Monday, December 7, 2009

It's Getting More Real........

Dan and I had talked about getting a 3D ultrasound done and that was it.  Then, one day I received an email from him with different websites that he had found with local places that did 3D ultrasounds.  This was becoming more real for us.  We made the appointment, I drank lots of water (to make sure we would get the best possible views of her) and we were on our way to Oak Park, IL to see our baby girl in a more personal way than I was prepared for.  I get teary eyed at a regular ultrasound, what in the world would I be like at a 3D one??  At first I was scared that she would look a lot like an alien (from previous 3D pictures I have seen of other babies) and I wouldn't know how to react to that.  

For the most part Natalia cooperates during ultrasounds and this visit was no different.  She was sleeping and had her hand in front of her mouth a lot of the time, but other than that Dan and I got to see our baby girl in a very personal way and it is a moment I will never forget.  I never knew that my heart could love so much, someone that I haven't met yet,  but would do anything for.  Some day she will read these posts about her and know how much she was loved even before she was born.  

So, without further ado, I would like you all to meet Natalia Rachel in 3D  (click that.)

Happy Holidays,

Beth and Dan (post was from Beth)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Time To Update

Hello Everyone,

It has been a while since I have last updated this and well, I could be unpacking boxes, I would much rather get everyone up to date on the Harkness family. We are moved out of Peoria, IL and moved to Darien, IL. MUCH closer to family and friends. So, this was a move I was more than happy to make. We had to pack up and move some stuff on our own, but for the bulk of everything Dan's company paid for movers. It was so nice to sit back and watch those guys hard at work. It took them 6 hours total to pack, and load the truck. But, there were 3 of them and they are professionals. Dan was really understanding with this whole process and didn't let me carry anything in really. I took the light stuff, but other than that, it was all Dan. So, when we move into a house someday, I should make sure it happens around a time when I am pregnant again :) (That is cruel, but it worked out nicely)

20 week ultrasound----My mom and I went to the doctor for my 20 week ultra sound. The baby was being a stinker and crossed her legs when the tech went to look for the goods. She was 90% sure that we are in fact having a girl. The odd thing is that from the beginning I felt it was a girl. Sure I wanted a girl, but really I would of been just as happy with a boy. The tech had a hard time finding her right ventricle of the heart and her kidney was enlarged so my doctor wanted me to see a fetal diagnostic specialist.

The end of October we went to Florida with my parents, aunt, and "uncle." It was a great 10 days of pure humidity and heat. Ick. FL should not be in the 90's in October. After half a day walking around in the park, I decided it would be better for the baby and I if we got a wheelchair. Dan graciously agreed and every time we went someone that offered a wheelchair, we got one. When we were at MGM I was having abdominal pains and they weren't getting better. So, we decided that a trip to first aid was in order. They weren't able to treat me, but because I was pregnant they suggested going to the ER. So, that is what we did while vacationing in FL. In the end I was just dehydrated and the lunch I ate wasn't a good choice for a hot day.

Just yesterday (the 3rd of November) I had my appointment with the fetal diagnostic specialist and we saw the baby again! She was very active and so precious. I cherish the time we get to see her on the "big screen." The tech was very detailed in telling us what she was measuring and looking at. The baby kept punching her feet with her hands. It was really cute! The tech and doctor were able to locate the right ventricle of the heart. The kidney was still a little large so he wants me to come back around my 32nd week for another ultra sound. No complaints here, I bet Natalia will look so much different by then. If her kidney is still enlarged after birth, she will be put on medication to help control the issue of a possible kidney infection. So, it's not life threating. Yay!

Other than that, no news is wonderful news!!!

Happy Holidays. :)

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Long time, no post

Well hello there!!

I haven't posted anything that hasn't been from a website in a while. Where do I even begin? On Tuesday September 8 Dan and I went to the doctor for our 16 week check up! Everything was perfect. My blood pressure was great too. It had been a tiny bit high the last time, but this time it was right where it should be. The baby is located where she needs to be and I am still getting sick. Well, I am not sure that getting sick is still supposed to be happening, but it is and I have come to live with it. Soon enough it will be gone, and then I can enjoy food without having to wonder how fast I will need to run to the nearest sink or toilet.

I have felt flutters now and then, and within the next few weeks I should feel more movement. I am beyond excited for this. Dan touches my belly when I say I feel a flutter, and his response is always the same, I didn't feel anything. Sorry Dan, you won't until she starts to really move around and tries to kick you. :)

Speaking of Dan, he is a great husband. He makes dinner every night and sometimes what he makes just doesn't sit well, so he will go and make something else for me instead. Who would do that really? He has been helping out with laundry as well. I know I should have tons more energy, but after working with 8 needy babies all day, the last thing I can ever seem to find is energy. I thank God every day that he has blessed us with one baby on the way and not 8! I don't think I could survive with 8 all by myself. I know I couldn't, so thank you again God for the one that is on the way.

As my belly gets bigger it is becoming more and more real (besides when we hear the heart beat which always bring a tear to my eyes) that there is in fact a human developing inside of me and that is something that I will never be able to wrap my mind around. I could read hundreds and hundreds of books on the developing life and it would still amaze me.

In 3 weeks from Tuesday we will hopefully know the sex of the baby. I am leaning towards a girl, but as long as the baby is healthy I will be content wtih a boy too. Dan is going to find out at the doctors office, and I am not. He is going to do something, and I can't tell you what just yet, because well, I don't know. He is going to do something that will reveal the sex to me later during the day or evening on Tuesday October 6th. So, calling you right after the appointment won't be an option, sorry! BUT, I will post it on here, so if your reading this, come back to the blog Tuesday night and you may find out the sex before some of my family members do.

It's getting late, and I am in need of some food and so is the baby. She told me :) So, for now I will say, "talk to you later."

Hugs,
Beth and Baby

Monday, September 7, 2009

16 weeks - Avocado

How your baby's growing:

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

14 and 15 Weeks

15 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

14 weeks

How your baby's growing:

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

Monday, August 17, 2009

13 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

12 Weeks!!

How your baby's growing:

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Daddy's First Post

Hi Everyone,

It's Dan here. Beth's taking a nap and I'm waiting for dinner to heat up, so I thought I'd make a quick post. I keep telling Beth that I'm going to post, but haven't done it yet.

Monday brought our 2nd doctor's appointment. They tried using the doppler, but couldn't pick up the heart beat with it, so we got another ultrasound. Yay!! Once they got it focused on the baby, you could see the heart beating away. It was so great to see. It's amazing to see the woman I love carrying our child. I never could've imagined the joy it gives me. I can't wait until we can see more clearly and make out parts of the baby better (speaking of which, the heartbeat was 176 bpm leading Beth to think the baby is a girl. I'd appreciate any evidence to the contrary, but of course I'll love the baby whether a girl or boy). Hopefully, when the time comes we'll have the $$ for the 3D ultrasound.

Well that's all I have now. Hopefully I will have more news to post soon on another topic, but I'll wait till I have news to talk about that. Have a great day everyone!!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

11 Weeks (32 minutes early)

How your baby's growing:Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

10 Weeks ( 6 days late--sorry!)

How your baby's growing:Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

9 weeks and (3 days) to be exact

How your baby's growing:Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

I Got Your Back

Hello!

So, I guess I should post some other things besides the progress of the baby. I have been having "morning sickness" and it always comes after my shower right before breakfast. It's just dry heaves though. I guess that's better than what it could be. I am just ready for it to stop. It is really putting a toll on my back and throat. I could eat mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice every day and all day! My chest is growing and I wasn't expecting that until later, but it's a part of this wonderful journey. I am getting tired alot earlier in the evening and usually get 8 hours of sleep and then look forward to a nap at work. That is right, during my break I go either to my car (depending on weather) or back into the storm shelter and take a nap. It is always much needed.

Dan and I went to the doctor July 6th, and I am not sure if I posted about the visit. When we got there I had to fill out paper work and then go take a pee test. Normally that is pretty difficult to do on demand, but now it's a piece of cake! Then, we went and had an internal ultrasound done. No, it didn't hurt. I had already experieced it 2 previous times, so it was nothing new. As soon as she put the magic wand in I saw the baby's heart beating and tears just filled my eyes. Dan was sitting right next to me and it is a moment in our lives that I will never ever forget. The baby was measuring at .99cm and his/her heart beat was 143 (which could be a girl?!?!) Next it was time for the blood work. It took 3 nurses to find a vein to even get blood from! They poked my left arm, right hand and then finally was able to get some from my right wrist. Never had blood drawn from my wrist, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Any suggestions for next month when I get more blood work done on how to make my veins cooperate?

The title of this blog is "I Got Your Back." It's because every time I start to cough it usually means I am going to run to the sink. Not only am I at the sink, but Dan is almost always in toe getting ready to rub my back. I am sure if he could take away this particular symptom of pregnancy he would. He has been amazing thus far through all of this. He has been the one to get me new bras actually! Can you believe that? He always knows when I say "I have a taste for...." that I will want something, and want it in a timly matter. He makes sure I take all of my pills (prenatal, brain development (code for icky fish oil, and calcium chews.) He has brought me lemon drops and oyster crackers to work when I wasn't feeling to well. I know he felt kind of left out when we were at the doctor because they were asking about my family history and not his. The doctor was sweet and said, "Not that you don't count, but unless there were genetic problems, it's just the mom's family's history that we need." He was still hurt. Did he really want to get blood work done and sit and answer questions that the answers are all no?? Not really. Instead we finished up and went to lunch.

Well, that is all if have for now. Thank you for reading!!

Beth~

8 Weeks

How your baby's growing:New this week:
Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

7 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

The big news this week: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.

If you could see inside your womb, you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

6 Weeks

How your baby's growing: This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean.

Thanks for reading. Leave a comment so I know who is actually reading our blog. Please!?? :)

Friday, June 26, 2009

Telling My Parents.....

Hello there,

Yes, I am back. I know I am NOT good at updating at all like some people. However, I am here and ready to share how my parents took the news that they were going to be Grandparents. Dan and I were really debating on whether or not to tell any family until I have my first doctors visit. Anything is possible with pregnancy and we didn't know if we wanted to tell anyone in case the unmentionable were to happen. But, we couldn't resist and told my parents Friday, June 19th. We met my parents and brother and his girlfriend Dana up at Pepe's (the same place Dan asked my parents if he could marry me) for dinner. Dana knew all along, not because I told her, but I did say that we had some pretty exciting news. It could of been that Dan had found a job, but she was stickin to her guns that I was for sure pregnant. After everyone had ordered Dan and I gave them their "belated" anniversary gift. Of course it was belated, we didn't know I was pregnant until after their anniversary and even ours for that matter!

My mom slowly opened the gift, removing the tissue paper as if it were worth a million dollars. She looked at the picture and looked at and I am sure thought to herself in her head, "Why did they give us a picture of themselves?" I told her to read the back of the frame out loud and that is exactly what she did.

"Price of picture- 28 cents."
"Price of frame--$4.18 (on sale!)."
"Realizing there are 3 people in the picture-- Priceless!"

She got to about "there are 3....." when she started to cry! My dad said, "Oh my gosh, REALLY?!" Mike was clueless and Dana had guessed right.

Hugs were exchanged, alcohol was had (not by me of course) and generous tips were left because my mom was more than excited. It is a moment in my life I will never forget and I am happy that we were able to share it with my parents.

We told my dad's immediate side of the family on Father's Day. He had just finished opening up his birthday and father's day gifts, when I announced that I had a belated gift for Dan for our anniversary. My Aunt Debbie said, "What is it a positive pregnancy test?" Gosh, why does everyone think I am pregnant? Well, Dan pulled out the gift first because the card would of been a dead give away. The gift is for his van and it's a window cling that says Baby On Board! So, again the pregnancy guess was great. My grandpa pondered this for a minute and said, my god, I am going to be a great grandpa. That is so true! He is a wonderful man, and I just pray that he doesn't throw our baby over his railing in the living room like he did with my dolls!

Dan's family still does not know. He is waayy better at keeping secrets than I am. I couldn't keep my mouth shut for two seconds let alone a whole month! Truth be told, I was texting with two dear friends of mine who are also pregnant (one is due very soon!!!) after I saw the very faint line. Then, I decided to call Dan. I needed clarification (see this post.) So you see, I am NOT able to keep my mouth shut for a long period of time at all.

But, back to his family. I get so distracted when writing on here. Bare with me. How are we going to tell his family?? We designed M&M's!!! It cost an arm and a leg, but will be worth it to see his mom's face (I hope!) They are pink and blue, naturally, and say Baby Harkness Is on The Way. Yay. I want to eat them. It's a 7 oz. bag and I am able to say that there are still 7 oz. of M&M's left, for now.

Well, that is all I have to post for now. I am literally knocking on wood as I can safely say to this point there has not been any sickness! Yahoo.




Monday, June 15, 2009

4 or 5 Weeks?!

Right now Dan and I have really NO idea how far along I am. I guess judging from my last period (May 10th--Mother's Day!) I would be at 5 weeks, BUT we have been charting my temperature for a few months now, and according to our results, I didn't ovulate until a week AFTER when I should of. So, hence the confusion. I will be going to the doctor on July 6th for my first appointment. :)

Here is what is going on right now inside of me:

How your baby's growing:

This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when she'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development.

Right now your baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of her organs and body parts will develop.

The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of your uterus, creating spaces for your blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby when it starts to function at the end of this week.

Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house your baby; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion her as she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces your baby's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.

Bye for now,

Beth~

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Told You I WOULD Be Back!!!!


Hello There,

If you are reading this, get prepared for a SURPRISE!! I mean, who doesn't like surprises?!  But, I won't tell you about it just yet....Keep reading.  On June 9th Dan and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary and it was one of the best nights of my life and hopefully his to.  I went to work only to find out there were tooooo many teachers and not enough babies to keep us all there.  So, since it was our anniversary in all, I decided to head home early (after being there only an hour and a half.)  I needed to run to Wal-Mart and get a gift.  Check, did that.  So, I went home and wrapped it and then spent a lot of time on the computer doing God only knows what.  Dan was searching for and applying for jobs!  Eeeekkkk.  

I had been feeling extra tired all week, and our anniversary was no exception.  So, I took a mini nap before we headed out to my favorite restaurant of all times--- Kobe Japanese Steak House.  YUM!  Then, after there we went to Borders to relax and just let our food settle before moving on in our date.  After about 45 minutes we were ready for the desert!!  Cold Stone.  Ahhh, that's a treat for us, because we don't go there ever.  Then, on  the way home we saw huge amounts of water being shot up from the ground.  We decided to stop and check it out.  After talking with someone from the water company we found out that 3-400 gallons of water were being pushed out.  Those poor families behind the incident must of lost water for a while when it was getting fixed.  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HERE IS WHERE THE SURPRISE COMES IN:

Wednesday was just an ordinary day.  I went to work, worked until 4:45, got pooped on right before I left (gotta love working in the infant room!) had to get beans for dinner at Jubilee and paid an arm and a leg for them while still wearing the dirty shirt.  Finally, at home at last!!!!  Dan made dinner (as he does every night!!!  I adore him for doing that.  I would rather do 10 loads of laundry than cook) and then he went grocery shopping for a few more things that I didn't get.  I had a feeling that I should just take a pregnancy test, so I did.  The results!?!  A positive!!!!  I about fainted, but I pulled my act together and called Dan and asked him to PLEASE HURRY and get a few more tests from the store.  Well, as much as I love Dan, there are times when you should NOT be cheap, and buying a HPT is one of them.  He got one from Dollar General for $1. I took it and of course it came back negative.  So, we took a trip to Wal-Mart and bought a digital test (2 pack) and a 3 pack of First Respone.  I took the digital test and waiting 3 lousey minutes felt like an hour!!  The hour glass was ticking away and FINALLY it had a word on it, a word I will never ever forgot as long as I shall live.... PREGNANT!   See, take a look!



So, Dan and I were NOT looking while it ticked away.  But, once time had gone by and we looked back, we screamed and starting hugging and jumping up and down.  

Sure this was a huge surprise for us, but we couldn't be happier during this exciting time!!.  

Well, that's the exciting news and I am happy I was able to share it with you!  

Bye for now.

Harky's Soulmate


Monday, March 16, 2009

Just the beginning.....

Well, this is my first and most certainly not last post. We were using a different site for our homepage and I was NOT digging it at all. Blogger is the way to go I think. So, where do I even begin? I guess I will start back in 2003 and work my way to the present. So just sit back, relax and read along.

In January of 2003 Dan and I both embarked on a journey, separately. He was coming from Iowa and I came from IL. We both had the same destination in mind: Orlando, FL. We both felt called to participate in the Walt Disney World college program for the 7 month internship. We had only been down there for a week when our paths crossed and "love at first sight" is so far from the truth. We disliked one another from the beginning, but something changed and we became a couple.

In August of 2003 the internship came to an end and we were both headed back to reality. He spent a week in IL with my family and I before he went back to Iowa State. We were at the zoo and he stopped at a bench and gave me a letter to read. In the end, he wanted to give me a promise ring. At the time I didn't realize the significance of it. But, he was promising to love me despite the long distance relationship that we were about to have.

In July of 2004 Dan planned a relaxing trip for us to Chicago! I was finally getting to experience Navy Pier and the Ferris Wheel. The day was spent exploring and shopping. Dan wanted to go into Build-A-Bear, but wanted me to stay outside the store! What a long wait, but little did I know it would be well worth it! We had dinner downtown and then went back to the hotel. We were in the lobby, and Dan got my attention to tell me our ride was there. "Ride?" I was thinking of a taxi or bus. I stepped outside and in front of us was a horse drawn carriage! I instantly transformed into Cinderella. We rode around downtown for about 45 minutes. After the romantic ride was over we got out and walked down to what I thought was the SUBWAY! I was mad and didn't want to ride a subway on such a romantic night. But, I had to trust him and I am so happy I did. He led me down to the beach with Lake Michigan behind us and then the fairy tale begins....... He had me read a letter out loud (with random people walking by) and by the end I was in tears, happy tears. The last sentence said, "Now turn around and find out the real reason I brought you here." I was in tears and so scared to turn around. But, after a few moments of standing there debating on what to do, I turned around and saw Dan down on one knee. He had the Build-A-Bear in hand and the bear said(in Dan's voice, "Elizabeth, you mean the world to me. Will you marry me?" WOW! I was not expecting that. All I could utter was, "of course."

In June of 2006 we were married and had our fairy tale wedding. 2 days after the wedding I went back to Florida to intern yet one more time. Dan went back to Iowa to work on another year of school. December came so fast and my internship ended. In January I moved in with my hubby (imagine that!!) and landed a job at a daycare center working in the 3 year old room. We spent 2 years together in Ames and looking back, it was the best time of our lives thus far. We made some amazing friendship and we both came to know the Lord during this time.

In December of 2008 Dan graduated with his masters degree and by the grace of God he was able to find a job in Peoria, IL.

So, in January we moved to Germantown Hills (Metamora) into a nice apartment. I was also able to find a job in this tough economic time in a daycare center working with the infants. Right now, there is not much going on, but give us time and we will have some posts.

Bye for now.

Harky's Soulmate