** November 4, 2006. **
So a little about the last few years -- After four years of dating, Chuck and I got married November 4, 2006. I can't believe we've been together for seven years already. Time flies by fast! We started our "married life" in Atlanta where I worked for Inside Gymnastics and Inside Cheerleading magazines.
** Our first home in Atlanta. **
However, I decided it just wasn't the right fit for me, and I started teaching instead. Chuck completely supported my decision to begin my teaching career. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher like my mom, and I've been completely content with my decision. We moved to the West Palm Beach area during the summer of 2007. Actually I should say, I moved that summer because Chuck was off playing baseball for the Red Sox. This is currently my third year teaching kindergarten. I truly love it!
** Chuck in Pawtucket. **
Chuck is still playing ball. We aren't sure where he will be yet for this upcoming season, but we will keep you posted. Luckily, ever since I started teaching, I've been able to live with him during the summers, which is definitely a welcoming change considering the baseball season last about 6 -7 months!
We have the cutest dog in the world. Tyson is so spoiled, but we wouldn't have it any other way. I can't believe we've already had him for more than six years. He makes us laugh every day, and I have honestly never seen a dog with as much personality as him! (Yes, I know, stop bragging about how great my dog is!) :)
** Our sweet Tyson. **
However, come March, we will have someone else to spoil as well! WE ARE EXPECTING OUR FIRST BABY - A BOY! We are naming him Owen Charles (Owen after my maiden name and Charles after Chuck's first name). God has truly blessed us with a miracle. Last April I had surgery for endometriosis. We weren't planning on trying for a baby for another few years, but our amazing doctor suggested we start trying sooner because he said it may take a while, and he wasn't sure how many we would be able to have following that. So, Chuck and I went back and forth the next few weeks about what to do. I prayed and prayed about it, and we both felt like God was leading us in this direction. So, despite feeling a little uncertain whether we were really "ready" for a baby, we decided to just leave it all in God's hands. Well, on July 7th, I found out I was pregnant!
I remember that day so clearly. I woke up about 6 a.m. after having a dream that I was pregnant. Instead of spending money on a test, I was just planning to wait another few days, but I couldn't. I was in Maryland living with Chuck, and after I dropped him off at the baseball field, I went and bought a test. Sure enough it was positive! I went to the clinic just to confirm. Well, while sitting in the clinic I realized that the day was July 7th (7-7). Seven has always been my lucky number! No matter what sport I played growing up, I always had to be number 7. The same went for my entire family actually. Well, when I met Chuck, he wore the number 7 as well (and was shortstop, which I always played during my softball years). Sooo... this gave me a crazy idea of how to tell Chuck he was going to be a daddy! :) After leaving the clinic, I went to Babies R Us and got a bunch of little baby items and put them all in a basket. Following his game that night (which was taking forever because I was so anxious to tell him) and after all the fans had left the stadium, I placed the basket on the shortstop. His trainer went to the clubhouse and told him someone wanted to speak to him. So, he came back on the field and eventually realized that the only thing waiting for him was a basket filled with baby stuff. :) My friend video taped the entire thing, and the look on his face was priceless. He couldn't believe it! It melted my heart to find out that he went back to the clubhouse and told all his teammates because he was so excited about becoming a daddy!
Let me just say one thing, I am so incredibly blessed to have Chuck as my husband. I have fought the pain of endo for years, never knowing what exactly was causing everything. It affected my life in many ways, which I won't get into details here on a blog! Sorry! :) Chuck had been so patient with me all this time. Well after finally telling my parent's neighbor, who was also my doctor for years, about all of my symptoms I had been dealing with, he suggested I have the surgery to diagnose the endo and get rid of it. I obviously then did my research and started hearing about many women who struggled having children because of it, and it just made me so sad. My doctor was brutally honest with me about all of the possibilities that could happen, and I truly appreciate him for this. I couldn't imagine my life without kids of my own. And I couldn't imagine Chuck going through his life without being a daddy! But he was just such a rock for me. Though he always dreamed of having kids too, he kept reminding me that he would be my side no matter what, whether we would become parents together someday or not, he would always be there. I don't know what I did to deserve a man like this, but I just can't thank the good Lord enough for blessing me with such an amazing husband!
Well, so here we are.... I'm now 29 weeks pregnant, and my pregnancy has been great. Minus the awful acid reflux that is! Our parents are so excited about becoming grandparents. Owen is already so spoiled! My brother and sister and his brother are also pumped about it. We can't wait until he is here. I already find myself staring at his ultrasound pictures at least once a week. :) And I love feeling him in my belly. My mom felt him for the first time yesterday, so that was neat!
** 7 weeks pregnant. 28 weeks pregnant. **
Well, I will blog again soon... I'm currently on winter break (another perk of being a teacher!) and will update you with the little happenings throughout that. :) Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the holiday season!
