What a Year!

2009 has been a very busy year for us. Let me start at the beginning:

January- I quit my job of 5 years to student teach and wrap up getting my teaching certificate. This was one of the best experiences of my life and I am so happy that I decided to do it. As an Alt Cert student I wasn't required to do student teaching (since I already had a Bachelor's Degree) but I wanted to do it anyway. I knew it would be a valuable experience and help me to get a job for the following school year. I learned so much and even made new friends along the way.

February- I celebrated my first annual 29th Birthday in Saint Louis during Mardi Gras. Jay and I had a BLAST and would love to do it again (just not this year of course). Even though it was super cold we had a wonderful time and got to catch up with some good friends of ours that live in Saint Louis. We don't get out there much but when we do we always have a good time.

March- I got to experience High School all over again and I did NOT like it. The kids were sassy, sneaky, mouthy and mean not to mention much much bigger than me. I don't think it helped that my Co Operating Teacher was such a nightmare. (I was so lucky to have found Lorel at my elementary placement!)

April- I officially started looking for a teaching position. I really, really, really wanted the elementary position in Lee's Summit but did not get it. Instead, I got a more fitting elementary position in Raytown. I know now this is where I was meant to be. For the first time in my life I can say that I love my job.

May- Went to the doctor to see what we could do about having a baby and was told we couldn't have babies unless I had three operations (or more).

June- Made a baby. On our own. With no surgeries. Happiness

July- "Took the summer off" and had a great time hanging out with my son. We made regular trips to the library, planned trips to the zoo and other play dates and made art projects at home. He is so much fun!

August- Threw a baby shower for my best friend, started my new job, Baptised Caiden and celebrated Jay's 30th birthday (in that order). This month was full of all kinds of crazy events that I planned so unfortunately it was a little stressful. Everything turned out fine and all parties were a big success.

September- I'm pretty sure we were here for that month and did lots of interesting things but I really can't think of any of them.

October- We found out we were having another boy! I thought for sure I would be disappointed that we found out instead of choosing to be surprised but so far I am okay with it. Since money has been a little tight this year it is comforting knowing we already have everything for a little boy and the seasons seem like they are going to work out as well. We have bought a few things that are not hand-me-downs and are special to this little boy.

November- I was put on bed rest. Ugg! Only for a week but it felt like it was much longer. I don't know how women who are on it for months at a time can do it. I still found myself cheating by doing things around the house or even leaving the house. Everything turned out fine though and I got to go back to work.

December- We had one of the best Christmas' ever. I have no idea what made this one so much better than any of the others but I think it has to do with Caiden and his age. There is just something about Christmas when you are a parent. You really start to understand what the season is all about. The older he gets the more he understands and gets excited for Santa to come too. Funny story- He woke up the morning after Christmas and asked me if I thought Santa came again. Too funny!

I hope everyone has had a fantastic 2009! Be careful tonight and enjoy the start to a new year!

Welcome 2010!

5 Generations of Awesome

Last weekend we had our Marshfield Family Christmas. Since we are so spread out, we don't get many chances for us ALL to get together so it is always special when it happens- not to mention crazy! My Great Grandpa Turner lives in Iowa so we don't get to see him much. We are always very thankful of my Uncle Michael who brings him down so we can visit with him and get lots of 5 generation pictures. For those of you who don't know, this is my Grandma Ginny's Dad, my Dad's Grandpa, my Great Grandpa and Caiden's Great Great Grandpa. Whew! Caiden is actually named Caiden Turner Cummings after him. It is not every day that a kid gets to hang out with his great great grandpa you know?! At 95 years old my Grandpa is an amazing person full of spunk (as you can tell by the goofy pictures we took!). We had such a good time! Here are just a few shots we took of the 5 generations.

30 Weeks!

WOW !

It has been awhile since I compared my old pictures with my new pictures. What a huge difference in the two bellies!? Both pictures were taken at 30 weeks. The top one was with Caiden and the bottom one was today. I could tell I was carrying this one higher than Caiden but in the pictures you can really tell the difference. I am more uncomfortable when sitting this time and have a hard time breathing. With Caiden, not only did I carry him low but I he was more of the watermelon shape versus the basketball shape this one seems to be in.

I have no real news to report but no news is good news right!? Tomorrow is a half day at school and then we get a two week break before heading back January 4th. I just thought I might throw that in for those of you who will be working those days. Ha ha! I love my job!

YAY!!

My baby is healthy.
I am healthy.
I am off bed rest.
Everything looks WONDERFUL!
We saw every inch of this little man's body and he is absolutely positively perfect.

What they found was actually a lake. These are common and completely normal to have. It is basically blood pooling in your placenta and my lake happens to have a large area- no big deal.

It was actually an amazing experience. The first few minutes were intense because I wasn't sure what the perinatologist was looking for and she was asking me all the scary questions. Before long Baby Boy was showing off the goods and kicking her as hard as he could. I have been saying all along that he is feisty but it was nice someone else got to see him in action too! They couldn't believe how active he was!

Since he is growing normally and we have determined I DON'T have a hemorrhage, they aren't concerned about my weight anymore. At first they were worried that I wasn't gaining enough and that it might be affecting his growth somehow. Boy were they wrong! He is measuring right at 28 weeks 2 days. Technically I am 27 weeks 5 days so he is right on target. He has chubby cheeks (like me) and tons of hair (like Jay). I couldn't see it but they kept trying to point it out. They said it is unusual to have that much hair this early on.

I had to reschedule my follow up doctor's visit because she got called out on a delivery. I have it rescheduled for next Monday. The Perinatologist told me I should be able to go off of bed rest though because I had a completely healthy and normal pregnancy. I plan on going back to school tomorrow and I am more than ready! In fact, after my appointment I couldn't bring myself to go back to the house. I drove around town and did a little window shopping in some stores.

Thanks for everyone who has had us in their thoughts and prayers. It paid off! We appreciate everything everyone has done for us.

This has been a fantastic day and I hope yours has too!

Oh Yeah Baby!

This is what I woke up to in my inbox this morning. Things are looking up!



Jennifer-

Your paperwork was checked by me then processed to Dr. Williams many weeks ago. Dr Williams then processed your materials to the Graduate School. Based on my conversations with Dr. Williams, all materials are in order for your graduation.

Dr. Zelazek 12/1