26 Weeks

26 weeks today... Pregnancy really hasn't been bad so far. Minor fatigue and sleeping problems, etc. but nothing to really complain about. I am so happy to be pregnant after waiting so long to get to this point, that I really don't care that much about the symptoms.

It is such a weird place to be, the baby to be here in only a few more weeks. I feel like I am on the edge of the unknown. Something good is coming, something I can't understand completely yet, but it will turn my life upside down and I will end up being ok with it. It's exciting.

I worry about labor because I want to do it intervention-free, but really I need to just realize in the moment, I will get the strength I need. Mostly, I can't wait to be face to face with this baby girl and look into her eyes and kiss her. I also can't wait to see Josh with her. Then we'll understand what you other parents know already.

Love, Heidi

PS) The pics are from this morning... me with my tummy, and my shoes to prove that pregnancy doesn't have to be frumpy!

Internet Sites Not to be Ignored

Could anything have been more influential in recent decades than the Internet? Seriously, I love it. I think that's because I love information. I want to share with others my favorite Internet sites not to be ignored, most are free.

1. Pandora.com-
I adore this one. Free Internet radio. You make "stations" by adding your favorite genres and artists and they play similar bands/artists. I have found new bands I love this way.

2. Skype.com-
Keep in touch with friends and family free over the Internet, all you need is a web cam. My dad is obsessed, but it is really cool.

3. Allrecipes.com-
You'd never need another cookbook again- all the recipes you'd want (besides family gems) are found here.

4. Opentable.com-
Earn free certificates for dining out, as long as you make your reservations through them.

5. Facebook.com-
Social networking at it's finest, or worst?

6. TruthforLife.org
Download free podcasts by Alistair Begg, a great preacher of the Word.

7. 1154Lill.com-
Make (not free at all) custom bags on-line. It's fun just to play around with the options if you want to exercise your creativity.

8. Etsy.com-
Support the crafting community where handmade (and beautiful) goods abound.

9. Drudgereport.com-
This one is Josh's mainstay. Interesting news consolidated into one site. Nowhere to be found are local "news" stories about things like cats
getting stuck in trees and other trivial tidbits.

10. Shutterfly.com-
If picture management isn't fun- make it fun by using Shutterfly. Upload your digital pics and turn them into prints, magnets, calendars... you name it.

What other great sites don't I know about? You tell me!

This Weekend

We had a full weekend of fun-capped off by a Super Bowl party at our house. I hadn't been up for much entertaining so it was fun to have a crowd over. We did pulled pork in the crock pot (which turned out great) and lots of other fun side dishes. I made cupcakes on Saturday and being a little more absent minded in pregnancy, added two sticks of butter instead of the called for one stick. Whoopsie. Let me tell you though, they tasted great! One of the party attenders brought 3-D glasses for everyone, so that's the picture. Don't all the University of Chicago students look nerdy? After everyone left, Josh and I laughed about how weird we are after our house was perfectly spotless literally 34 minutes after everyone left. Just how we like it. It's easier when both spouses tend toward the same bent for household management, and we definitely do...