Life.

I'm not really sure where to begin this one. We've had a lot of exciting things happen lately...yet I'm still at a loss for words...

Of course, Brian finished his second semester at SBTS in May--literally the day we left for France. It was a tough semester for him, but he grew a lot in his disciplines and also in his faith. We recently found out that he got A's in all of his classes, which is quite a difficult task. So we were very excited about that! He has been enjoying some time off this summer and really likes the prospect of reading some "fun books" while he doesn't have to worry about reading for classes. He took a J-term class this week--basically a 16 week class condensed into 5 days of intense study from 8 AM to 5 PM. He really enjoyed that and the practical things he learned about family ministry and raising Godly kids. I have enjoyed seeing him think through issues of discipline, authority, and gospel-centered teaching in the home--especially as we begin to plan for the arrival of baby Mathews. I think this has been one initial step in a lifelong process of equipping us to be Godly parents and that is exciting to me!

While my life is pretty routine right now, I will actually begin a Master's program at SBTS in the Fall. The company that we would like to head overseas with has a new requirement for spouses to take 4 specific classes before they are appointed. I've toyed with the idea of pursuing my Master's since moving to Louisville, so this requirement gave me that extra motivation necessary. I'll be taking one class a semester--not nearly enough to finish the degree any time soon, but a good head start at least. I figure even if I finish the degree when I'm 40 years old (or even if I never finish it), it will still be worth my time and energy. Oddly, I have missed being a student this past year, so I'm looking forward to hittin' the books again. (Remind me that I said that when I'm 9 months pregnant, please.)

My parents visited earlier in the month and we had a really great time with them! We really didn't do anything too exciting...we really just relaxed. But it was nice and needed! My mom took me shopping for maternity clothes--something I appreciated SO much. I have been anxious to wear some of my new shirts because they are just really cute, but they still just swallow me whole, so I have refrained from that. Pretty soon (and I'm sure when they do fit, I won't be as excited)! 

Night out with the Ordways!

I had a doctor's appointment this past Tuesday at 14 weeks. It was fairly uneventful--bloodwork, labs, pee in a cup--but it went well. The highlight was definitely getting to hear the baby's heartbeat again. 160 beats per minute. My doctor said he or she is strong. And I'm guessing stubborn like his or her father! My next appointment will be in 4 weeks (just more routine stuff) and then another 2 weeks after when we will find out the sex of the baby. We are very excited for this appointment, but we feel as if its so far away! I know it will go by quicker than we think. 

Brian and I with my Mom and Dad.

I'm starting to show a lot more now. I couldn't button my pants for the first time this morning, so I know that baby's definitely growing in there! Still, if I wear loose fitting clothes, my little bump is still pretty concealable. I haven't felt as sick lately as in the first trimester. Usually, just in the mornings now. For some reason, taking a shower and brushing my teeth (still!) are the triggers of my nausea. It's the oddest thing. I'm convinced that this baby doesn't want a clean mama! My new favorite snack is homemade guacamole and chips--and it has good vitamins for the baby, so that's a plus. I haven't experienced any noticeable cravings yet. I did really want some macaroni and cheese the other night, but I think that's just because of a show we watched on Food Network. 

Cookout with Ethan, Anna, Mom and Dad to celebrate Father's Day!

We've decided to find out and reveal the gender (obviously), but no one will know the baby's name until his or her birthday! We feel like this is a good compromise as we are admittedly not hardcore enough to not find out the gender. I'm too much of a planner for that! This way, there is still some surprise that accompanies his or her birth! And it's fun for us to be the privileged two who can decide, know, and use the name before anyone else has any clue about it. By the way, we still have no clue either :)

Well, my break at work is coming to a close. Time to wrap up this post. Thanks for taking the time to read this and stay updated on our life in Kentucky! It sure has been the adventure and we look forward to many more.

-AM

So...We're Having A Baby.

So as is public knowledge now, we are having a baby. And sometime on or around Christmas day, which is still crazy to us. Neither of us have ever particularly wanted a "Christmas baby." We felt as if the holiday celebration would overshadow the birthday celebration, but obviously we don't have a choice in that matter now so we are set on making it work! Who knows, maybe he or she will come a few weeks early?

So this was not planned--it was actually very unexpected--but we are excited! A little over a year ago we came to the conclusion that we, in our finite wisdom, had no clue when we should begin our family. As many of you know, we long to move overseas, so there never really seems to be a "good" time to have a kid when you plan on doing that. Before we leave? After we leave? So many questions. But we know that God knows when the best time is and that He gave us this baby NOW for a reason. We are confident that He will provide and He will direct us as we begin this new chapter in our marriage and in our life.

So, funny story. The day we found out, Brian was the one who actually made me take the test. I actually did not think I was pregnant at all. Maybe it was denial, maybe ignorance--I'm not sure. When I saw that it was positive, I literally went straight to our room, laid on our bed and looked at the ceiling for what seemed like 30 minutes. When Brian actually realized that I had been missing for who knows how long, he came looking to see where I was (we have a 1-bedroom apartment, there aren't too many options). I told him that it was positive. He didn't believe me (classic "boy who cried wolf" syndrome--I had joked with him multiple times in the past about this when tests were actually negative). And then I showed him the proof! So...then we went to the family room, sat on our couch and stared blankly at the wall for what seemed like 30 minutes. It wasn't that we weren't excited, it was just that feeling of, "holy crap, this is for real."

So it's been about 5 weeks since then. I'll be 12 weeks along on Tuesday and I am so ready to reach that milestone! We had a close call around week 6 (which is why we already have a picture of the little squirt), but after a doctor's appointment, they confirmed that everything looked normal and healthy. Praise God! Then our baby went out of the country for his or her first time and got to experience France with us. Or should I say, I got to experience France with him or her! Thank you, constant nausea. I'm starting to show a bit, which is pretty strange, I must admit. I've learned that pesto is not my friend and neither is Chinese food. Brushing my teeth also makes me want to puke (ironic, I know).

So, that's where we are at. Brian, myself and this little person who we are anxious to meet. We know its going to be interesting, but we are ready for the journey! We'll be in touch.