again! But here we go...
Love you girls!
We had the first ultrasound last week and everything looked great. They're putting my due date at March 25, which you may remember, is exactly three months after Violet's due date (for those of you who like that six-months-to-the-day stuff).
Can't believe we're going to do this all over again! But here we go...
Love you girls!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
the bandwagon
So, I thought I'd jump on the updating bandwagon and post a long-overdue update on us. First, I will make sure to establish my bragging rights that I now live very close to a fellow Sapphire, Julie. Having not lived close to any of you since college, I will not feel bad about this either:) We've had some good times hanging out, and I've definitely enjoyed getting to know her kiddos. Isaac is just adorable, and Seth and Lilah are an absolute riot. They're both so articulate, have amusing imaginations, and are just so fun. Katie is really warming up to them, and learning how to play with the big kids. And Julie is a good time as well;) Ok, I feel better after bragging a bit.
Everything else is also going well. Katie is such a big girl now, and I can't quite figure out when that happened and she stopped being a baby. She's got a ton of Nathan in her and is fairly reserved, a bit shy, slow to warm up, and examines things meticulously. But she's a girl through and through, and just LOVES purses and jewelry and shoes. Nathan's job is going well, plugging away on Volkswagon's site, and he's been doing a bit of writing in his spare time. I'm still working from home to bring in some extra money, which we need. I've also taken to making Katie's baby bows, and in the process have found I kinda enjoy it and have made quite a few. I'm going to do a craft fair next month and see if any of them sell. So that's been a fun new thing for me. I'll try to post some pics of them sometime, esp for those of you with little girls. Lilah is already testing out a few of them for me to see how they hold up:) Other big new includes a cruise we booked for this winter. This is really our first big vacation since our honeymoon, so we're super excited about it. My parents are going as well, and maybe my brother and sister-in-law. Nathan's parents are going to come in to stay with Katie. So we're super excited to have one last adult vacation.
I also have one tiny prayer request real quick. I have a rather unpleasant test to be done tomorrow. When pregnant with Katie, one ultrasound suggested I might have a heart-shaped uterus, which could restrict growth and result in premature birth. We don't think I really have one, and are pretty sure Katie's early birth was a result of her TEF, but I still need to have this ruled out. The test is extremely unpleasant, so I'd appreciate prayers that it goes smoothly, that I recover from it without much discomfort, and of course that my uterus is perfectly normal. I of course don't want anymore premature babies. And no, there won't be any more babies just yet. I'm not interested in sharing my ticket on the cruise with any miniature travelers in my belly:)Keep the updates coming. Steph, we're all looking forward to pics of the house after you're settled. Jamie, I didn't know you were going back to the classroom and I'm so happy you love it (I miss it a lot sometimes). Ang, can't wait to see you soon and keep us all posted and we pray about your big decisions. Jen, make sure you send us all your new blog password, and Kim, I'll see you soon too:)
Everything else is also going well. Katie is such a big girl now, and I can't quite figure out when that happened and she stopped being a baby. She's got a ton of Nathan in her and is fairly reserved, a bit shy, slow to warm up, and examines things meticulously. But she's a girl through and through, and just LOVES purses and jewelry and shoes. Nathan's job is going well, plugging away on Volkswagon's site, and he's been doing a bit of writing in his spare time. I'm still working from home to bring in some extra money, which we need. I've also taken to making Katie's baby bows, and in the process have found I kinda enjoy it and have made quite a few. I'm going to do a craft fair next month and see if any of them sell. So that's been a fun new thing for me. I'll try to post some pics of them sometime, esp for those of you with little girls. Lilah is already testing out a few of them for me to see how they hold up:) Other big new includes a cruise we booked for this winter. This is really our first big vacation since our honeymoon, so we're super excited about it. My parents are going as well, and maybe my brother and sister-in-law. Nathan's parents are going to come in to stay with Katie. So we're super excited to have one last adult vacation.
I also have one tiny prayer request real quick. I have a rather unpleasant test to be done tomorrow. When pregnant with Katie, one ultrasound suggested I might have a heart-shaped uterus, which could restrict growth and result in premature birth. We don't think I really have one, and are pretty sure Katie's early birth was a result of her TEF, but I still need to have this ruled out. The test is extremely unpleasant, so I'd appreciate prayers that it goes smoothly, that I recover from it without much discomfort, and of course that my uterus is perfectly normal. I of course don't want anymore premature babies. And no, there won't be any more babies just yet. I'm not interested in sharing my ticket on the cruise with any miniature travelers in my belly:)Keep the updates coming. Steph, we're all looking forward to pics of the house after you're settled. Jamie, I didn't know you were going back to the classroom and I'm so happy you love it (I miss it a lot sometimes). Ang, can't wait to see you soon and keep us all posted and we pray about your big decisions. Jen, make sure you send us all your new blog password, and Kim, I'll see you soon too:)
Friday, August 07, 2009
Loving my job again....
Thought I would chime in a let you know what's going on with us too... School started for me this week. I'm teaching 4th grade this year, and love it so far. :) I am definitely a teacher - I love being in front of kids all day and helping them discover new things!! Yeah for liking for my job again. :)
Nick began working from home this week, full time. He seems to be enjoying it, and I have to say I love that he is here because he loves a clean environment. Our kitchen looks great! ;)
Angie - I've been thinking about what you are facing and know what is it is like to face unknown changes. As we have gone through the past 3 years of trying for kiddos, I have learned one thing... don't put my life on hold waiting for kids. If you want to get the experience of management go for the new job... if you love your job and life... then stick with it and tighten that finiancial belt. We have longed for kids, but have also embraced what our life is offering to us now. Sounds like a puppy would be a great addition for your family too! It will be a good trial run for having a baby, or so I'm told. :)
We are praying for you lots! I can't wait to hear about the miracle of life happening in your life too!
Nick began working from home this week, full time. He seems to be enjoying it, and I have to say I love that he is here because he loves a clean environment. Our kitchen looks great! ;)
Angie - I've been thinking about what you are facing and know what is it is like to face unknown changes. As we have gone through the past 3 years of trying for kiddos, I have learned one thing... don't put my life on hold waiting for kids. If you want to get the experience of management go for the new job... if you love your job and life... then stick with it and tighten that finiancial belt. We have longed for kids, but have also embraced what our life is offering to us now. Sounds like a puppy would be a great addition for your family too! It will be a good trial run for having a baby, or so I'm told. :)
We are praying for you lots! I can't wait to hear about the miracle of life happening in your life too!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Akers update
Hey all,
figured it was time to update you all on what's going on with us...
First of all... Angie - get a dog! yes! great idea!! Just also get a Furminator brush because it will eliminate HALF of the shedding!
Megumi is finally starting to understand how to move! She can now pull herself up on some things, and can get almost to her hands and knees from sitting position. So, I need to stop procrastinating and put locks on my kitchen cabinets! Meg still loves to babble and has started to say 'hi' and 'bye', as well as 'mama' when she bonks her head or is really tired. I've been trying to get her pictures taken but she keeps scratching her face on one thing or another... trying to wait for the scrapes to disappear before we get pictures.
Chris is working hard at work and just recenty hired a new developer who is working out really well. The first two he hired weren't so great... he had to let one go, and the other quit before she even started.
Chris and I went to Jr High camp with our youth group students last week. We had a blast, except that i got a head cold and Chris pulled a hamtring trying to race a 12 year old boy. Now that everyone is home, almost half of the students are sick with flu-like symptoms. They got confirmation today on one case of H1N1 with one of the students. Praying this doesn't spread!!!
The most exciting thing we did this summer was purchase a new car. We traded in our Jeep for a Mercury Mariner and we love it! Plenty of room for everyone, and the two dogs. It's dark gray, and has Microsoft Sync which just rocks.
Looking to go on vacation soon to Wisconsin. Same place we went last year, and Meg will get to play at the lake. Should be fun!!
Missing you all,
Jen
figured it was time to update you all on what's going on with us...
First of all... Angie - get a dog! yes! great idea!! Just also get a Furminator brush because it will eliminate HALF of the shedding!
Megumi is finally starting to understand how to move! She can now pull herself up on some things, and can get almost to her hands and knees from sitting position. So, I need to stop procrastinating and put locks on my kitchen cabinets! Meg still loves to babble and has started to say 'hi' and 'bye', as well as 'mama' when she bonks her head or is really tired. I've been trying to get her pictures taken but she keeps scratching her face on one thing or another... trying to wait for the scrapes to disappear before we get pictures.
Chris is working hard at work and just recenty hired a new developer who is working out really well. The first two he hired weren't so great... he had to let one go, and the other quit before she even started.
Chris and I went to Jr High camp with our youth group students last week. We had a blast, except that i got a head cold and Chris pulled a hamtring trying to race a 12 year old boy. Now that everyone is home, almost half of the students are sick with flu-like symptoms. They got confirmation today on one case of H1N1 with one of the students. Praying this doesn't spread!!!
The most exciting thing we did this summer was purchase a new car. We traded in our Jeep for a Mercury Mariner and we love it! Plenty of room for everyone, and the two dogs. It's dark gray, and has Microsoft Sync which just rocks.
Looking to go on vacation soon to Wisconsin. Same place we went last year, and Meg will get to play at the lake. Should be fun!!
Missing you all,
Jen
IMHO
Don't listen to Julie--she's crazy. Just kidding.
Ang, I think the important thing is to remember that the decision you make will be the right one for you. And that either way, it's better to have decisions to make than to be stuck doing the same thing day after day, right?
I can say that from my experience in the working world, having a job that I enjoyed was way better for my mental and physical health than having a job that made more money. And Julie does make a good point that having kids will restrict your budget in big ways, so it is a good idea to get used to it ahead of time (we didn't do that so much and it was a big transition.)
But...one or two years is still some time if that's how long you're wanting to wait for the kids thing. You can get a lot accomplished in that time that you most likely won't be able to after you have the kids. So this might be the opportunity to take chances and go for it while you can. I mean, I absolutely love being a stay at home mom (most days) but sometimes I do wish I had done more before I had Violet, because now it's a good five to six years until she's in school before I can really pursue anything academically or career-wise again. But again, that's just me.
You could always try that game from Friends too, where someone asks you a bunch of questions really quickly and you say the first thing that comes to mind to help make your decision. Hot or cold? Up or down? Red or blue? Manager or bakery?
See, I'm helpful on so many levels.
Let us know what you decide either way! We'll be praying for you!
Ang, I think the important thing is to remember that the decision you make will be the right one for you. And that either way, it's better to have decisions to make than to be stuck doing the same thing day after day, right?
I can say that from my experience in the working world, having a job that I enjoyed was way better for my mental and physical health than having a job that made more money. And Julie does make a good point that having kids will restrict your budget in big ways, so it is a good idea to get used to it ahead of time (we didn't do that so much and it was a big transition.)
But...one or two years is still some time if that's how long you're wanting to wait for the kids thing. You can get a lot accomplished in that time that you most likely won't be able to after you have the kids. So this might be the opportunity to take chances and go for it while you can. I mean, I absolutely love being a stay at home mom (most days) but sometimes I do wish I had done more before I had Violet, because now it's a good five to six years until she's in school before I can really pursue anything academically or career-wise again. But again, that's just me.
You could always try that game from Friends too, where someone asks you a bunch of questions really quickly and you say the first thing that comes to mind to help make your decision. Hot or cold? Up or down? Red or blue? Manager or bakery?
See, I'm helpful on so many levels.
Let us know what you decide either way! We'll be praying for you!
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
My Two Cents
Hey girls, I am posting my advise to Angie on here so that everyone can see it and add opnions or tell Angie that Julie is stupid and don't follow Julie's advice. =) Angie, those are big decisions. I'm not sure there is a right one necessarily. So I will simply tell you my thoughts. You mentioned that you are considering starting a family sometime in the not-too-far away future and that you really LOVE what you are doing now and think it will be valuable for experience to prepare you for a future doing what you love. The money with the managerial job would be awesome and might give you a chance to boost some savings. But here is my thinking... Are you planning to stay at home after you have children? If yes, you will have to have mastered living on a lower, one-income budget by that time anyways. Does your current job that you LOVE have the potential for allowing you to still work, maybe part-time, or more flexible hours for after you have children? If yes, then that might be extremely valuable to be able to still bring in a little bit of income because I'm assuming the managerial job will be full-time and will not really work for staying home with kids as much as possible. If you plan to wait quite a while before having children and just want to build up some savings and managerial experience, then the new job opportunity might be a good move. But my thoughts are that if it is your plan to have your own bakery or your own business and to stay home, etc. you will have to go through slimmer financial times anyways during the start-up phases, etc. and it might not be a bad idea to to just get really good at living a low-budget lifestyle in the meantime if you really enjoy your work and feel like it could lead to your ultimate business aspirations in the long-run. There's my two cents. Although I don't think you really have a BAD choice here because they both sound like good options. I'll be praying God guides and directs you as you make this decision. =)
Also, I'm sorry to hear you've been having some health problems with your thyroid. We'll be praying for health for you too and that the doctors can figure out exactly what is happening with your cycle, etc. Love ya!
PS. About the dog... if you DO plan to have children before your dog might die, I personally would recommend choosing a breed that does not shed as extensively as golden retrievers. Speaking from experience because Wyatt sheds, you will get very tired of vacuuming twice a day and picking hair balls out of your kids mouths during the crawling and toddling stages... Also, their clothes get disgusting because they're always crawling in dog hair. Again, that's just my "non-animal lover" opinion. =)
Also, I'm sorry to hear you've been having some health problems with your thyroid. We'll be praying for health for you too and that the doctors can figure out exactly what is happening with your cycle, etc. Love ya!
PS. About the dog... if you DO plan to have children before your dog might die, I personally would recommend choosing a breed that does not shed as extensively as golden retrievers. Speaking from experience because Wyatt sheds, you will get very tired of vacuuming twice a day and picking hair balls out of your kids mouths during the crawling and toddling stages... Also, their clothes get disgusting because they're always crawling in dog hair. Again, that's just my "non-animal lover" opinion. =)
Preparing for change...
I don't know if I told most of you at the time, but about a year and half ago (January 2008) I felt like I was to spend the year preparing for change. Little did I know what that change would be... before I get you all excited, it is definitely not pregnancy. And although I'm in the beginning stages of wanting that to happen, at this point I'm not sure it's possible.
Back to the changes... This year (2009) has proved to be a year of change and continues to be. It's been a challenging year to say the least - so far, but mostly challenging in a good way. I'm feeling pretty introspective at the moment and seem to be rambling a bit cause I'm not really sure where to start.
It started off with a job change for me last November and I have finally made the complete transition from my high-paying, boring job, to the low-paying job that I LOVE. I'm baking and going to market for Stoltzfus Meats - a local company that is really just a joy to work for. The unfortunate part is that it's low-paying and between Aaron and I, we will be taking more than a $20,000 pay cut this year. Car sales haven't exactly been the best, but they have picked up quite a bit in the last couple of weeks thanks to our lovely government and the cash for clunkers program. On a side note... I don't really agree with this program at all, but I am thrilled that it's helping out our bank by allowing Aaron to sell more cars. And although this new found joy that I have with work is fantastic, we have had to REALLY adjust our lifestyle, which is definitely not a good time for any of us. It's been REALLY hard.
Next... I found out in March that I have a under-active thyroid and have been on meds ever since. I've never been one to take meds and I hate the fact that I have to be on them, but for several months I was not myself (unmotivated, depressed, unfocused, etc...) and I must say, the meds are definitely helping with that. I've been feeling much better lately, but the other part of it is that I haven't had a cycle since December. I've been corresponding with my doctor and she seems to think its due to the thyroid issue, but I'm going in for blood test this week to see if the meds are working correctly... if they are, we will have to do an ultrasound to see if there is something else causing problems... I haven't had any other pain or symptoms, so I'm not too worried, but a little concerned.
And now... I'm faced with an opportunity to possibly take a management position with Stoltzfus Meats at their deli/cafe they are opening in Sept/Oct. My dilemma is this - do I take the job, the stress, and the money (which would also come with some really beneficial managerial experience for when I want to have my own place) or do I stay in the low-paying job that i LOVE (which comes with training in baking for the future bakery that I would love to one day own). I'm at a crossroads... The other factor is the fact that I would like to start a family in the next year or two... where does that fit in? Any thoughts/suggestions on what to do - I'm accepting all advise.
So that's where I'm at... just here, sorting through my thoughts.
On a side note... There is also a good possibility we will be getting a dog in October - a golden retriever - but that is also still up for debate.
Love you girls and thanks for letting me vent a bit. Your prayers, which I feel daily, are very much appreciated.
Back to the changes... This year (2009) has proved to be a year of change and continues to be. It's been a challenging year to say the least - so far, but mostly challenging in a good way. I'm feeling pretty introspective at the moment and seem to be rambling a bit cause I'm not really sure where to start.
It started off with a job change for me last November and I have finally made the complete transition from my high-paying, boring job, to the low-paying job that I LOVE. I'm baking and going to market for Stoltzfus Meats - a local company that is really just a joy to work for. The unfortunate part is that it's low-paying and between Aaron and I, we will be taking more than a $20,000 pay cut this year. Car sales haven't exactly been the best, but they have picked up quite a bit in the last couple of weeks thanks to our lovely government and the cash for clunkers program. On a side note... I don't really agree with this program at all, but I am thrilled that it's helping out our bank by allowing Aaron to sell more cars. And although this new found joy that I have with work is fantastic, we have had to REALLY adjust our lifestyle, which is definitely not a good time for any of us. It's been REALLY hard.
Next... I found out in March that I have a under-active thyroid and have been on meds ever since. I've never been one to take meds and I hate the fact that I have to be on them, but for several months I was not myself (unmotivated, depressed, unfocused, etc...) and I must say, the meds are definitely helping with that. I've been feeling much better lately, but the other part of it is that I haven't had a cycle since December. I've been corresponding with my doctor and she seems to think its due to the thyroid issue, but I'm going in for blood test this week to see if the meds are working correctly... if they are, we will have to do an ultrasound to see if there is something else causing problems... I haven't had any other pain or symptoms, so I'm not too worried, but a little concerned.
And now... I'm faced with an opportunity to possibly take a management position with Stoltzfus Meats at their deli/cafe they are opening in Sept/Oct. My dilemma is this - do I take the job, the stress, and the money (which would also come with some really beneficial managerial experience for when I want to have my own place) or do I stay in the low-paying job that i LOVE (which comes with training in baking for the future bakery that I would love to one day own). I'm at a crossroads... The other factor is the fact that I would like to start a family in the next year or two... where does that fit in? Any thoughts/suggestions on what to do - I'm accepting all advise.
So that's where I'm at... just here, sorting through my thoughts.
On a side note... There is also a good possibility we will be getting a dog in October - a golden retriever - but that is also still up for debate.
Love you girls and thanks for letting me vent a bit. Your prayers, which I feel daily, are very much appreciated.
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