Florida Trip

Sea World was a first for both of us.

These photos were all taken at a wildlife preservation area in Gainesville.

Lots of gators, birds, wild horses, and other animals.

And all those trees with that crazy moss hanging on them!!

The next several pictures are from the St. Augustine area. We went to Crescent Beach which is just south of St. Augustine. It was an overcast day at the beach with a wonderful breeze that felt amazing. I was glad it wasn't too hot for me and baby Kain. :)

I found a starfish!

Key and I had such a good time in Florida and Aud & Beej were great hosts. It was a great little getaway before our baby comes, plus, I had a chance to get that belly a little tan :)

xoxo Jill

Baby Shower #1 and Belly Photo Update

Here's some shots from my first baby shower in Omaha with family.

My Aunt Suedy was gracious enough to host and it was great seeing everyone.

I finally feel prepared for baby K after the shower because several people went in on a group gift for the stroller/car seat combo. So, now I know they will at least let me bring baby K home :)

I also got a high chair! Yippee!

Thanks to everyone!!

xoxo

Jill

Maternity photography

Maternity photography....is it necessary???

Probably not.

But, I sure thought it was a fun way to celebrate my pregnancy and feel

a little prettier about myself.

So I went for it.

Not to mention...all of my wonderful friends and family helped me win a free photo session with an amazing woman and photographer...Sarah Nebel.

I must say. It was weird being the center of attention for the camera.

I realized I'm really not all that comfortable without other people in the picture.

And I kind of knew this, but I'm really not that comfortable not smiling for the camera.

It just really doesn't come natural for me.

Although there is beauty and art, of course, in pictures of just individuals,

it is the capture of relationships that I love about pictures.

Capturing those moments with friends or family or special occasions or just ordinary days.

I suppose that I really wasn't completely alone in the pictures though.

I had my baby with me.

And even though he or she isn't born yet,

I was capturing some of the most intimate moments of a woman's life with her child.

Those precious moments where I can feel the slightest of movements made by my baby.

Those intimate moments where my baby can hear my very voice

and feel my touch.

So, as I said. It probably was an indulgence to get the photographs done.

Some might say it's a little over the top.

But, I believe it was capturing some of the best moments of my life with my baby.

And for that...it was worth it.

Took a walk today... a beautiful day to end April 2011.

My tree obsession, as promised.

Enjoy beauty...it's all around you.

God's Precious Gift

Easter Weekend 2011

I am so thankful that God sent his son to Earth to understand the humanly experience. It is because of this that I know He understands my fears, my doubts, my sorrow, my pain, my joy, my laughter, and my love. My hope is that all of you can experience and know the everlasting love He has for all of us...if you only accept and believe.

Key and I were able to enjoy some time together on Sat. We hung out for a while watching Armageddon on TV, hence, the slight look like I've been crying. Pregnant or not, that movie always gets to me!! I love the different characters and relationships they have with each other. I love how one minute I'm laughing and the next minute I'm crying. I would also like to admit that it's the only movie I have ever seen twice in the theater. We also walked down to the vet this morning and took Wally for his annual Distemper shot. Key and I love saying that word...makes us laugh every time. We also stopped at good 'ol Hy-Vee. It was a cool day, but it felt warm just spending it next to Key.

We of course had to do the belly shot...28 weeks (official start of 3rd trimester)! I can't believe how fast this has gone.

These are some of my blossoming flowers. My favorite are peonies, and it's funny to think that the baby growing inside me is about as long as these plants...about 15 inches at week 29 now.

Here is a pic of a magnolia tree that's in a yard across the street. I love looking out my window every morning and seeing it in full bloom. It is short lived, but it is one of the most beautiful trees in existence. I have a laundry list of trees that I want in my "dream yard" some day and this is at the top. I love how the trunk looks like it's been around for hundreds of years and the blossoms are fresh and new. This week I hope to take some more of my favorite tree/bush pics. I love all the blooming flowers this time of year, but I think I am even more obsessed with the blooms on trees and bushes.

Here it is folks...Daddy putting together the crib!!

Step by step...we're getting there. Hope you're enjoying the work in progress.

Blessings for a wonderful May.

xoxo

Key, Jill, Wally, and Baby K

Food is my friend

I've always loved food. Especially creamy foods, like yogurt, pudding, and icecream. Things that slide over your tongue and effortlessly melt down the back of your throat. Mmmmm...there's just something about the consistency that I absolutely love. My new favorite creamy food is a yogurt I found at Hy-Vee a couple weeks ago. I've always liked yogurt and traditionally, Yoplait light was my fav. Although, with the popularity of Greek yogurt and the benefit of some added protein, I have switched from time to time to the Yoplait Greek brand. Then, I came about "noosa." Noosa claims it is the finest yoghurt...and I would have to agree. Yum! Check out your local grocery stores or ask your grocer to order it in...it is well worth the wait! I almost forgot. It's yummy if you add some of your favorite granola on top too!

Now on to some of my other local favorite locations in Iowa City...

Delish pancackes

Delish "Krakatoa" omlet

Heard their dinner is fab too...haven't tried that yet...still too hung up on the breakfast!

Here's a good place for a quick, fresh lunch. They have the best thin cut sweet potato fries with sea salt and their sandwiches are creative and yummy to boot!

If you're wondering...nodo...north of Dodge (that is, Dodge Street in IC)

Another yummy lunch place to check out. Small, quaint, no frills, but serves the freshest of foods. I went there the other day for the first time and have already copycat'd the sandwich I had....you should try too!

Ciabatta bread + Chevre cheese + Egg (cooked, like in a breakfast sandwich)

+ Sauteed mushrooms + Spinach

=

Heaven!

Made it at home for lunch today...seriously..you have to try!

Okay. That's good. Can you tell my appetite is picking up?? :)

My head is spinning!!

Boy or girl?

In-home daycare or daycare center?

Huggies or Pampers?

Bottle or breast (or both)?

Pacifier or not?

It's hard enough in life trying to make decisions for yourself, but I never knew the mental jog I would get when starting to think about all the choices that have to be made for a child. Most recently, Key and I have been checking out local daycares and such. I feel bad saying this, but it's the truth...I judge every single thing and person when I walk into those place. My mind goes crazy! What's that smell? Who is that person? Why are they wearing pajamas to work? Did they clean that? Do they just let the baby lay there crying? Is this place good enough for my child?

Those are just a few thoughts....

And now I understand why it is hard for parents to leave their child in the arms of another adult and pray that they are safe and being well cared for. I haven't even held my child yet, but this already seems to be an issue. No, no, I'm not saying I'm not going to be working. God knows I need to work for my own sanity and to pay off all those student loans :) It's just hard. And I get it now. I get why people are willing to sacrifice things so they can stay home with their kids. I get why moms and dads have feelings of guilt and anguish over making choices. And I can't imagine it gets any easier. The older they get, the more choices to be had...and then they can give their input.

I know I'm ready...I know I can do this. I just find the whole process fascinating and humbling... and love to share my crazy thoughts.