On the banks of the Wabash...

We're back in Indiana. We had such an eventful and (mostly) fun trip back! We stopped in Kansas City the first night, and then St. Louie for the NCAA wrestling finals. We got to celebrate with Iowa State, Aaron's old team, and enjoy the fun with them. I loved meeting people who offered an insight into Aaron "back then"- when he was wrestling- and seeing the excitement of the finals. It was great to hear stories about Aaron and see the love that everyone has for him!

We left at about 11 pm (12 am Indiana time) and made it back at 4 am. Crazy! Today, we've been taking it easy. We played "HORSE" outside and dad beat both Aaron AND I... TWICE! We also had about 1/2 the neighborhood stop by to see Gabe. I love these people :)

Aaron and I plan to go on LOTS of date this week while we have free, trusted babysitters and before we have to spend four months apart. We're going to see movies, hang out with our friends, go to Indianapolis and see a Pacers game, etc. Anyone have any fun suggestions of things we could do?

Well, I know this will be a disappointment, but no pictures today... soon though, I promise :)

P.S. Spring break is this week! Could NOT be more excited for a break!

Praying for Jonah

So, you may have noticed I added a "praying for Jonah" button on my blog. Let me tell you a little about this family that I've never met, but love so dearly.

Patrice and Matt Williams lost their first son, Gabriel, at 37 weeks. It was unexpected and they were devastated.

A while later, she got pregnant again with their second son, Jonah. He was seemingly healthy and delivered full-term. Once he was born, they noticed something was very wrong with his skin. Well, long story made short, he has a genetic skin condition that they believe Gabe also had. It is VERY rare and causes his skin to blister at the slightest touch. There are three different forms (they haven't heard which form Jonah has.) It makes Jonah very, very susceptible to infection, cancer, and possibly even death.

Please pray for this sweet family. Jonah is now two weeks old, and yesterday he had a "perfect" day! I can't believe the agony his parents are going through, as they mourn sweet Gabe and care for baby Jonah. This little baby is a fighter- he suffers great pain that we can't even begin to imagine.

Check the out at: patriceandmattwilliams.blogspot.com

They are a true testimony of what "faith" means.

Neglect

Ok, I'll admit it. I've been neglecting the blog... on purpose. It's all because of ONE reason: stress.

Quick recap, before I resume neglecting the blog... probably for another few weeks.

The hot springs were AMAZING. What a great trip!

Aaron's parents came last weekend and we had a great time.

We've said "good bye" to most of our local friends here.

Mid-terms are this week.

Aaron is trying to clear his unit today, so leave can start tomorrow.

I'm dying my hair tonight.

Outstanding student nomination packet was due today.

The movers start coming tomorrow.

Mom comes Wednesday.

We (hope to) leave Friday.

NCAA wrestling finals Saturday in St. Louis.

Indiana on Sunday.

Possible part-time job while in Indiana?

Aaron heads to Georgia April 2.

I may go.

I may have to interview in CO on April 7th.

We go to NC and SC mid- April.

Colorado mid-May for graduation.

AH! Stress.

Pictures to follow...

Pagosa Springs, Hot Springs

We are going...







HERE tonight!!

I'm so excited. I've wanted to go for so long.

Side rant...

So, as a warning, this might make some of you mad, but I really don't care. It's my blog, and these are my thoughts, so here goes :)

In my communications class, we were asked to give our input on an "inappropriate" magazine cover of American Baby. On the cover, there is a picture of a woman nursing her baby. You don't actually see her- just the side of her breast and her child. Now, here's my problem. I wouldn't volunteer myself for that position, and I think the point could have been made without being quite so graphic, BUT...

if girls can walk about with their you-know-what practically hanging out of their mini-skirt,

and if they can wear tank tops that "let it all hang out",

and if I saw the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit addition today at the store and it almost made me throw up,

and if Maxim doesn't hide any detail, but isn't covered up in the check-out lane (and is subsequently exposing my husband and children to it)

and if TV can show people having sex,

and if MySpace can advertise women with a chest bigger than any watermelon I've ever seen,

why can't a magazine that is intended for mothers show a natural, healthy activity?

It's NORMAL-

it's BEST for baby
(yes, I know I quit nursing and I know it wasn't the "best" decision, but it was best for US as a whole)

and it's NOT sexual.

It's L I F E.

WHY then, is it considered inappropriate, awkward, and off limits to nurse in public (while covered), discuss nursing in public, and have a magazine geared toward nursing mothers?

Thoughts, anyone?

Feel free to disagree, but personally, I'd rather explain to my children why a mommy is nursing her child (for health and sustenance) than why the 16 year old down the street is dressed like she is going to the nearest nightclub to make a dollar.

Happy 5 Months, Gabe!

We celebrated by introducing Gerber Puffs (melt in the mouth) and Biter Bars! He LOVED them and fed them to himself :) Here's a beginning picture, all cute and clean:



and an action shot, completely, disgustingly, such-a-boy messy :)



Oh, and yes, both his hands are now shoving it in his mouth!