Gandma Bell

Grandma Bell got the honor of being Katie's first visitor. I think grandma is going to spoil Katie. But hey, isn't that what grandmas do best.

Kathryn (Katie)

So we finally gave our little girl a name. She is Kathryn, but we will most likely call her Katie for short.

???? Elizabeth Bell

God has blessed us with our first child today. She was born today at 10:34AM by C-Section. She weighed 8lbs even and is 19 inches long. As you can tell, she still needs a first name. But fear not, Ashley and her are doing well and bonding.

Hospital Time

So, we are at the hospital. Ashley called me around 5pm and we headed on over. Right now Ashley is just trying to relax as much as possible as the contractions get stronger. She is doing great though.

Contractions, cont.

I called the doctor's office, and they're having me come in to "check things out." No real progression in contractions....except they're there!

Labor Begins

3:20 this morning...contractions (lightly) started. Started timing contractions at 4:20, lasting anywhere from 15-45 seconds and coming randomly between 5 and 15 minutes. Bryan went to work; I'm staying home with Shadow.

Currently: contractions slightly more powerful and coming every 5-8 minutes; still lasting only about 30 seconds each. Shadow is still beside me; once they last longer (over a minute), I'll call the doctor's office and see when they want me.

41 Weeks Today!

I've never thought I would be 41 weeks pregnant. Wow. I'm huge. I have kankles. I will have Bryan take a picture of me today to post.

Today is a relaxing Sunday. Bryan and I ate buttermilk flaky biscuts for breakfast. Then we went to church where everyone was surprised to see us (again). After worship, Bryan and I spent 40 minutes in Home Depot trying to find the right size wing nut. Now Bryan is at his mom's house shovelling dirt. I'm blogging (obviously); but I do need to put away laundry, clear off the kitchen table, go to Pick-N-Save for groceries, vaccum the family room...and drop off some boy baby clothes at Becky Wolniakowski's house (they have a 2 week-old).

I should sweep the floors, too. Dave Ramsey's online streaming will keep me entertained.

Saturday morning surprise

Nope, no baby yet.

Bryan was tickled to death when I rolled over, looked deeply into his eyes, and said "let's go out for doughnuts."

He had a chocolate long john and a crawler. I ate a custard-filled chocolate doughnut and half of a raspberry-filled jelly doughnut.

We spent the rest of the morning going to rummage sales and the library.

No signs...but all in good time

We were a little disappointed that our anniversary dinner of spinich-artichoke dip appetizer, the thai-curry chicken pasta, and the triple chocolate layered mousse cake did not intice our little girl to come into the world. But we enjoyed our dinner at The Cheesecake Factory!

Bryan and I split the appetizer, pasta and cake and still managed to take home half the meal! You can imagine our awe when we watched a 10 year-old-boy at the next table finish his (adult) sized pasta dish and his own slice of strawberry cheesecake (washing it all down with soda).

In other blogging news--we *temporarily* have a wireless laptop (thank you, American Family Insurance), and I will be using this a bit from home during my maternity leave. We will be following the Schulz's example of blogging from the hospital whenever we go (and when the labor pains are not too intense). Keep watching!

Our 4th Year

Happy Anniversary, Bryan! These four years have gone by so quickly...from Memphis to Milwaukee. I only wish our daughter was here to help us celebrate. I'll pick you up at 6, and then we can head to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I'm sooooo craving chocolate mousse cheesecake!

Possible Names

In case anyone was wondering...we've narrowed the names down to our Top 4.

Natalie-Katie-Rachel-Gretchen

Feel free to "vote" for your favorite by leaving a comment! The middle name will be Elizabeth.

Week 40

Yesterday was the 40th week of pregnancy. I still have a very pregnant and uncomfortable wife. No contractions as of today. I still think see will be born on our anniversary. Lots of walking only seem to be making Shadow very happy and content. Spicy food only seems to make little swimmer dance around.

39th week appointment

Well things are slowly moving along. Ashley is dilated to 2cm or so. A good improvement from last week. Our doctor set up an appointment for induction. If our little swimmer doesn't come on her own, then July 2nd is the date we make her arrive. Although Dr. Martenelli thinks she will see us before that.

Father's Day

Today after church Shadow and I went over to my ma's house for the day. We helped her out doing some chores and cleaning out her garage. Once the work was done we went for a drive around Germantown to see the flooding. I got to use my new gift my ma got me. Now we have the ability to take video. Thanks ma for my gift, I will try and use it often to video our little swimmer.

Here are some photos of the flooding, which was already going down. These photos are of a golf course near Germantown HS. There usually is a small creek going through, not a small lake.

Summer Cut

After breaking 75 degrees for the first time today, we decided it was time to give Shadow her summer cut.

She will sleep well tonight after 45 minutes of torture.

Dinner with the Gullicksens

Yesterday, Friday the 13th, was Daryl's last day of work with Bryan at the Milwaukee office. Daryl is an Optician, and he accepted a position at a Waukesha location. To celebrate this milestone, we took Daryl and his wife Karen out for dinner at The Charcoal Grill in New Berlin.

Bryan, Karen, and Daryl all ate the fish fry. I (Ashley) had the crispy chicken salad. Gretchen/Natalie/Katie/Rachel enjoyed her dinner!

Lazy Wednesday

Here's a shot of Bryan and Shadow last Wednesday after Bryan's longest day of the week
(he works until 7pm). Shadow had a hard day, too.

38 Weeks Front Shot

View from the front--my co-workers say I don't look pregnant from this angle!

38 week appointment

Bryan and I visited Anne yesterday.

She gave us the discouraging news that our little swimmer hasn't made new progress. (We're still .5cm dilated; the cervix is 50% thinned out). Anne said something about discussing induction options next week--but I'm thinking no. I've heard the induction drug pitocin is absolutely awful!

We'll just wait as long as we can.

Anne also said our daughter seems "stubborn"...I guess she's going to be a daddy's girl!

38 weeks

Yesterday was the start of the 38th week of pregnancy. Our little swimmer is not in a hurry to make her entrance into the world yet. Although, Ashley certainly is ready for her to come.

The weekend in the hospital

Well, don't jump the gun. We were at the hospital for our weekend express birthing class. We were there with about 5 other couples learning about labor pains, how to breathe correctly, and some basic childcare info. In all, the tour of the hospital and rooms was the best part. Now if Ashley can only remember how to breathe correctly when our little swimmer finally makes a break for the world.

Once we were home on Saturday, we had to head down to the basement as the tornado sirens went off. We got to play the dice game as Shadow slept. Amazingly, after about 10 inches or more of rain we have no leaks in the basement, and our sump pump has not even turned on. I guess it is good to be a little higher elevation then every one else.

Ashley's new boss

As read on American Family's district communication...

Jim Pucci
District #44 Manager


We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Pucci as the District 44 Manager in Wisconsin East.

Jim grew up with American Family in Racine, Wisconsin, where his father, uncle, and brother have been American Family Agents. Jim began his agency career with American Family in 1995 here in Wisconsin East. As an agent, he qualified for numerous District, State, and Company campaigns. In 2003, Jim became a company sales trainer in Oregon. Then, in 2005, he became the District 509 Manager in Oregon. District 509 achieved several All American and Life Diamond awards, led the State in Retention, and was the Regional All Lines Profit Leader. In addition, 28% of the District’s agents achieved the American Star Award.Jim and his wife, Jeannie, have a 7-month old daughter, Gianna. They are in the process of relocating and Jim’s office address will be 1011 N. Mayfair Road, S-205, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.

Please join us in welcoming Jim and Jeannie to our Wisconsin East Management Team and in wishing them the best of luck as they begin this new phase in their career with the American Family Insurance Group

37 Week Appointment

Here is a synopsis of what Bryan and I heard yesterday at our appointment:

"Dilation--maybe half a centimeter."

"That's one tall baby!"

Weight gain -- "healthy"

"It's my job to eat the twinkees!" (Bryan)

"Braxton Hicks need to start right about now...try eating spicy foods, eating pineapple, and walking quicker and longer each day."

Light Reading

Our nightly schedule consists of (5pm) Ashley coming home, making dinner, and cleaning; (6:15pm) Bryan coming home, eating the yummy food, and watching Family Guy; (7pm) catching season finales such as Grey's Anatomy or Lost; (8pm) cleaning up the kitchen; (9pm) reading in bed.

Bryan's current book: Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems (by dog enthusiast Cesar Milan). Cesar takes his pack of 40 dogs on a 4 hour walk each morning! Bryan and Shadow walked this morning around the block...for 30 minutes.

Ashley's current book:
Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs (by Christian writer and speaker Emerson Eggerichs)

Once we finish these books, we'll switch them with each other.

Darryl's Wedding

My brother got married in Boston over Memorial Day weekend. My mother, uncle Phil, aunt Kay and myself flew out for the wedding. Ashley was grounded due to the baby. We all had a great time at the wedding and in Boston seeing some sites.

Darryl and Nicole had an outside wedding. The backdrop was the skyline of Boston. I would imagine the photos turned out great as their photographer (Wayne) seemed to be top of the line. He even broke out some dance moves to Thriller. You can check out Wayne's website and see for yourself.

Rummage Sale

This weekend we had a neighborhood rummage sale or garage sale. Friday Ashley did a great job of selling. Today we finally broke even after our garage sale finds. Check out our spoils.



Here is another of our spoils. One of our neighbors
gave us two bags of baby clothes. Her girls didn't need them, and she just wanted them gone.

A little scare leads to elevators and more orange juice

I love Anne and Patti (my OB and her nurse). In fact, I got to see them yesterday.

Yesterday morning, I did my normal routine of eating breakfast in bed, listening with Bryan to our morning radio, showering, and driving 8 minutes to work.

The stairs did it to me...after climbing 3 flights of stairs (as usual), I got really REALLY hot and had to sit down. I felt dizzy--like I was going to pass out--so I put my head down on my desk. After a few minutes I felt better, but not 100%; I called the OB office, and Patti advised me to come in that day for my bi-monthly appt.

Blood pressure was low: 100/60. And this was after I felt better!
Baby's heartbeat is fine.

Anne contributed the drop in blood pressure due to the weather shift (change in barometric pressure), climbing 3 flights of stairs, and not getting enough sugary-liquid. She thinks we're fine...no need for concern.

33 Weeks

Here is Ashley on Wednesday...33 weeks along. As of tomorrow (Sunday), she will hit the 34 week mark. We hit some yard sales this morning. Ashley bought a pair of maternity shorts and a tank top. Bryan bought a yellow sleep sack for our angel. Shadow stayed by dad and watched the birds.

6am Activity

Where were you at 6am?

Bryan and I are usually sleeping...but the chirping birds and sunlight lured us to get out of bed and take a lovely walk in our neighborhood. The baby loved it! (Shadow enjoyed herself, too).

Out with the old

and in with the new. Yes, I finally purchased a new cell phone. My trusty steed of 6 years has officially been retired. Ashley's trusty phone of three years has also been replaced.


We now have two snazzy new phones to try and figure out how to turn on and use.



Todd will be so proud to see I have made another step into the digital age. Now only if I could figure out what a text is?...

Cornflake Cookies

Unlike many cafeterias, my high school cafeteria had the most delicious food! Besides the infamous hot buttered rolls, the cooks made this wonderful recepie on a number of occasions. (My brother Jimmy loves this recepie, too).

Cornflake Cookies
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white karo syrup
5-6 cups cornflakes.

*Bring sugar, peanut butter and syrup to a boil, stirring frequently.
*Remove from heat. Add cornflakes while stirring.

Either drop cornflake batter by the spoonful onto wax paper or dump the batter in a 9x13 glass pan. Let cool. Eat and enjoy!

Bryan, Our Cookie Monster

Bryan is such a hottie. He makes me want to drool.

He makes Shadow drool, too (or is that the cookie?).

Thank you to Nicky and Darryl for the bib and little Red Sox's jersey. Our baby will love it!

Living with Messy Kids

Here's another Focus on the Family broadcast to add to my file: Living with Messy Kids.

A couple of points that I took away:

• Research documents that kids acheive more as adults if they are raised in organized, efficient homes
• If a mom does everything for her kids (clean their rooms, do their chores) then kids remain dependent on mom for everything; they don't become independent contributors to their families, friendship or society.

What's new? Really?

Heidi Rademacher, one of my friends from Rhodes, emailed me today and asked the typical question: what's new?

I thought I'd share my answer with the blog.

• Dad and Deborah drove up from Dyersburg last weekend for a visit. We went to my baby shower brunch and ate some yummy breakfast casserole and drank coffee-ice cream punch!
• Our friends Beth and Mark Earnest went to Scotland for 10 days. We're watching their dog, Colby. I think Colby intimidates Shadow with his bundle of energy. He's always running around.
• I'm trying to read more books on home organization. I'm tired of getting home at night and wondering what's for dinner. Emilie Barnes recently spoke on the subject on Focus on the Family's daily broadcast. Listen here--the broadcast is about 25 minutes.
• I've known for a while that ground turkey can be substituted in most ground beef recipes, but I'm trying more to cook with it. It's way healthier and a little cheaper. Just today I bought 4 pounds of ground turkey for $5!

31 weeks--we're almost there!

Sorry it has been so long since we've updated pictures. Here are Ashley and the Little Swimmer. As you can see in the background, we were watching American Idol last night. I'm glad Brooke staying another week.

Miller Park meeting

Ashley's district will be having its monthly meeting at Miller Park on Thursday. Play ball!

Checking out Ankeny, IA

Bryan and I are visiting with Todd, Melissa, and Ella this weekend. Check out this post!

Word of the Day

In case anyone else writes newsletters/mailings for their job, I want to share a word I commonly misspell.

Rapport (pronouced "ra-poor"). Commonly misspelled as repoire, rapoire, etc.

Sample sentence: Because Ashley has a good rapport with her boss, she gets to have flexible working hours and can sometimes work from home.

Ashley is moving!

Due to Ashley's boss retiring from American Family at the end of March, Ashley will be moving from a 3-room office to the newly-constructed American Family corporate building in Waukesha.

Some benefits of the move:

* Ashley will be working independently until a new district manager is hired

* The building is approx. 5 minutes from our house (compared to her 20 minute drive to Wauwatosa)

* Ashley will be working with more updated technology

* Ashley will have more people around her...including the marketing specialist, Becky Wolniakowski, who is 27 weeks pregnant! (FYI, Ashley is 26 weeks along)

* Ashley will be (literally) across the street from her doctor

It's Melting!

Finally--the snow is melting and Bryan and I are seeing more and more brown grass. Don't get me wrong - we still have snow on our back patio. However... there is a green sprout coming up near our house!

24 weeks

Ashley had her monthly visit with Dr. Martinelli. Everything is proceeding as normal, but Ashley was quite shocked to hear that she gained 10 pounds over the last 4 weeks! Fortunately, this is a good weight gain since she's only gained 18 total pounds and the pregnancy is more than halfway through.

The baby's heartbeat is still coming in strong at 142.

23 weeks

Here are Ashley and Baby Girl Bell at 23 weeks.

Our Spaghetti Eater

It happened again!

Bryan and I were eating spaghetti at our coffee table as our small group began to arrive at our house. Beth and Mark Earnest were the first to arrive, along with their dog Colby. Shadow and Colby were playing around in the foyer...then Shadow left while Bryan and I were taking the Earnests' coats.

I heard the sound of a dog wolfing down dinner...Bryan's dinner...of freshly-hot spaghetti and cheddar cheese. Obviously, we have a lot to learn about Shadow.

3AM Hunger Pains

I'm 22 weeks into my first pregnancy, and I had an insatiable hunger at 3am this morning! Could our swimmer be eating more than usual? We had a filling dinner last night (tuna melts and salad), and I was really full...my then this morning I was so hungry that I contemplated getting out of bed to have my morning bowl of cereal. I didn't leave the bed, though...I was cozy-warm. But I did toss and turn until our 6:30 alarm went off. Then I had my whole-grain flakes & granola cereal.

Happy Birthday Nanna!

Nanna, I wish I could make you a cake as beautiful as this.
A kiss to Nanna

Happy Birthday to Ashley's Nanna! She gets younger every year.

Nanna, we hope you're enjoying the mild Memphis temperatures!

Valentine's Day

Bryan and I celebrated Valentine's Day on Sat., Feb. 9 with 50+ other couples from our church. We enjoyed a nice dinner and entertainment in the church lobby. Bryan and I almost won a prize for having the youngest baby --but then the game host said that the baby must have a social security number.

Our hamburger-eater

Shadow has disappointed me greatly.

Our bible study met at our home on Tuesday evening. Because Bryan and I carpooled to work together that day and because snow was falling (again!), our drive home took a little longer than usual. Since our drive took an hour, we decided to stop at a Kopp's custard stand for burgers and custard.

I was enjoying my burger when the doorbell rang at 7:30 - our small group was arriving. Shadow and I greeted Todd Taylor (the dark-haired guy in the picture), and as I took Todd's coat, Shadow ran back to the living room where I was eating my burger. As soon as I realized that my burger was left on the coffee table, I ran back to the area. It was too late. Shadow ate my burger.

Pictured above: 1) my lonely bun and onion rings; 2) Todd Taylor and Darrin Ellenbolt mourning the loss

Celebrating Valentine's Day (2008)

Happy Hallmark Day! Bryan and I have already had a sweet day.

This morning Bryan got hostess doughnuts - I surprised him with the powered kind and the chocolate frosted kind. YUMMY! And there's more for tomorrow!

When I walked downstairs this morning, I found a couple of nice gifts on the kitchen table for me - a bottle of lotion and a package of sweet tarts. Also, Bryan gave me a super-nice card.

I'm planning to leave work early this afternoon to get home with plenty of time to make dinner. We're having basil and rosemary stuffed pork chops, homemade apple sauce, some sort of veggie, and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.

This should be a sweet day!

2008 Home Projects

• Fireplace office/book shelves
• Electric fence for Shadow's yard
• Painting: foyer, hallway, living room, dining room
• New front door?
• May or June neighborhood yard sale
• Anything else?

Weekend highlights

We had an extra-cold weekend. Here's what we did despite the three feet of snow:
Friday night:

• Dined at Texas Roadhouse, courtesy of Ashley's boss, Bill Ikpi. He gave us $25 in appreciation for Ashley's hard work during the week. Ashley ate the chicken-fritter salad; Bryan had a slab of ribs
• After dinner, Bryan worked on making a clinic handbook for Summit Eye. Ashley began reading What to Expect During the 1st Year.
• Bryan designed our built-in bookshelves that will (hopefully) be installed before the baby. They will go on each side of the fireplace.

Saturday:

• Slept until 9AM
• Made a ham and red bell pepper omelet
• Took Shadow for a walk (31 degrees)
• Ashley napped 2 hours
• Bryan worked on handbook
• Attended our church's sweetheart dinner (ate chicken parmesean and raspberry cheesecake w/decaf coffee)
• Bryan worked on computer
• Ashley read some more
• Stayed warm while the temperature dropped to -4

Sunday:

• Ushered at Church
• Ate leftovers for lunch
• Went to home of neighbors Baiio and Jill Marchan - they gave us their really nice baby crib. In return we gave their 2 labs lots of attention and love
• Journeyed home; Bryan worked on his manual; Ashley read
• Made chicken, cheese and rice skillet for dinner (kraftfoods.com). It was yummy!
• After dinner...Bryan worked on manual. (I know, he needs a laptop). Ashley watched Elizabeth Bennett win Mr. Darcy's heart in Pride and Prejudice (on PBS).

20 weeks

Pictures of Ashley at 20 weeks along.

The Swimmer is a GIRL!

We are thrilled to know what color clothes to buy our little swimmer. She is a healthy girl! So far, she looks like she might make the 2028 Olympics--her arms and legs are measuring a little long for her gestational (sp?) age. I guess she takes after her daddy!

It's crazy to imagine that one day she might be taller than her mommy.

Our due date is on track of being June 22.

Shadow and snow

Shadow has enjoyed our day off as well. She got a haircut, and then we went for a walk. Snow sticks very well to the underbelly of my dog.

The great February snowfall...

Today is a free day. Work was cancelled for me, and Ashley decided to stay home as well. Before the snow started flying we had a record 50+ inches of snow. And today we are supposed to get another 10-18 inches. Check out the driveway.

Driveway at 8:30 AM
Immediately after snowblowing clean

Driveway at 10:40AM


Driveway at 2:25PM

Sweet, We so far have had nearly 3 inches in the center of the driveway, more where the wind was blowing.

The Big Day

We have our first ultrasound today...I'm so ready to see if our Swimmer is a boy or girl. After waking up at 4AM for a potty break, I couldn't go back to sleep out of anticipation.

State of the Union 2008

Unfortunately, I have nothing intelligent to say about last night's State of the Union adress. Bryan and Shadow were distracting me away from George Bush.

Well, I do have some thoughts: the 2008 tax rebate will be nice (if it passes the Senate). But couldn't Washington have taken less taxes out in the first place? Also, why are 35 million Americans who did not pay taxes receiving a rebate? And those in the upper tax brackets not receiving any of their hard-earned money back? I guess it's because they are the evil rich people who are selfishly ruining America...

Tis the season for...bridal showers

Like many other people, one of my favorite times of the day is checking the mail - and I especially enjoy receiving mail! Yesterday I received not one but two invitations to bridal showers! Unfortunately, I am declining both invitations. Neither shower is local - one shower is in Boston and the other shower is in Dyersburg. However, my mom will be attending the Dyersburg shower in lieu of me. Eat some cake for me, mom!

Weekend Playdate

Our friends, Beth and Mark Ernest, recently rescued a dog. Colby made quite an impression on Shadow this weekend.

Baby's Doctor

In case anyone was wondering, here is a picture of Dr. Martinelli -- the doctor who will deliver our Little Swimmer.

No matter how many deliveries she has during a week's time, Anne is always upbeat and personable when we see her. In fact, her enthusiasm is contagious. She's great! Here's a link to her medical profile.

Fuzzi Bunz diapers

I've been really impressed about the high-quality cloth diapers that are now available. Fuzzi-bunz is one of the most popular cloth diaper brands, and their company promises no rash, no leak, no waste. Furthermore, these diapers are cute! They come in any color (blue, red, pink), and there are patterns, like flowers and trains.

Here is a fuzzi-bunz cutie. The diapers are a bit more expensive initally--about $18 per diaper...but over the long haul and 2 or 3 kids later, the pay off should be tremendous. More info, click here.

First Baby Movement

I felt distinctive movement today; it occurred on the right side of my uterus. I guess the baby likes blueberry yogurt!

19 week appointment

Bryan and I had our 19 week check up yesterday. Here is what we learned:

AB blood pressure: Great!
Baby Bell heartbeat: strong
AB weight gain: approx. 8 pounds

As Dr. Martinelli was searching the womb for the baby's heartbeat, she kept telling the baby things like "stop moving so much" and "slow down." Based on the baby's squirrley movement, Anne gave a prediction on the sex: she thinks the baby is a boy!

We will find out for sure (hopefully) on Feb. 5th.

So far it's 3 to 2; 3 people think we're having a boy (Bryan, Dr. Martinelli and Cyndy, Bryan's mom), and two people think we're having a girl (my mom and Dr. Randy Prestash--Bryan's boss). I'm undecided.

Purge the American Church of the Health, Wealth and Prosperity gospel

Health, wealth, and prosperity are not bad things in themselves. But sometimes, these three are preached from the church pulpit of what a person can look forward to when becoming a follower of Christ. But is this biblically correct?

Pastor John Piper speaks of the "prosperity gospel" on youtube.com. The video is only 3 minutes...please click below to watch this short video (and be sure your speakers are turned on).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukcV-xtU3hc

Treasure the Giver more than the gifts.

18 Week Belly Shot

So...I don't think I've gained much weight yet, but I'm definitely feeling more pressure on the right side of my lower abdomen. I'm still wearing normal clothes...hopefully soon I can wear my cute maternity pants and shirts.

Shadow's tree

We mentioned in our Christmas newsletter that Shadow made friends with the bunny who leaves beneath our pine tree. Here is a tree shot.

Pureed Black Bean Soup

Nicky, our future sister-in-law, sent me the book What to Eat When You're Expecting. I made a couple of recipies from it this weekend, and the black bean soup was marvelous! Besides being tasty, the soup only took 20 minutes to make (and most of my time was spent chopping veggies). Go ahead--try it!

(serves 4-5ppl)

1 T olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium yellow bell peppers, chopped
2 t cumin
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 14 oz cans chicken broth
4 T chopped cilantro

Saute onion, garlic, bell pepper and cumin in hot olive oil (5 minutes) or until tender (use saucepan).

Add beans and broth, heat through.

Transfer mixutre to a blender; blend with 2 T cilantro until everything is pureed.

Transfer back to saucepan and heat until through (won't take long - a couple of minutes).

Put in bowls with rest of cilantro; serve with chopped tomatoes, cheddar cheese (a MUST), or avacado slices. Super yummy!

That Yucky Feeling

So, I'm 16 weeks along in my pregnacy, and I woke up yesterday with a terrible cold! I have major yucko drainage and a sore throat. Fortunatley, the pharmacists make safe medicine like Tylenol cold and flu, sudafed, Robbutsin DM...and there's always salt water to gargle!

Bryan started his new job in Oconomonc on Wednesday, and today he's working the morning in Milwaukee and the afternoon in Oconomonoc. What a lot of driving! Here is info on the new clinic

Jamie's Wedding

She's married. Yay!

Sorry...I take the responsibility for leaving our camera at home...my fault. I'll do an online link when the professional pictures are posted in January.

Christmas Highlights

Eating pumpkin roll, Shadow chasing Bryan down the sledding hill, listening to 4 kids run around the house (it sounded like 14 kids!), hosting 13 people at our house for Christmas, watching Shadow unwrap her toys, watching Bryan search around the porch for his new ladder, holding up 3 HUGE maternity shirts, wondering if I'll ever fit into them...spilling chicken broth on the kitchen floor, having Shadow lick up the chicken broth, showing off our Christmas cards from 2004 until present (yes, we save our Christmas cards in a photo album and display them each Christmas).

Christmas with Todd Agnew and Chris Tomlin

Bryan and I spent an evening with Todd Agnew and Chris Tomlin...along with about 300 other people at Alliance Bible Church in Oconomonoc. It was so neat to meet Todd Agnew after following his career from its incepation at Germantown Baptish Church in Memphis.

13 Week Appointment

Ashley and the little swimmer had their 13 week check up yesterday, and we heard the heartbeat for the first time. Here are the stats:

Heartbeat: 160
AB cholesteral: good
AB blood sugar: good
AB weight gain: 1 pound

No belly measurements were taken, but Ashley can detect small changes (her JCrew cordoroys don't fit like they used to)...

Next appointment: Jan. 15th (Happy Birthday Jimmy!)
The BIG ultrasound appt: February 12

Where are my blankets?

5 inches of snow on the ground, not a warm day in sight

Shadow rushes in from outside with a fright.

Ice glued to the trees, something's not right.

At least our baby keeps me warm at night!