19.5 Weeks and Counting

We had an ultrasound this week. The baby is perfect! He/She had his/her hands in front of his/her face the whole time...of course!!! Enjoy the 4D images below!

Let the Fun Begin!

Michael and I have arrived safely in Chicago. We have been quite busy spending time with my family and of course shopping!

This week we went with my sister, nephews and nieces (though they brought friends so we didn't really see them) to Six Flags Great America. My nephew, Chase, was finally able to get on the roller coasters which he loved! We had a perfect day, the weather was pleasant and the park really wasn't crowded at all! I was the designated bag and refillable cotton candy tub and pop holder! We all had a great time!

Then we stayed overnight at an indoor water park and of course the next day it rained which was perfect! I am not sure who had more fun, Michael or my nephews!

Michael and I will soon be off to Houston!!!

School's Out For Summer!

Nothing beats the last day of school. Those of you who know me know that having to say goodbye to a wonderful group of kids, even though I wasn't there the whole year, was nothing less than a tearful celebration! While the school is home to a very talented group of educators, it is truly the students who make teaching there an unbelievable opportunity. Of course the downside to international teaching is watching the students and teachers come and go year after year, which again for me is so hard to handle. I don't think that I have enough tears to choose a life of international teaching, but it is a wonderful experience that many of my very talented colleagues from Pearland and Mobile should definitely investigate!

Well, that is about all I have done since my last post! Being pregnant and working has taken every once of energy I have. On the weekends, Michael and I hang out at the pool and SLEEP! We are now at 16.5 weeks! I can hardly believe how quickly the time has passed.

The American Embassy of Qatar had an American Independence Day celebration on June 4 (instead of July because most of the Americans are gone in July). That was a lovely evening that we were fortunate to be part of!









Michael is currently in the states and I leave on Saturday! I can hardly wait! Of course that means that it is also time for Macey to pack up and go to Aunt Shelli's house! Shelli LOVES cats and Macey knew it instantly and felt very comfortable staying there for the month until Michael returns.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you very soon!

12 Weeks and Counting!

So we have finally made it past 12 weeks! We had our 12 week ultrasound on Wednesday and everything looks great. The baby was wiggling around so much that the doctor actually started laughing as he pleaded for him/her to be still so that he could get a measurement. At 12 weeks, they do a Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan to assess whether or not the baby is likely to have Down's Syndrome, and our baby passed the test with flying colors.

Michael was most surprised to see a formed hand, with fingers waving at us! While I was most surprised to see that the baby had flipped around since our last scan. I guess it is just strange to have something inside of you tumbling around, yet you can't feel it.

After our ultrasound, we went to dinner and then walked through the mall. I told Michael that I wanted to buy something for the baby. Of course those of you who know us well would not be surprised to hear that we bought a cradle! Of course it was on sale and a really could deal. So let the buying frenzy begin!

It's A...

...Boy or a Girl!!!If you haven't heard by now, Michael and I are expecting a baby on November 24!
We are almost 11 weeks and last week we were able to see our baby moving around, flailing his/her arms (Michael said, "Look, 'he's' a lefty!") and were able to see and hear a strong beating heart. I cannot even begin to thank those of you who have supported us through this difficult time. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends praying for our miracle.

So I guess this means Macey will now have to share the spotlight on the blog! She and Michael are wishin' for a rambunctious boy. While I am hopin' for a precious little girl! Mostly we are praying for a healthy baby!

It's Raining! It's...

Pouring would be a HUGE overstatement! We had some drops of rain yesterday and today!!! What a surprise to all! Everyone was calling and texting each other to make sure they got a quick glimpse! By the time I got my camera, it was already dried up!!! lol

I have caught some slack for not updating lately, but since I have been working that seems to be all of our excitement! We wake up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, then go to bed and do it all again! Maybe I can get Macey to come up with some posts for you!

Right now we are counting down, eagerly awaiting our summer trip home!

First Catholic Church Opens in Doha

Last Saturday, the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary opened in Doha. The Rites of Consecration was conducted over about a 5 hour mass and there were thousands and thousands of members in attendance!

I know some of you are wondering how this is the first church when there have been Catholic masses going on for some time. I guess the location of the masses was not considered a church but more of a place to worship. The Emir (ruler of Qatar) donated the land to any religion wanting to build their religious institution. So far the Catholic Church appears to be the only one.

So my friend, Lucy, and her kids and I met at the church for The Rites of Consecration. First of all the church is in the middle of nowhere, dust and dirt as far as the eye can see! There were people coming from everywhere, by foot, car and bus! It was amazing. There were a large amount of security, police officers, special forces, and metal detectors. I got there an hour early and there was not a seat to be found. I found us a spot right by the door, you can never be too safe! It was truly something, at some point they stopped letting people into the church yet broadcasted the mass outside. To be honest we probably would have been better off out there. We couldn't see anything and had to struggle just to hear.

After about 3.5 hours, I left as I had a million and one things to do now that I am teaching. Lucy stayed until the end and the traffic to get out once mass was over was a nightmare.

We are looking forward to going to church more often! ;-)))