Big Happenings

So let's just dispense with all the excuses about why I haven't blogged for so long (even though I actually have something to blog about), shall we? Yes lets.

Ok, so we've got big news going on in Dallas in our little lives so I will hit the highlights.


First BIG item--my tummy.
This picture is actually about two weeks old so it's even bigger now, but I'm just not feelin' the love this morning so this is the picture you get. This is the day I was showing off my nice new "low maintenance" haircut.


Of course even BIGGER news is I have completely failed to even post about what kind of baby we're having (as in either the boy or girl kind). Many of you probably already know, but if you don't, let me enlighten you. How about I show you our very first baby purchases and see if you can guess?

My first baby purchase:
Ian's first baby purchases:

Ian said he'd let the flowery number slide for now, but that he would appreciate a little say in the wardrobe from now on to make sure there is enough coolness factor in there. She may be a Texas baby, but Ian is determined to make sure there is still some So Cal mixed in there.

We're officially on the countdown now before her arrival--about 3 1/2 more weeks to go--and we are on a mad dash to get everything ready and settled before she arrives. I still have freak out moments from time to time, where I suddenly stop and think "Oh my gosh! I'm going to have a kid I have to take care of!" but we certainly feel abundantly blessed and we are so excited to meet our new little girl. (Name still to be determined.)

Another item of big news is I kind of got a new job. When we moved down here I was having to move back and forth between two hospitals to get enough hours. Well, I have finally managed to get a full-time position at just the downtown hospital which is much to be desired. I start my new position this Monday. So at 37 weeks pregnant I'm starting a new job! Not bad, eh? I'm actually really nervous about making it through each day, but we'll take it a day at a time and the ladies I work with are fabulous and will help keep me going. Go me!

OK, so now imagine you hear trumpets for the next bit of REALLY BIG news! Up until a few weeks ago there was a whole lot of studying going on at our house as Ian prepared for the qualifier exams to be able to move on in his PhD program. (Bella was very helpful in this regard).



We finally got the news last week that HE PASSED!!!!!!!!!!! I can't tell you what a relief this is for us! Ian can now finally finish his dream of getting that elusive PhD and he is now fully funded for tuition and has a Teaching Assisstantship that will give him a monthly stipend. Hallelujah! A huge weight has been lifted from his shoulders (to make room for that whole Dad thing) and we are ever so grateful.

We have truly been blessed immensely these last few weeks. We're a little afraid to drive our cars thinking there must be a semi or something coming our way, but for now we will just be grateful for all the good things that have come our way. We are happy and excited and as always, so grateful for our good family that supports us. We love you all so much! More to come!