Whew!

Wow, I see I'm LONG past overdue for a new blog entry ... yikes, over a month since the last post, and it seems like so much, yet so little has happened in that time frame.

We are still on course for a new baby late March-early April. We were so excited last visit to Dr. Peck when his doplar device for hearing the heartbeat was low on battery and we had to do a quick sonogram instead to check in on Baby Rahija. He/she is so much bigger than last time, and we got to see the heart beating, arms, legs, and a precious face! The day is nearing when I will HAVE to go shopping -- I tried on a shirt this morning that showed two inches of belly ... not-so-nice for those around me, so I quickly changed before horrifying too many innocent bystanders. Whew, lucky for them! The little stinker is giving me a run for my money, though! I have been SOOOOOOO sick-feeling, and as I have just crossed into the second trimester, I am feeling a little better, with more energy, but still the lovely feeling of nausea quite a bit of the time. This too, is getting a bit better, though, so there are things to celebrate ... like getting a load of laundry done, unloading and reloading the dishwasher without having to sit down in the middle, cooking a meal, and going through a day without a nap (or two)!

Erin doesn't seem to be experiencing sympathy pains with me, so I remain her personal jungle gym, trampoline, and punching bag. She has done pretty well, though, as the middle and end of summer has passed by without much outside play. The nice days last week were wonderful, and she had time to scream and play outside in nice weather. Today, she went to the Topeka zoo with Grandma Rahija, Aunt Michelle, Baby Natalie, Ann H and Kailee. This was a huge hit, and we made our own Lego zoo upon her return. The animals are a mix of Noah's ark and a garage sale misc. bag. They seem to be getting along, although I think it's kinda funny that the lions are next to the giraffes and gorilla. Hopefully they survive the night :)

We went to Tulsa over Labor Day weekend, and spent some great time with Krista and the Rahija family. David, Dad, and Krista did lots of hard work in the yard, while Mom, Michelle, and I stayed inside with the girls. Erin enjoyed playing in the dirt (buried up to her stomach, literally!) I'll save the story of "flying pizza crust" for another day.

We continue to build wonderful relationships with new and old friends at University Church. It's so wonderful to be a part of a loving family of believers, and adding to it all the time! We have had several students visit us for worship and Phat Tuesday (which is now held on Thursdays, so you can call it Phat Thursday or Phat Tuesday on Thursday, whichever you prefer!). The food and fun are still great, so if you don't have plans for dinner on Thursdays, swing over to 1921 Hillview, off 19th and Naismith and join us!

Okay, that's enough rambling for one night. I will try to blog again soon, as the thought of sitting at the computer doesn't make me nauseated these days (the heat from our office and the computers made me sick ... I know, it sounds stupid, but ... what can I say?) Talk to you soon!