Oh how time flies....

Everyone warned me that the pregnancy would fly by. I didn't believe them. At times, it felt like it would never end. Indeed though, it did end, on October 22, 2009. And, we welcomed into the world our wonderful little man, Derrek Nolan Underwood!






As you can see, I did end up having a c-section. I went into labor on the 21st, and when we went to the hospital, they determined the little bugger was still in a full breech position. We are all doing well now and recovering well. I'll be adding more updates as I go now that Derrek is sleeping longer during the night and Daddy and I are starting to feel a bit more human. I'll also post the full on birth story for those who like to read them.

Lots of updates......

Ok, so it has been a while. But, I have been busy!!!!!!! That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it ;-)

Of course, we have had the beginnings of Football season. And, my Raven's are doing pretty well! Even Ebony is excited!

We are also getting stuff rolling in church as the Fall came storming in. Ray is teaching Adult Sunday School and I'm leading the same study in an evening group at our home. I am also leading the youth group.

As for the yard/garden? Well....ummmmm, yeah! The weeds got it. I think it is a Nebraskan conspiracy or something! I have been able to keep up with the front yard and a bit on the side. The rest? Not so much. Bending over to pull weeds just does not jive with having a growing baby in the belly. There is always next year. Not to mention, next year we are going to be turning a portion of the back yard BACK into a lawn instead of a garden full of flowers, cactus, weeds and rocks.

Oh yeah, and we have Derrick getting closer and closer to his arrival each day. I am due on November 7th, and so far we have had a healthy pregnancy. Let's pray that does not change. Many have asked about the final update and pictures of the completed nursery and my belly. Enjoy!!!!

New Belly Pic

Well, ok....here it is! People have asked, and now I am delivering......






The picture is of Ray and I out and about at Rock Creek Station near Fairbury, NE. I'm a huge history buff, and the California/Oregon Trails as well as the Pony Express went right through here. You can even see some of the wagon ruts left. Not a lot of detail, but no doubts that I am 23 weeks pregnant in this picture! Thanks to my lovely sister for snapping this one... ;-)

It's Done!

And now.....the long awaited announcement you have all been waiting for......



THE BABY'S ROOM IS DONE!!!!!!!!!



This is the room, as you may remember, was Pepto Pink when we moved in. Well, not anymore! Good thing too since it turns out that we are having a boy. The room is painted, the carpet is in, and the dresser is in the room. My mom and sister will be visiting next week. Therefore, we still have the twin bed in there and the crib is still in a box on the porch. When they leave, the bed will go upstairs and crib will come in.


Here are some pictures of Ray learning how to paint his first room:






And now...the finished product!!!!!!!

It has been a long process, but I'm so excited that it is over! We learned a lot about our home as well as to not expect anything to be square or even in a house that is over 100 years old. Now we have plenty of time to get everything ready for little Derrick to arrive around November 7, 2009!

Water Rescue At The Dog Park

This past Monday, Ray and I decided to take our 50 lb puppy to the dog park in Lincoln. Ebony LOVES the dog park! She is a very well mannered, curious and social dog and she can practice all of that there.

Now, Ebony is a mix. We know she has lab and german shepherd in her. She has the webbed feet, tail and coat of fur that labs are known for. Her head, ears and personality however are all shepherd!

Back to the story. We got to the park and she explored and played for a bit. Then we ended up over at the creek and pond. She is a lab mix who is not so happy about being wet. She has webbed feet for goodness sake! So, this could not last for long. We tried to get her to go into the water and check it out, assuming that she would like it if she jumped in. No success! She would sniff the water, drink the water, but didn't even want her paws wet.

With that, we decided to take action. A dog with webbed feet should be swimming on a hot and sunny summer day. Ray took her around to the other side of the pond area, and bumped her into the water.

She fell into the water and immediately climbed out. But then, she seemed a bit curious. So, into the water she went again with a little help from Ray. And then it happened....Ebony froze. She did not fight the water, but she sat down and would not move or try to get out. At first we thought she was just getting used to the water. Then we realized she didn't know what to do and she was unsure about swimming in deeper water that she would have needed to go through in order to come out the other side toward us.

After about 15 minutes and her making no attempt to even really move around, it was time for a Ray style water rescue! He took off shoes and socks, and went in the water to bring her out.

And that fast, Ebony was again the happy and playful pup she always is, although very wet. She immediately started playing with another dog and running around.

We stayed for a while to let her play herself tired and to dry out a bit before getting back into the car. Next time we plan to take waterproof shoes or sandals, some towels and treats and see if we can get her to follow us into the water. It would be such a shame for those very cute webbed paws to go to waste!

Oh yeah, you did not see double. Ray and I are wearing matching t-shirts. Totally unplanned, but neither of us felt like changing that morning. No jokes please ;-)

One Step Closer

Today was a good day. Yes, it was the day that Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson passed away. However, it is apparent that life does go on. We were able to have our 20 week ultrasound today and to witness just how new life grows.


For your viewing pleasure, let me introduce to you......Derrick Nolan Underwood! We can't wait to meet you!

Say goodbye to the pink!!!!

When Ray and I first looked at the house we moved into, we knew right away that one of the bedrooms on the main floor was perfect for a nursery or kids room! The problem? It was painted pink. I mean REALLY PINK!

Even if we end up having girl, who would want to sleep in a room the color or Pepto Bismol? So, it is now painted a nice soothing and neutral color. We pulled up the old and ugly slate blue carpet hoping that the hard wood under it would be good. Surprise! It wasn't!

Not only was the horrible pink and white paint all over it, the hard wood as you can see did not even reach the wall on two sides! Ack! So, we changed plans and decided to cover it with laminate flooring. Not realizing (like a dummy) that the 100 year old hard wood was probably not level, we tried in vein to lay the floor. After a few days, we knew it was not happening without a lot more work. And, my pregnant body was not up to the task considering all the manual and physical stuff the rest of the house and the yard requires.

So, we ordered carpet. We are hoping to have it installed within the next couple of weeks. Once it is in and the room is decorated with cute baby things, I'll show more pics. But, that probably won't be until much later this summer.

Baby Update: He/She is moving like crazy! It is not really hard kicks or anything like that, but I feel a ton of movement, especially in the evenings. Our doctor's office is getting new ultrasound equipment installed on the day we were supposed to go in for the 20 week ultrasound. So, we have been rescheduled for later that week. Hopefully, we will be able to find out the sex of the baby. Considering that I have caught the "I must buy all cute baby things" flu, it may be a good thing if we are not able to find out! However, I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to know.

Yummy!

Well, at this point my veggie plants are paid for. I harvested my first round of lettuce today, and Ray and I enjoyed it in a salad for lunch. It was very yummy and it was really neat to be able to go to the yard for food instead of to the grocery store!

By next week, I should have some berries to harvest too. In fact, I'll have enough of them for about 1000 pies by the end of the season! Maybe I'll try to sell some at the church farmer's market with the proceeds going to missions. Or, I'll process them and freeze them so I can bake in the winter.

Regardless, the yard and the veggies are coming along. So is my pregnant belly. No doubt I am pregnant now! Although I'm not brave enough for a full out naked belly picture, you will get the point.




Considering that I have not gained, but lost 15lbs since I stopped working, my doc said I may be lucky to gain 15lbs by the time all is said and done. But, it is totally normal considering I'm not eating out 2 or 3 times a day, sitting behind a desk for 10 hours a day and driving in the car for another 2 hours per day. And, I could stand to lose some weight anyhow.

Our next doctors appointment is on June 22 and they will do the 20 week ultrasound. Assuming the baby cooperates, we will be able to find out the gender, if we decide to do that. Still not 100% sold on letting the sex be a surprise up until the birth. I guess we will have to wait until that day to decide for sure. Either way, it will be a good day.

And now, both Ebony and myself need a walk. Catch ya later!