Jenee and I decided that the funnest way to tell her Mom she was expecting was using our Wedding Album as a decoy. First I should say that Linda had no idea, nor was she expecting this as Jenee had told her we had stopped trying (which we had).
We printed a new wedding album with a surprise last page for her. It had pictures of the pregnancy tests (one of which is digital, having PREGNANT written nice and large) as well as a copy of our first ultrasound.
Upon arriving in Texas, we went out to a late dinner with Linda and Joe and Uncle Sam and Aunt Karen. Karen as observant as always saw what I was holding and asked what it was. I mentioned it was a gift for Linda and at that point handed the album over to Linda, who with much joy and excitement, opened it up and went through each page slowly. It was torture. Both Jenee and I had our adrenaline pumping, yet we couldn't say anything...
Hahaha, priceless. Notice how it took Aunt Karen about 0.1 seconds to figure it out! Apparently all that country air is not doing her that much good? Apparently when she saw the sonogram she read "North Florida Womens" and her brain filled in "State Penitentiary", so that look of confusion was her trying to think why we have a sonogram for a pregnant lady in jail (or so she says). We used similar tactics to break the news to a few other family members:
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A Scare Turned Blessing
I have discovered that internet is a mixed blessing. You really can create your own reality when it comes to Google. When we were trying to get pregnant, it was amazing at how many "signs" of pregnancy there were. I could have Googled, "I grew and elephants ear" and like 6 other people would agree that they had experienced this as their earliest sign of pregnancy. Well on Thursday, November 19, 2009 we had a bit of a scare. My only theory is that I was working out a little to hard and noticed very little bleeding. Well of course my first response is GOOGLE!! Oh my goodness, we got so many responses it was crazy. Nate and I agreed to call the doctor just in case this was in fact an alien birth or quads. When we called, to my surprise the nurse, who I love in the first place already (I have only met her once before) made me an appointment immediately. I arrive at the Dr's and of course I am in my workout clothes, thank goodness I at least rinsed off the night before but my hair was really gross and lets just say, I try not to wear shorts willingly in public places but the doctor met them. Anyway, to get to the blessing, we met our doctor for the first time and we immediately love her, and she quickly decided that the bleeding was probably from over-working and she would do an ultrasound just to put our mind at ease. Keep in mind that Nate and I still don't REALLY believe we are pregnant still at this point. But there was no doubt about it. We saw our little chipmunk's heart beating so fast. Still not looking like the baby that will come out in July but still one of the most precious and exciting sights we have seen. She even gave us a picture. Keep in mind, our first ultrasound wasn't scheduled until December 11th.
Thursday night, I just remember being terrified by what I was reading on the net. I just remember standing in the shower being so worried and telling the Lord, "I know YOU are in control and I know that I want his plan for our lives, but I am scared that I am not ready for the plan if it involves losing our baby." On Monday, after the fear had settled and we had picture in hand (don't think we didn't carry that puppy around the rest of the day) I was looking at facebook and Rebekah had the most real quote that summed up my moment of fear, "We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." - CS Lewis. That is truly what I was going through. I did not doubt that I wanted what God had for us as a family, but I was still so terrified of what the best was to bring. But no matter what the outcome, we would be praising our Lord! Nate and I have been truly blessed finding such a wonderful doctor when we knew no one, and to be able to see our sweet baby.
Thursday night, I just remember being terrified by what I was reading on the net. I just remember standing in the shower being so worried and telling the Lord, "I know YOU are in control and I know that I want his plan for our lives, but I am scared that I am not ready for the plan if it involves losing our baby." On Monday, after the fear had settled and we had picture in hand (don't think we didn't carry that puppy around the rest of the day) I was looking at facebook and Rebekah had the most real quote that summed up my moment of fear, "We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." - CS Lewis. That is truly what I was going through. I did not doubt that I wanted what God had for us as a family, but I was still so terrified of what the best was to bring. But no matter what the outcome, we would be praising our Lord! Nate and I have been truly blessed finding such a wonderful doctor when we knew no one, and to be able to see our sweet baby.Our Little Suprise!
How we found out
Well, some of you out there know we had been trying to start a family for a year now. We had tried all the advice we could find and still we were not pregnant. This was becoming quite disheartening but we had put this all in the Lord's hands so we knew that what ever was to happen was His plan for us. Jenee had started working out at Crossfit (a Marine style workout) and was getting in really awesome shape so perhaps we could start trying again in January as she didn't want to travel internationally as a preggy mommy. So we actually stopped trying. About 2 weeks later Jenee experienced a bazaar flare up from some earrings she has worn for many years. Then, she started complaining of a stitch in her side. A little wary, she decided to test if she was pregnant just in case, as she was on some medication the Dr had told her not to get pregnant on. Well, to her surprise there was the faintest of faint lines on the test. She brought the test to me to see if I saw what she was seeing and I agreed, there was a second line there, but it was very faint. So, to be safe she stopped her medication, and we decided to wait a few days and test again. Guess what, we tested again, and the second line was there, still faint, but more visible then before. Excited but used to disappointment we cautiously started to celebrate, but agreed to test one more time in another few days. And wouldn't you know it, that faint line was nice and pronounced! We're pregnant - woooohoooo!
Still after 3 tests we were in disbelief. So we did what we needed to and made a Dr's appointment. Randomly, we were assigned the nicest Dr we could have hoped for and about 2 weeks after we found out, we had our very first ultrasound which you can read about above.
Keeping the secret quiet
That's no mean feat. Bubbling with excitement, Jenee and I had to dodge the topic with our parents, family and friends when on the phone. We came so close to spilling the beans so many times, however since this is to be our first, we wanted to tell Jenee's parents in a special way and we had planned to tell my parents and sisters in Australia as a kind of Christmas surprise. Well, at least that was the plan. Needing to tell someone otherwise we may physically burst, we decided to tell my parents early (since they typically don't get to find out anything about us first).
We got them on Skype and I casually dropped the line that we were pregnant. It took a second for them to process what I had said, but once it did sink in, there were tears of joy and smiles that couldn't stop. What an adreniline rush, its so exciting to tell someone that you're expecting a baby.
A week passed and we decided that we had to tell someone else or once again we might spontaneously rupture so we decided that we'd tell Rob and Sarah because they are our closest friends (figuratively and literally), and if we needed them, they would be there for us. Then a few days later (apparently you should not trust us with exciting news...) we decided to tell my sisters. Helen was ecstatic, Heather apparently had figured it out when she heard both of us on the phone but was equally excited for us.
Telling Momma (J's Parents)
We decided that Linda needed to find out in a special way. I won't say much hear because there is a video that is far better to watch than reading my words...
And the Crazy food things start
Really, Jenee hasn't had as rough of a time as I was expecting. Not to say that it has been a pleasant walk in the park. She's nauseaus and has some pretty uncomfortable indigestion which leads to a lack of sleep but praise the Lord she hasn't been vomiting, although apparently she'd rather that and have it over and done with for a few hours.
I think the most amusing thing for me is her new super power: super sense of smell. Jenee is a food person, so I can't imagine what it's like for her to be repelled by something she loves to eat. But she can smell something a long time before I can and the cravings start. For example on the plane to Texas for thanksgiving, someone opened up a Subway sandwich and not only could she tell what type of sandwich it was, she knew it had iceberg lettuce and swiss cheese. LOL. See the picture for the sad "I know what your sandwich is and I can't have a bite of it" face. That's not the first time she has smelled iceberg lettuce from afar either.
As for cravings she has been pretty good. I have had to make 2 late night trips for her, one for Oreo cookies and another for ice cream cookie sandwiches. And lets face it, it wasn't much of a sacrifice to share in those goodies with her.
Well, now you know our surprise.
Well, some of you out there know we had been trying to start a family for a year now. We had tried all the advice we could find and still we were not pregnant. This was becoming quite disheartening but we had put this all in the Lord's hands so we knew that what ever was to happen was His plan for us. Jenee had started working out at Crossfit (a Marine style workout) and was getting in really awesome shape so perhaps we could start trying again in January as she didn't want to travel internationally as a preggy mommy. So we actually stopped trying. About 2 weeks later Jenee experienced a bazaar flare up from some earrings she has worn for many years. Then, she started complaining of a stitch in her side. A little wary, she decided to test if she was pregnant just in case, as she was on some medication the Dr had told her not to get pregnant on. Well, to her surprise there was the faintest of faint lines on the test. She brought the test to me to see if I saw what she was seeing and I agreed, there was a second line there, but it was very faint. So, to be safe she stopped her medication, and we decided to wait a few days and test again. Guess what, we tested again, and the second line was there, still faint, but more visible then before. Excited but used to disappointment we cautiously started to celebrate, but agreed to test one more time in another few days. And wouldn't you know it, that faint line was nice and pronounced! We're pregnant - woooohoooo!
Still after 3 tests we were in disbelief. So we did what we needed to and made a Dr's appointment. Randomly, we were assigned the nicest Dr we could have hoped for and about 2 weeks after we found out, we had our very first ultrasound which you can read about above.
Keeping the secret quiet
That's no mean feat. Bubbling with excitement, Jenee and I had to dodge the topic with our parents, family and friends when on the phone. We came so close to spilling the beans so many times, however since this is to be our first, we wanted to tell Jenee's parents in a special way and we had planned to tell my parents and sisters in Australia as a kind of Christmas surprise. Well, at least that was the plan. Needing to tell someone otherwise we may physically burst, we decided to tell my parents early (since they typically don't get to find out anything about us first).
We got them on Skype and I casually dropped the line that we were pregnant. It took a second for them to process what I had said, but once it did sink in, there were tears of joy and smiles that couldn't stop. What an adreniline rush, its so exciting to tell someone that you're expecting a baby.
A week passed and we decided that we had to tell someone else or once again we might spontaneously rupture so we decided that we'd tell Rob and Sarah because they are our closest friends (figuratively and literally), and if we needed them, they would be there for us. Then a few days later (apparently you should not trust us with exciting news...) we decided to tell my sisters. Helen was ecstatic, Heather apparently had figured it out when she heard both of us on the phone but was equally excited for us.
Telling Momma (J's Parents)
We decided that Linda needed to find out in a special way. I won't say much hear because there is a video that is far better to watch than reading my words...
And the Crazy food things start
Really, Jenee hasn't had as rough of a time as I was expecting. Not to say that it has been a pleasant walk in the park. She's nauseaus and has some pretty uncomfortable indigestion which leads to a lack of sleep but praise the Lord she hasn't been vomiting, although apparently she'd rather that and have it over and done with for a few hours.
I think the most amusing thing for me is her new super power: super sense of smell. Jenee is a food person, so I can't imagine what it's like for her to be repelled by something she loves to eat. But she can smell something a long time before I can and the cravings start. For example on the plane to Texas for thanksgiving, someone opened up a Subway sandwich and not only could she tell what type of sandwich it was, she knew it had iceberg lettuce and swiss cheese. LOL. See the picture for the sad "I know what your sandwich is and I can't have a bite of it" face. That's not the first time she has smelled iceberg lettuce from afar either.
As for cravings she has been pretty good. I have had to make 2 late night trips for her, one for Oreo cookies and another for ice cream cookie sandwiches. And lets face it, it wasn't much of a sacrifice to share in those goodies with her.
Well, now you know our surprise.
Living It Up Down Under
Well we've been here for 10 or so days and we are having a great time! The weather here is fantastic, most days are about 26-29C with little humidity so its perfect for going out and doing something.
We have had lots of time with Heather, Jonno and the boys who are so delicious. And we have spent plenty of time with Helen, Danny and their two munchkins. Sam is a bundle of energy and he doesnt have an off switch. From the moment he wakes up he's going, talking, jumping, running and bouncing everywhere. Rachel is completely gorgeous too. According to Jenee she doesnt have time for her, only eye's for her Uncle Nate. lol. Poor Rachy hasn't been feeling too crash hot either...
It's wonderful to spend so much time with Mum and Dad. We've barely had a moment to sit and rest, what with shopping, visiting, boating, fishing, Christmas deliveries, airport runs etc... We have plenty of storeys to tell too, so check back soon, there will be anecdotes of Nate's cuts scratches, bruises and burns, the shark Jenee caught on the boat, Canasta tournaments, Victor Harbor, beach fishing and more! Love to all of you!
Nate and Jenee
We have had lots of time with Heather, Jonno and the boys who are so delicious. And we have spent plenty of time with Helen, Danny and their two munchkins. Sam is a bundle of energy and he doesnt have an off switch. From the moment he wakes up he's going, talking, jumping, running and bouncing everywhere. Rachel is completely gorgeous too. According to Jenee she doesnt have time for her, only eye's for her Uncle Nate. lol. Poor Rachy hasn't been feeling too crash hot either...
It's wonderful to spend so much time with Mum and Dad. We've barely had a moment to sit and rest, what with shopping, visiting, boating, fishing, Christmas deliveries, airport runs etc... We have plenty of storeys to tell too, so check back soon, there will be anecdotes of Nate's cuts scratches, bruises and burns, the shark Jenee caught on the boat, Canasta tournaments, Victor Harbor, beach fishing and more! Love to all of you!
Nate and Jenee
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Cutest Song Ever
Meredith is certainly a character. She sings and dances and is full of life. One of the wonderful things to watch is how quickly she learns new things, for example the theme song to "Elmo's World". Although M's version is a little different than the original. The original goes something like "Nah-nah-nah-nah-naa, Nah-nah-nah-nah-naa, Elmo's world" (feel free to sing along :-).
Well, apparently sometimes she just likes to sing Elmo's song about her favorite things and a few nights ago, when Meredith was put to bed, a little voice started to sing across the baby monitor in the lounge room:
Well, apparently sometimes she just likes to sing Elmo's song about her favorite things and a few nights ago, when Meredith was put to bed, a little voice started to sing across the baby monitor in the lounge room:
Fauxmas!
Since it's Christmas time and we wouldn't get to see our Gainesville friends, we decided to have a Christmas party early. Somehow I decided that we should call it "Fauxmas". We had a lovely time with Rob, Sarah, Meredith and Chris and Amber.Each of the couples contributed something to the dinner table and later that night we did a gift exchange. Us boys were terribly predictable and used each others Amazon wishlist to choose an item for less than $20. The girls were a little more creative and found a special something that involved thought to give.
Between dinner and the gift exchange we assembled the Hamersma Christmas tree and decorated it with a plethora of fantastic decorations. So much fun! Amazingly I forgot my camera, so all I have to show for it is a few low quality images from my iPhone. Looking at Meredith against the tree I can hardly believe how much she has grown in the last year. She was so little when Rob and Sarah got her and now through good food, lots of love and attention she is blossoming into a beautiful little girl. We finished the night off watching "The Holiday Inn" together, the perfect thing to watch to finish off a very nice evening.
Merry Fauxmas everyone!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
See You Next Week
Wow, I have been a tad slack on the ol' blogging. Well, we'll be in Australia in the next week and I will (hopefully) have time to write a few posts. Things are moving along as per the usual. We have finally finished the quilts for Heathers boys (with an enormous thanks to Betty for helping us with putting them together).
Thanksgiving in Texas was a wonderful time with the family and we learned how to play Canasta. Jenee and I make quite the team so watch out! We spent Thanksgiving with Jenee's family and the next day (Thanksgiving II) with the Tooleys and Uncle John. Needless to say we were stuffed and should have worn stretchy pants.
Anyhow, I will write more soon. There are lots of pics and video's to share. Ooo, videos...!
Thanksgiving in Texas was a wonderful time with the family and we learned how to play Canasta. Jenee and I make quite the team so watch out! We spent Thanksgiving with Jenee's family and the next day (Thanksgiving II) with the Tooleys and Uncle John. Needless to say we were stuffed and should have worn stretchy pants.
Anyhow, I will write more soon. There are lots of pics and video's to share. Ooo, videos...!
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