Shaken not Stirred

Perhaps its because I am not permitted to have alcohol these precious months of pregnancy. But for some reason I find the phrase shaken not stirred relevant to my life right now.
As I look back on this past year and where I was a year ago today and then think on the year to come and where I could be this time next year. Well its enough to make me feel like I am part of a fun party drink that is currently being shaken around.

When I think of something being stirred I picture this smooth elegant motion that yes can be quite brisk but for the most part all elements are moving in the same direction....together.

Well that just isn't ME or my lil family in the making.

A year ago I was in Alaska. Getting ready for the cold weather to come and looking for a job to help with holiday expenses. LOVED LOVED LOVED my time in Alaska and miss the life we built there most days. Then we move to TEXAS which is wonderful but only to find out that Morgan would soon be deployed. Can I get a shaken anyone?

I find out that I am expecting a lil blessing not 3 weeks after Morgans departure day and I found myself that day and most days since then in SHOCK. Me a mommy. Those who know me well know that for years in high school and through college I didn't think I was the mommy "type".  See what happens when you fall in love with someone you want to share with them the scariest and the most joyful for moments that life can bring. Even though I have never been so far from my love, my best friend, my husband, I have never been closer. Feeling this miracle grow within me is a humbling and awing experience. Knowing that its a piece of Morgan with me always... is at times.....breathtaking.

Keep shaking!

Morgan knows with almost a 100% certainty that he will not be re-enlisting come next September. I have and always will support him in any decision he makes for himself and our lil family. But I am human and fear the unknown. With the Army it did require great sacrifice. But it also provided GREAT security. We knew we would be provided for and that there would be a roof over our heads. Now all I see is question marks. Where will we live? What will Morgan do? Will we stay in Texas? Will I need to work? Will there be a good pediatrician?

But I know this FACT. No matter where life takes us and how it shakes up as long as I have the love of my life and God as my compass. We will make it. And we will be Happy.

So to you, Morgan, love of my life, I go where you go, your people will be my people, and your God my God!

THINK PINK!

Morgan FINALLY received the envelope with the picture of our sweet lil baby. On the picture it said HI DAD It's a GIRL!
We are so very very excited and feel so blessed. Of course for me a little bit of fear has set in with each milestone I feel like it is more and more real.

Morgan was able to Skype me on Tuesday morning to tell me the wonderful news. He had the biggest grin on his face. It was a wonderful treat to be able to actually see him. (skype has not been working for us for the past couple of months) We were able to see each other and talk for close to 30 mins.
We immediately started talking names. For the most part we have decided to keep the name a secret. We haven't chosen one yet. Once we do we are going to hold onto for us to share until the day our sweet lil girl arrives!

Morgan has stayed busy in Afghanistan. Even though it is getting colder they still go on daily missions. He was able to share some storeys with me of how evident it is to him that prayer works and that the Lord is really watching over his team. I think that is AWESOME.
Thank you to everyone who keeps him and his unit covered in prayer. We are grateful for each of yall.

Morgan has been having some back pain. Once he finally made it to the doctor they told him he has a cyst. They aren't too worried about it location but will continue to monitor it. It has caused Morgan quite a bit of pain. So I ask that we really cover that in prayer. He was given some medicine to hopefully shrink it and therefore ease the pain. He says he can feel a difference so I hope the meds continue to work.

I am doing really well and can't complain. I have been able to sub a little here and there. I really need to start focusing more and more on the NCLEX (nursing exam) that I will be taking in December. Just scares me how close December already is. So for myself I ask that people hold me accountable to be faithful in my studies. Ready to get this chapter behind me!

Thanks again for everyone's love and support! We are truly blessed.

Blessings!

19 weeks!

Had my monthly check up this morning. Finally got to meet Dr. May, in previous visits I saw his nurse or the nurse practitioner. Just as I had hoped he seems like a GREAT doctor. Really laid back and easy going which I like. Was able to listen to the heart beat and send a video of it to Morgan. Hope his Internet starts working again soon.

The heartbeat was right at 140 bpm, Sundy, our nurse, says the baby might have been sleeping but it was still a good heartbeat. Dr. May says I should start feeling Baby Canales move any week now! I can't wait.

I am now 19 weeks along can't believe I'm almost half way "baked"! Its been smooth sailing so far and I have been feeling pretty good. Tired some days but aren't we all! I read that the baby can now hear sounds coming from outside of the womb mainly my voice if I was to hum or sing (poor thing).

I love looking and seeing how big he or she is now and what part is forming and growing this week. I have stayed pretty calm waiting for Morgan to get my letter with the sealed picture revealing a boy or a girl. I am so excited he gets to open it. I think that is what is keeping me calm. I do hope his Internet is working by the time he gets the letter so we can skype.

I have started to substitute teach which has helped the time pass and the extra money isn't so bad either ;)

I took a picture this weekend of me and the baby bump. I was wishfully thinking that the "bump" would look bigger in the camera then in real life...yeah right! But I'll share it with you anyways!