Grandma "M" and Jade

Jade made her first "chuch" appearance this morning. Sporting her new dress and sweater outfit from Auntie Jo. Here she is with her beautiful Grandmother Mangione:)

A day or two ago I layed her down in the boppy supervised by Grandma M, at first she found this postion very comfortable, but soon realized if she kicked hard with her feet she could slowly scoot her self, closer and closer to the edge of the boppy.

Her efforts were in vain though, as we wouldnt' allow her to push herself over the edge as she had hoped. She wasn't to happy about that.

But soon she calmed herself...ya gotta love this "duh" expression on her face! lol!

At any rate, here is another picture taken of Jade today in her cute little dress from Aunt Jo...this one is without the matching sweater. (look at her skinny legs sticking out of the dress! Isn't she the cutest?)

Hair pics!

Check out my Mom's Site for some cute hair pics of Jade!

First Bath

We decided this morning that at 8 days old, it was about time we hauled out the baby bath tub and did more then give Jade a little sponge bath. I was a bit worried how she would handle the little tub full of warm water...but I think she did rather well.

So calm, so peaceful...so red...like a little Indian:)

All done! Time to wrap her up and get her long black hair dry. Of course, as soon as we pulled her out of the tub she went pee pee all over mommy:) Oh, the joys of motherhood. Ya gotta love it:)

One visit over...

Grandpa Mangione left early this morning back home. We had a nice visit while he was out, took him to see some of our pretty parks and our lovely littel city. He and mom got to enjoy our warmer weather and all the wonderful sunshine we had over the weekend.

Grandpa M also got his first "xbox" experiance. Both he and Jonathan love football so it was only right that JB teach him how to play "Madden Football" on xbox. For a guy who has never played xbox before, he caught on rather quickly. Also, check out the nice rocking chair they got us!!

Baby Jade seems to think the greatest joy in life is sleeping. We do catch her smiling in her sleep and absent mindedly moving her mouth as though she is eating. We all say she is dreaming of food and waterfalls of milk:)

She finds her boppy pillow a great place to nap as well:)

Amazed

I can't believe that baby Jade is already five days old today. I find myself in awe over this tiny little baby God has given to our family. She is so calm and sweet and precious. Cries only when she is hungry or needs a diaper change. *sigh* We are very blessed!
Grandpa Mangione came out to see his newest grand-daughter yesterday, complete with a jade cross pendant for her very first piece of jewlry. He was so happy to see her he ran up our stairs when he entered the house to give her a hug and a kiss. Grandma Mangione has been with us since 3am Monday morning and has done everything from laundry to cooking, to holding baby during middle of the night wake ups...she's cleaned our house, read us stories and overall been my hero while I learn how to be a new mom.

Jonathan is the best father in all the world, spending every moment he can holding and caring for Jade. When she wakes up he calmly tells her "its okay Jade, you don't have to cry daddy's got you".

I'm, of course, as happy as a brand new mommy can be. What do you think...does Jade look more like Mommy or Daddy;)

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and support! We are very grateful for all the cards, presents and even meals that have been sent our way! Thank you!

Jade's Journey

We arrived at the hospital at 3:00a.m. on January 21st....

27 Hours later...Jade Elizabeth Bechtle arrived!!

Mommy and baby

The Bechtle FamilyReady to go home!

Passion

Recently I was talking with a friend of mine when the topic of "What are you passionate about" was brought up. Ironically it was a conversation related to fashion and personal style, but after we talked it got me thinking. What am I passionate about? When was the last time I actually took the time to even review my life and consider what I have done, where I am going and what I want to do?

So often I find myself just going with the flow, living my life one day at a time and just seeing what happens. I've found that even when I'm not paying any attention God is constantly working, always moving in my life and in the lives of those around me. And yet, I rarely take the time to acknowledge Him beyond my moments spent in my quiet time and sunday morning service.

Not to long ago if you were to approach me and say "Missi, what are you passionate about? What has God been doing in your life" I would probably have smiled and said "Got all afternoon?"...but if you were to ask me that right now, I'd have to stop and think...maybe take a few days to really digest the question and come up with an answer.

What are you passionate about? What desires has God given to you that drive you in life? Do you have goals? Dreams? Beyond the exterior...who are you and why?

Last night I spent a very fit full nights rest, trying to get comfortable with my large pregnancy belly and constant visits to the bathroom. In the stillness of the night I found myself lost in thoughts and memories of my life and where God has taken me. I wanted to cry as I poundered everything God has done for me and how I take so much...if not all of it, for granted. Without even realizing my own selfishness I saw just how much I felt entitled to the good life I have lead, all the blessings that God has continually poured out to me. Hardships? What are those? I think I have had hardships, after all when I was single I struggled with money often, I gained weight, I lost friendships and broke off relationships that hurt so bad at the time, I've fought with siblings, I've gotten angry at people and various meaningless circumstances...but aside from that, what have I ever suffered? Nothing. Not really.

I guess I don't really know where I'm going with this post other then it has been humbling to take the time to review my life and see just how merciful God is and how it must pain Him to see the way I react to the life He has so graciously given to me. I know I don't thank people in my life enough for what they have done, let alone taken the time to thank God for what he has done/given to me.

As far as my passions and desires...I think I need to take more time to think it over before I have any kind of an answer beyond the very basic longings of my heart. Anyway, something to think about.

Tomorrow is my husbands birthday! Today we are throwing a little party for him! It should be a fun day!

39 weeks

One more week til my due date! Ah! I'm getting so excited! Here is me with my "buddha" belly. lol! Ya, gotta love it;)

Who is gonna go to the Super Bowl?

Ahahahaha! Football has become a very big part of my life, since being married to JB. I use to watch football a few times a year at home...Thanksgiving, Christmas...the Superbowl...that was about it. I've never been able to really understand the sport and aside from enjoying playing it with my family...I'm clueless about players, positions, scores, etc.

All that has now changed.

I was on the edge of my seat for the last three football games in a row! Now its Colts vs. Patriots and Bears vs. Saints! Ah! The suspense is killing me! Can I wait til Sunday to find out who will go to the Superbowl?!

Jonathan mentioned to me yesterday that I didn't have "Feb 4th, The Superbowl" listed as one of the things I am looking foward to this new year. So I guess I better add that now:)

I have become a Colts fan since that is JB's team...but personally I'm pretty partial to the Patriots...not sure how I'm gonna cheer next sunday! AH!

Last day of work

It is an odd feeling to me, in some ways. That today is my last day of work til after the baby...and beyond. I will work again, after the baby is born, very part-time, but I just don't think it will be the same. I am excited that I get this time off before the baby comes, and I'm excited at the thought of not having to work for a long while. I am sure part of me will miss it though, I do love my job and I like being busy all the time. Hmmm.

So anyway, here are some things I have to look foward to:

Today being the last day of work

21st is Jonathan's birthday!

23rd is my due date!

24th my Mom comes!

Somwhere between the 24th and Feb 10th the baby comes!

Feb 10th my Mother-in-law comes

Feb 22nd my sister and friend come to visit!

March I start up work again and celebrate one year of Marriage. Wow, a lot has happened in this short amount of time. Who would have thought?

38 weeks!

It kind of looks like I'm in mourning today with all that black I am wearing...hmmm...perhaps I should go add some color:)
Here I am at 38 weeks...not much longer to go!!! I'm so excited! Baby, are you ready to meet mommy and daddy?

Celery and Peanut butter

After my last midwife appointment, I was informed that I really needed to stay away from eating salty foods, start drinking even more water and keep my feet up at night. I've started to get a bit of swelling in my feet and ankles and the midwife just thought it best I avoid having the swelling get any worse.

I took her advice well and promptly got in my car and started craving all the yummy chips, crackers and various salty items I have stashed in my cabinets at home. *sigh* I love salty foods! Its a terrible thing really. When I use to live on my own often my dinner would be chips and salsa and a good movie:)

I like to think I can have a lot of self control in the area of food...but honestly, once you start craving certain foods and you eat them regularly, its really hard to stop. This weekend was super tough. All I wanted to do was pull into every fast food resturant I passed and buy french fries...lots of french fries! At home I forced my husband to finish up the last bit of chips I had in the cabinet to keep me from snacking on the salty treat all afternoon. It got so bad I decided I'd call my mom and see what she had to say.

Her solution was simple. Find healthy, natural foods that continue good salts in them and start munching. Do it for three days and you may start losing your cravings for the "bad" food. Her suggestion was that I start with something easy like celery and pair the celery with a completely natural peanut butter.

Skippy Natural has sugar and salt in it, so its not the best choice, but it does make for a nice picture on my blog.

Since Saturday when I've gotten a super strong salt craving and I want some chips or fries, I have pulled out some celery, topped it off with some healthy peanut butter and ...viola! Craving gone.

It's not perfect yet, after all...its only Monday. But for those of you out there who love salty foods like me, here is a healthy option to get yourself out of the salt loving rut:)

Taking a Walk outside

For the past couple days...weeks...I have found it to be either to cold or way to windy/rainy to take a walk outside. This being the case I have tried to make up for the lack of being able to walk outside by walking in place in my living room while watching very interesting shows on tv. Shows like "Babies: Special Delivery" and "Top Chef"...you know...all the best ones. Sometimes I even am able to schedule my indoor walking time around the same time as "That 70's show" which is always amusing.

Well, yesterday, the sun decided to peak out and actually stay out for most of the whole day. Not only that, but it wasn't very cold or all that windy. I took the opportunity to go for a nice brisk stroll.

Now, most of you have seen the picture of me and how big my baby belly has become. If any of you have ever been pregnant of seen a pregnant women in her 9th month you know what I mean when I say I don't really walk any more...I waddle. For some odd reason, its not just myself that finds my waddling to be amusing. I got more stares and yells from cars passing by then I ever think I did when I was a normal sized, non-waddling girl. *sigh*

I was starting to wonder if walking outside was worth it with all the staring, and found myself crossing streets or turning corners just to avoid running into another walker or passer by for fear of the belly comments.

As I rounded the corner to my house I saw my neighbor outside smoking his cigeratte and looking about as bored as an old man can look on a beautiful day. Part of me wanted to just walk inside and not talk with my neighbor friend. He was a nice old man, but I wasnt' sure if I wanted to get caught up in one of his long conversations or hear about the time his wife got pregnant with twins and how "BIG" she got...again. But, trying to be Christian I didn't ignore his wave and walked up to say "hello". During the course of our conversation I found out some things about him that I never knew, about his morals and religious standing. I also learned just how bitter he was at his upstairs neighbors (he lives in a duplex) and their rude behavior to him.

It occured to me while we were talking that maybe God had Jonathan and I living where we do for more reasons then it just being a great location for his work and our church. But that sometimes God can use where you live and who you live by to reach out to people in your area or neighborhood. It also occured to me that our neighbor really does like JB and I and talks with us whenever he can...but his liberal, upstairs neighbors who are suppose to be all about "peace, love and no war" he can't stand and feels slighted by. Could it be that conservative, Christian Jonathan and I could actually be a light to this very lost and very confused old man? Even though our political and religious and moral views are SO completely different?

After our long conversation I went inside to ponder this and pray for our neighbors. One thing I had hoped for in this new year of my life, is that God would give me the opportunity to reach out to more people then just my immediate friends. That He would use me to show his love to some of the very unlovlies of this world.

Anyway, just interesting what God will show you even on a simple walk around your neighborhood. Needless to say, I'm glad I decided to get out and about yesterday.

Babies room

Me at 37 weeks. Yep, my friends...I have a big baby belly and I am ready to pop:) Since all I can think about is baby, I have been wondering what more I can do with the small space we have dedicated for the babies room.

The other day it occured to me just how bare the wall is above the babies crib. I looked online and found very cute winnie the pooh pictures and lots of very expensive frames and shelves. Not having all the money in the world...I decided I'd try my hand at making up my own art for that bare wall.

What do you think? Its not all that impressive, but I think with some cute little frames from Target or Wal-mart I can turn these silly little water colors into the perfect solution for the cribs bare wall:) I am very proud of myself...saving money and being creative!

2007

Can you believe it is already 2007? I'm so glad the New Year is here, but gosh it seemed to have gone by super fast.

Its pouring rain outside. There is a really cute couple across the street at the bus stop huddled under a small umbrella. I have a funny feeling it isn't doing them much good, not in this wind and rain. It is days like this that make me very grateful that I work from home and I don't have to drive around in all the icky weather.

So, any New Years resolutions? I made one...to have a baby!! hahahaha! Ok, so I guess that's not really a resolution since of course I'm gonna have a baby this year. I guess I didn't do much reflecting to decide on anything I really want to change in my life this New Year. Perhaps I will take some moments to think about things and type them out for all of you to read:)

Missi's Plans for 2007
Become a Mom
Eat/Cook healthier
Read more
Reach out to more people
Meet more people at church
Join a bible study or womens ministry group:)
Take my baby for jogs in the park this spring/summer
Go to the beach!!!

Ok, I guess that is enough for now. Some silly things I plan and hope to do in 2007:) I feel so much better now.

Happy New Year everyone!

Cute girls

Look at all these cute Mangione girls...er...some of them are Mangione girls:) That's my Aunt Debbie in the red sweater. People say we look a like, what do you think? She made all the cute hats and scarves you see in this pictures. Impressive huh?

Merry Christmas!

My count downs...

3 days til Christmas!!

8 days til the New Year!!

20 days til I get to take off of work!!

30 days til I get to see my Mom!!!

31 days til my baby is due!!!!!!!

JB and Me!

Little kids at church

I teach the 2 & 3yr old class at my church every week. Over the past couple months I've gone from being able to hold three tiny tots on my lap, to now...hardly even one. The little kids don't seem to understand why they can't all fit on my lap at one time, and often they will make every effort to push my baby belly back into my stomach so they can lean back and be comfortable while I read stories out loud.

Well, this past Sunday, something clicked in their tiny heads and for the first time they seemed to understand that I have a baby inside my stomach and that's why I'm so fat. With their limited vocabulary and curious faces they started asking questions as they gently patted my tummy as they all wanted to say "hi" to the baby.

cute blonde boy "that's a baby?"
cute blonde girl "my mom had a baby in her belly"
cute brown haired boy "I don't see it?"
cute blonde boy "can we see it?"
cute blonde girl "yeah! lets see it" she starts to lift my shirt
Missi "no, you can't see it yet, the babies inside my stomach and is still growing, I'll bring the baby to show you all when he's big enough to come out of my tummy"

During snack time all the kids were quietly munching on their crackers when cute blonde boy decided my baby should have a snack too.

Cute blonde boy:"Missi! feed your baby!"

all the kids turned to look at me as I picked up a cracker and started eating

cute blonde boy: "No! feed your baby!!"
I started laughing as I tried to explain to these 2 and 3 year olds that by me eating the food the baby gets to eat too. I think they were all waiting for me to stick the cracker in my belly button or something.

They all got excited when they could actually see the baby kick from inside of me, and found it very exciting to try and push on my belly to make the baby "dance" agian.

Needless to say it was a very interesting class on sunday. Our bible story was about Mary having baby Jesus...I told the kids that Mary looked a lot like me and they all thought that was very funny:)

Cutting down our Christmas Tree

I couldn't wait for Saturday to arrive. JB and I had planned to go and get our Christmas tree and I was going to decorate our house for Christmas! This would be my first time to go out in the woods and find us a tree to chop down ourselves and bring home. I must admit I was slightly nervous about doing this ourselves. However, JB wasn't the least concerned and so away we drove.

We pulled up to the tree farm and were promptly handed a saw and pointed in the right direction. Then out of the car we got and searched and searched the grounds for the perfect tree. At last it was found. I figured I'd have to help JB in some way, I once tried to cut a small tree down with a saw and it was the worst/hardest experiance of my life. But nope, JB got down, sawed away and before I had time to waddle over to help hold the tree "Ta Da!" it was done. He grabbed it with one hand and hauled it to our car.

I was speechless! It didn't take any effort at all! My big muscle man *flittering eyes*

At any rate...I wish I had brought my camecorder with me to docoment the exciting occasion, but alas...it didn't cross my mind til later. Still without a regular camera I'm afraid I'll have to wait til after Christmas to post pictures of our adorable home. Everything looks lovely and I'm totally in the mood for Christmas now.

Hmm...I think I shall wrap more presents today!

Its a quiet day

It is a quiet day at work this morning. I'm working on some projects and taking my time to make sure I get everything done right. I'm kind of spacy today and I'm worried I'll spend all day working on something only to realize I've messed it up. Don't you hate it when that happens?

Last night there was a Christmas Party for JB's work. It was fun to go out and chat with lots of people and eat yummy food. It makes me wish I had the space and energy to throw a fun Christmas party for all my friends. Maybe next year we'll do that:)

The weather lady says today is suppose to be our one sunny day for the week...haven't seen that sun yet, I hope it does peak out later.

Only 49 days left til I'm at the end of my pregnancy, woohoo!

Random info on my life

Last Thursday the women in my church threw me a huge baby shower! I didn't even know so many ladies in my church knew who I was, let alone loved me enough to come and shower me with presents!

I love parties, I love presents and I love being the center of attention. So, needless to say, I had a BLAST at my party. I got more items then I ever dreamed of owning for this child and I am now at a loss for where to store everything I have gotten.

J rearranged a lot of his boxes that we have in our closests/storage and got rid of lots of stuff that he no longer needs/uses. That cleared up some space for me to store some blankets and big baby items, but I'm still finding myself at a loss for properly organizing everything we now own. I am thinking I need to take a trip to the "container store" and buy some things to help me be more organized. Now doesn't that sound like fun?

Yesterday, at church, I was given even more items for my baby including a little baby bath tub.

Most all the ladies at my shower think that I'll be having a baby boy, and some even went as far as to just buy me some baby boy clothes:) lol!

I went and saw "The Nativity" with some friends last night. If I were directing the film it would definatly be more dramatic then what I saw on screen. The nativity story is so powerful and so amazing, in my mind I had imagine many of the scenes going very different then how they were presented in the film (i.e. the angel coming to mary...the angel coming to the shepards, etc). While I'm being a film critic, I'll also add that if I were the one casting the film I'd also find a Mary who had more of a personality (or at least more then two facial expressions) and didn't look so sober all the time. However, overall it was a good film and I did liked it.

I guess I will end with that. It's raining today:)

New Coat

Woohoo! I got a maternity coat today! Don't I look smashing? Actually thats the "models" body and my head...but honest, that's what it looks like on me too! LOL
I'm so excited about this stupid coat that even though it's lame and vain to post pictures of yourself and your new pieces of clothing, I just had to! To any women who has had a tramatic time finding what she is looking for and then one magical day finding exactly what you want...you know what I'm feeling like right now! I'm so excited I think I'll go watch some TV!

Bad sense of direction

I must be having a baby girl! Why? Because this baby has about as much sense of direction as I do on a new road. I keep telling baby "J" that "you can't get out that way" but does the baby listen? Nope.
Today has just been crazy with the kicking and pushing. One moment the baby is pushing on one side of my belly, the next second the other. I swear the baby is trying to push it's self out! Either that or the baby is trying to make more room and is stretching out the walls of my insides! AH! One of these days I'm just gonna just explode...you watch:-)

My to do list for Tuesday a.m.:

Wake up and eat lots of food....check

Take a super long shower or bubble bath...check

Stare out the window and look at the pretty snow...check

Talk to my belly in a baby voice and see how the little guy/girl is doin'...check

Sit at my desk and work...oh, riiiggghhhhttt...check

Take a break for workout video...check

Make cookies to snack on later...hmmm, not yet:)

It's so much fun being pregnant!

Thinking outside the bun

Ok, this post calls for a show of hands. How many of you like eating at Taco Bell? Good, me too!

Ok, now how many of you have ever been to the Taco Bell website? I didn't think as many of you had either. Well, today is your lucky day, because I went to the Taco Bell website and was pleased to find it had more then just info on food...it has funny little movie clips from floating packets of sauce. I know, cool right? Check it out! It brought a half smile to my face, and I know it will do the same for you!

With love,
A girl who is really wanting some Taco Bell for lunch

A poem and ramblings

Is that a touch of blue I see?
Up in the sky from God to me?
I can't believe the sun came thru
My sweetest dream is coming true!

I can take the rain when mixed with sun
I'd gather so could any one
But for a Monday, which no one likes
A sunny sky helps bring delights!

I'm such a silly, all I ever seem to talk about any more is how much it rains. Of course it rains, this is Washington! But still, I mean...yeah, so anyway.

I'll take the sunny morning, I'm sure it will turn cloudy later today. Perhaps I should focus on doing my laundry and cleaning my house now while its nice out, and then work later this afternoon when its gloomy and dark. Good idea? I think so

Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving this week? I know I am! I LOVE all the yummy foods and food, and more food. Hmm...yes, food is good. Especially lately, I find even when I'm not really hungry I enjoy a good snack:) Ya gotta love being pregnant:) I think I'll go do my cardio now...bye!

The world's best baby pictures

Well...they will be the world's best baby pictures until my baby comes along:) But, seriously, check out my Mom's website to see my little nephew looking SOOOOOOOOO sweet:) I just want to hold him and squeeze him, and love him all up! :)

My first fall

Throughout my pregnancy, I have prided myself on my ability to maintain perfect balance, even in awkward positions. Part of me was beginning to think that I'd never have to worry about losing my balance while being pregnant. That was until this morning. *que the sweet movie music*

I got out of bed this morning only to find that my freezing cold feet were in dreadful need of a warm, comfy pair of socks. I waddled over to my dresser, pulled out a comfy pair and bent over to put them on...

Without any warning at all I found myself being pulled down and backwards by the massive weight of my backside and belly!! "AHAHA!" I screamed, grabbing the air with my hands in a desperate attempt to remain upright. No good, *BAM* I hit the ground like a lead weight. Shell shocked I kind of just sat there while my husband quickly turned around and ran over to me freaked out that I had hurt myself. Nope, nothing hurt but my pride. I guess I'm not as well balanced as I thought I was.

Me holding a baby

Nope, this isn't me and my baby...this is me holding precious little Kyrie the day she was born. It's been nearly 7 years since I last held a brand new baby in my arms. The last newborn I held was my baby brother Isaac...who is now not much of a baby any more. Getting to hold Kyrie has made me all the more excited about my new one soon to come. I wonder if my baby will have dark, brown hair like mine...or if I'll get one who is bald like JB was when he was a baby:) Guess we'll find out soon enough!

What do you do when a brother is being bad?

You tie him up with packaging tape, of course!

More baby pictures of my nephew CJ

I love this pic of CJ, it looks like he is upset at me and is waiting for me to kiss his hand and ask for forgivness or something:) lol...just like his mother this one is;)

Aw, the little sleeping prince
He's all like "Mommy, please don't bother me right now...no I can't talk yet"

10 random bits of info on Missi and her life

1. My sister and Nephew are doing very well

2. My midwife says my pregnancy is going perfectly

3. Jonathan looks great in a new pair of pants I bought him

4. It stopped raining after weeks and weeks of down pour

5. The movie "Gentleman prefer blondes" always makes me laugh

6. I bought a bunch of new picture frames

7. A friend gave me a bunch of baby toys

8. All I want is to eat chocolate and sweets all the time!

9. I'm thinking about cutting my hair...again:)

10. Only 46 days left until Christmas!!!!!

A few Pictures of baby CJ!

Here are just a few pics of baby CJ...my little, cutie, nephew. You can tell by these pictures that he's all like
"Oh please world, do you have to see me now, I'm not dressed yet...I'm still wrapped up in blankets. *sigh* I think I'll just lay here and sleep"
hee, hee...

VANESSA HAD HER BABY!!

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!! I can't see straight, I will be up all night just as proud and happy as can be!!

Christopher Randall Ridley
Born: November 2nd, 2006
Weight: 8lbs 3oz
Length: 19in

I'm sure pictures will be following soon....on Nic's blog!

I'm gonna be an Aunt again!

Woohoo! I'm gonna be an Aunt again, I'm gonna be an Aunt again!

I'm so excited, Nic is gonna have her baby for sure this week!! I can't wait! I can't wait! click here to go to Nic's Site

We all must pray for her that everything goes well, and for little CJ too!

We carved our pumpkin this weekend!

Yes, ladies and gentleman JB and I carved our first pumpkin this weekend. I must say we make a fabulous team. JB does all the hard work like scrapping the insides and cutting out the top, etc, and I draw the face and tell him when he is doing something wrong:) muwahahaha!

I actually made a dorky little video of our pumpkin carving time you can check it out on "You Tube": Check it Out

In other news I am sure I saw Jeff Daniels twin at our bus stop this morning, JB bought me orange gerbar daisies in honor of fall and today is a beautiful day!

Getting Organized

I was looking today at some of the baby items I have collected, and I was looking at my cute little changing table and I thought to myself "Missi, you really ought to get more organized". So, out I went in search of some items to help me organize my things.

Do you like? I got four of these, they fit under my changing table on the two shelves. I have filled them with baby items such as clothes, booties, hats, blankets and random items. I think it looks very "cute". How fun it is to get organized.

Babies getting bigger

I wish I had a picture to show you all just how fat and happy I am getting. I tell you what, I never thought I'd see my belly expand to the size it now finds itself into.

I had a lovely little Dr.'s appointment yesterday, I'm starting into my third trimester now and I'm measuring the same amount of centimeters as I am weeks along ( so 28 weeks, 28 cm).

The only thing I have found discounserting recently is the fact that the baby seems to think my belly is a punching bag. Does anyone remember my freaking out post about the fact I hadn't felt the baby move yet and I really, really wanted to? Well, I'm feeling the baby now! *BAM* with its left foot *BAM* with its right. I swear the baby is dancing inside me or finding it a fun activity to hit one side of my belly and then push itself to the other side and hit me hard there as well. Its kind of fun in some ways, but sometimes, if the baby is super active right after I eat. EK! Upset stomach here I come!

At any rate, the baby is getting bigger and so is my belly. I know January isn't that far off...but I do hope it comes quickly!

For the love of chapstick

I am not a very loyal chapstick buyer, sometimes I buy it and sometimes I don't. But when I do have chapstick in my purse I tend to find myself using it all the time!

I bought chapstick a few months ago and its still going strong. I find myself putting it on 6 or 7 times a day and then at night, after I've been laying in bed for like 20 minutes, I often get up to go grab more chapstick to wear while I sleep. This is a very odd thing I think, why do I do this? I think its because without even knowing it, I must sleep with my mouth open, so the breathing dries out my lips. And who wants dried out lips? Not I.

That being said I spoke with a women yesterday who desperatly needed chapstick, she needed it so badly I reached my hand into my purse, grabed out my chapstick, and then I realized it would be terribly rude and unfeeling for me to offer her some chapstick. So even though I was already wearing lipstick...I put chapstick on my lips. Had I been thinking clearly I could have been like "oh, hey, you want some?" but on a better thinking note, do I really want her lip germs on my chapstick? Hmm...

Soon my chapstick will be all gone, I'll miss it for a few days but then I'll forget I ever needed it so badly in my life, and I'll most likely go six months without buying more chapstick. Then I'll call my mom and I'll say "mom, my lips are dry all the time, what should I do?" and she will very practically tell me to "drink more water" duh? Why is it water is usually the solution to everything. Its the solution for all beauty issues (skin, hair, nails, tongue), weight loss, what to order at a resturant when you aren't sure what drink to order...pretty much it answers all the worlds problems. I love water, and its free. Why don't I just drink more water and forget chapstick all together? I'll tell you why? Because deep down, I love chapstick. I always have and I always will:)

Short People are people too!

There are a lot of good things that come from being a short person, here are 10 things that I just thought of like two seconds ago.

1. People always think you are "cuter" then you really are
2. No one expects you to be able to lift heavy things
3. Guys tend to think they are really tall when they are around you...so you generally have a lot of guy friends
4. You can always try on "display" shoes at the mall without waiting for a service rep
5. You don't have to duck your head when you take walks and you pass under low hanging branches
6. Your age is usually a mystery until you reach like 45, people always guess you as younger
7. You always find the best hidding places when you play "hide and seek"
8. No one can every fit into your clothes, so you never have to be emberressed if someone needs to borrow clothes and you don't have any that are clean
9. Your easily passed over in a crowd so if you are trying to ignore someone...they usually can't see you anyway:)
10. You always have something to complain about when you need to, because, of course, everyone wants to be "tall" even if secretly we all know everyone wishes they were short.

But something that isn't so hot about being short...is the fact that Costco discriminates against short people. I have no problems with people thinking they don't like short people, but when they actually create technology which outwardly shows their disdain...that, that I have problems with.
Let me explain. Last year, when I got my first Costco card, I stood on the little sticker feet infront of the blue screen and smiled my big, honkin' smile. When they printed out the card...my CHIN WAS CUT OFF!! You could barely see my head! It was like...my mouth and up! I made some comment about the fact my whole head wasn't in the shot, but the lady just shrugged and said that was the best she could do.

So this year, I go to get my new card and I assume last years drama was just because of a bad photographer. But nope! You don't even see my neck, its just like "head". Hello? JB got like his shirt collar in his picture! How come mine is like this pasted on head in the tiny box? Just because I'm short, why can't they lower the camera? Or give me a box for Pete's sake.

What is a short girl gonna do? Sue them? Maybe that's what I should do. Not exactly a Christian response, but definatly I'd get my point across that short people are people too!!

And Todays Forcast...

Rain all day.

It's an Appendix!!

In a old house in Olympia

Covered in Vines

Lived a very young couple

Both healthy and fine

Healthy and fine

they lived their dear life

Until a horrible morning

after a rough and long night

Missi woke with a start

As she heard a soft sound

It was her dear husband Johnny

who was moving around

The cry that he uttered

was like none err, before

he gripped his soft belly

and curled up on the floor

"It hurts" he said sadly

with puppy dog eyes

Missi grabbed at the phone

While he uttered his cries

To the doctors he went

When the morning dawned bright

He returned with some news

That caused Missi a fright

"An Appendix" said the Doctor

"That's what it must be,

Now go to the hospital

To have your surgery"

To the hospital sadly

They took Johnny man

Then they sat in some chairs

And folded their hands

After hours of waiting

A CAT scan, and more

The doctors were ready

To take Jon out the door

Out the door down the hallway

They rolled his big bed

While Missi, she waited

With her hands on her head

Some hours passed slowly

Before they were done

Then to Johnny, went Missi

Who was not having fun.

With a sigh and a smile

It all turned out fine

Johnny would be better

It just may take some time

So back to their house

Went the very young couple

sleepy and tired

but now out of trouble.

Open Season

So JB and I went to see "Open Season" last night. I have a slight cold right now, so most of the humor I only laughed at because half the kids in the theater were cracking me up. But...wait, has anyone see it yet? If so, do you know the part where the deer has to sing the bear to sleep? OMG!!! When he started changing the lyrics, it was killing me!! I Was dying laughing!!! SO FUNNY!! Tears, yes, actual tears were running down my face.

Anyway, what was so bad about it was, it seemed to be the one part in the movie that the kids didn't find all that funny, so here I am laughing like a crazy lady and no one else is!!
A troll and a magic rainbow tree...hahahaa....

Man, the days around these parts sure have been amazing huh? Beautiful weather, beautiful skies. Nice, very nice. My family back home has snow...huh.

Ticket

Well, yesterday I got my very first ticket, my very first ticket for my whole Italian life. It wouldn't have been so bad if it weren't for the fact it was in a school zone...and little kids were on the side walk. *sigh* I honestly thought I was going the correct speed, but, that tiny little print on the "20 Mile an hour School Sign" actually says something important.
The cop wasn't very nice either. He didn't even give me a chance to say I was sorry, let alone explain why I was going as fast as I was. Nope, just slapped the ticket at me and off he marched. Yep, marched off to his little, wimpy, motorcycle.

humpf. The last time I got pulled over it was a nice cop. He was nice and sweet, and didn't give me a ticket (cause I hadn't done anything really wrong, he was just bored). But this one... he was NASTY! He was MR. NASTY.

Oh well. At least I know when to go snail pace slow near that particular school zone, gotta protect those little children.

The no longer a perfect driver,
Missi

Day Off

I have the day off today. I didn't make any special plans for the day though, so I'm kinda sitting here wondering..."What should I do today". I slept in, started some laundry, put away some dishes (that JB washed. Yesterday he washed dishes, vacuumed and spot cleaned the floor!!!) and checked what email I could check.

Its such a beautiful day though, I think I shall go for a walk, or at least go outside for a bit:)

Lata!

Pictures from our visit with the Bechtles

Back in August, Jonathan's parents came out to visit us for a week. Here are some pictures of our time spent together.

At the park after church.

Here we are at Pike Place Market in Seattle
Peggy and John

Hiking around Mt. Rainer

JB and Me in Seattle

Profile of my baby belly back the end of August

It was a fun trip! We hope they come out and see us again soon!

My brother

My brother GJ came to visit me, late Wednesday night. It was his birthday, so we threw him a party. We made him blow out all 27 candles and I wrapped his tiny gift card in a big box so he thought he was getting something really cool! Hee, hee. Fooled him.

Yesterday was beautiful, and I just so happened to have the day off of work. So I took him to our local Farmers Market (http://www.farmers-market.org/) and we bought fresh fruit, veggies and some meat. Yum:)

He brought me a sewing machine from my Mom. Its a cool sewing machine, it has a computer type screen on it and lots of buttons. I don't know a thing about sewing machines, so it ought to be interesting learning to use it. Mom says it needs a "tune up" but other then that, its a "Great" machine. A tune up huh? Sounds like a car now doesn't it. It even comes with a peddle, I wonder how fast I can get this thing to go:)

Here is a random picture of Me, my sis and my friend. This was taken like a year ago, we are in our kick butt stance, as we were about to beat up some "bad guys". Frankly, I'd say we are pretty good, we'd put those "Charlie Angel" characters to shame, that's for sure.
So watch out, if the three of us are around, no one stands a chance at beating us up.

Ok, so Mrs. Random is gonna get back to what she was doing before. Peace out

So I dreamed...

I dreamt I had ruffles potato chips and right now...I'm eating THEM!!! WOOHOO!!!

I love having dreams that come true:)

Good Lookin' Guys

Check out all my good lookin' Italian boys! Papa, Dad, GJ, Chris, Nate, Dan, Tony, Trav and Isaac.