Making Room for Baby Anderson

Over the last few weeks, Tal and I have been cleaning out closets, moving furniture, and organizing rooms in preparation for Baby Anderson's arrival.

Our guest room is going to be the baby's room, so we converted the office into an office/guest room. Yesterday Tal moved the guest bed into its new room and made the bed.


This morning Tal put together the crib and changing table, which are generous baby gifts from Tal's mom (a.k.a. Grandma Barbara). Obviously, we still need a mattress, bedding, and a changing pad, but we're making progress. :-)

Entertainment Center

Our friends David and Emily were looking for a new home for their entertainment center. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit in our living room, but it looks great in Renee's house. Don't you think so?

Thanks to Tal and David who moved the entertainment center into Renee's living room yesterday. We couldn't have done it without them! :-)

Praise the Lord!

We praise the Lord for the good report we received from the doctor last Thursday. Earlier in the week, Tal and I had learned that our baby has a higher risk for a fatal chromosome disorder.

When we went to Duke on Thursday, the doctor did a thorough ultrasound and examined many facets of the baby's development to rule out symptoms of the disease. For instance, she measured the size of the baby's head, the length of the baby's legs, and the curvature of the spine. She even noted that the baby's heart had four chambers and that the bladder contained liquid.

According to the doctor, everything looks good, and our baby is developing right on schedule for 16 weeks. Based on my blood test and ultrasound, the doctor believes our baby's chances of having the disorder are less than 5%.

We go back to Duke in three weeks for another ultrasound to check the baby's progress. However, we choose not to live in fear and allow anything to steal our joy. Instead, we continue to pray and believe that our baby will be born healthy with no allergies, asthma, or disorders. Thanks to everyone who spoke words of faith over us and prayed for a good report. Glory to God!

By the way, on Thursday, the doctor asked us if we wanted to find out Baby Anderson's gender. It was very tempting to want to know if we're having a boy or girl, but we remained strong (for now). :-)

New Kitchen Backsplash

When we moved into our house, there were mirror tiles above our stove.

Why would anyone want to look at themselves while they're cooking?!

When we painted our house last August, Tal used a hairdryer to remove the mirror backsplash.

This is what we've been looking at for the last year:

We've been talking for months about installing a new backsplash, and last weekend it finally happened.

Over the last three days, Tal has worked many hours to install a new tile backsplash above the stove.

Even more impressive, this was Tal's first tile job, and he did it all by himself.

I think it looks right nice!

Time with Family and Friends

While in IL, we spent most of our time simply getting together with family and friends. We did a lot of eating and talking!

For instance, one day we had lunch with Grandma Rowell, Uncle Paul, Aunt D'Ann, and Marcia Krahn at Parkside.

Later that night, we had dinner at Texas Roadhouse with some of our friends. The fellowship was delightful, and the yeast rolls with cinnamon butter were delicious!

On the River

While we were in IL, Michel took us for a cruise on the IL River in his boat.

It was a beautiful night for a ride on the river and picturesque views of the Peoria riverfront and skyline.

We docked at Old Chicago Grill, where we had pizza for dinner and admired views of the river.

We pulled into the marina just as the sun was setting.

What would I do without Tal? :-)

Tal and I recently endured a 10-day "separation." On August 1, Tal left for a week-long work conference in Orlando, FL. Five days later, Renee, Amanda, and I drove to IL to spend a few days with our families.

Before Tal left, I discovered that he does such a good job taking care of me that I haven't needed to learn how to do certain things since we've been married. I realized that there were a few things I couldn't do without Tal's assistance, so before he left, Tal did them for me or gave me a quick lesson:

• Tal set the VCR to record three of my favorite TLC shows.
• He wrote step-by-step instructions on how to watch DVD's. (Our stereo system is so complicated with three remote controls that I'd never bothered to learn how to watch movies.)
  
• Tal showed me how to send him text messages during his conference and while I was traveling.
  
• My hubby reminded me how to turn all the stereo volume in my car to the front seats so as not to disturb the person in the backseat while we were traveling.
  

I guess I kinda need Tal once and awhile, huh? :-) He's worth keeping around.

Glen Street House

During our trip to IL, Renee and I visited Mom's childhood home on Glen Street in Morton. Renters have occupied the house for the last 23 years, but now it's time to sell it.

It was my first time inside the house since I was in elementary school, so it was fun to relive memories from my childhood and Mom's childhood.

For instance, I remember climbing the maple tree and digging tunnels in the huge snow drifts in the home's backyard below.

The home still has many original details from the 1950's...

like the linoleum floor in the kitchen...

...and the red linoleum kitchen counter tops

...and the wood paneling and linoleum in the upstairs bedrooms that Grandpa and Grandma installed themselves

...and the vintage light fixtures in the bedrooms.

Yes! The Beat Goes On!

Today I went for my 15-week check-up at the OB-GYN. Tal and I heard our baby's heartbeat for the first time through the use of a fetal doppler. At 150 beats per minute, the baby's heartbeat was normal and sounded like a galloping horse.

It was an exciting moment to hear our baby's heartbeat for the first time! It confirmed that there really IS a baby growing inside me.

My next appointment is on September 2 when I'll have an ultrasound to check Baby Anderson's progress and gender. (Right now we're not interested. We want to be surprised on delivery day!)