A New Toy

Steve received a new toy in the mail today, his pedal steel guitar (i.e. slide guitar). He doesn't quite know how to play it yet, but he's a talented guy and I'm sure he'll figure it out. We are heading up to Big Bear this weekend to escape the depressing "fall" 100 degree weather, as well as to spend time with some of our very favorite people, both Pool families and the Staffords. The boys are planning on playing music and figuring out the slide guitar together, and I'm sure it will be a joyous occasion.

On another note, I came home the other day and Steve told me that he had purchased a present for him and the baby. I was expecting to find some type of manly diaper bag, but instead I found a brand-new tambourine. Steve is insistent that our child learn rhythm at an early age, but basically he's been looking for a reason to by a tambourine to shake his money maker with.  

Baby Bump

We promised not to overload you with baby info, but I do think that it's time for an update. I'm now happily 12 1/2 weeks along, and my morning sickness has subsided! This blessed miracle occurred about the same time as school began, praise be to JC. I'm still uber tired, but that's to be expected.

I have found out a few interesting tidbits that I'd like to share with you. First, after my 9 week appointment that involved removing 5 vials of blood from my arm, it was noted that my blood is Type O Negative (my favorite band). This means that I have the Rh Negative factor, which translates to additional injections for Karen. I meant business when I said that I wanted to conquer this fear, so we are viewing this most recent development as an "additional opportunity to get over this phobia." Nice.

At our 11 week appointment we were able to see the baby and he/she was hiccuping and swimming around and it was miraculous. The baby just didn't want to hold still and it made me cry and laugh all at the same time. Steve and I both had this ominous thought that perhaps the baby is already a tad ADHD. Is that what you get when two teachers make a baby? Yikes.

And now, some pictures for you.

This is after my 9 week appointment when said blood was removed from my body. I am flashing the I love you sign for my child so that he/she might know that this sacrifice was for you, baby. You might be pleased to know that I did not pass out, which is an accomplishment for me. I did, however, cry rather loudly and the nurse gave me a sucker when it was all over with. Also, Steve took me to Dairy Queen. What a guy.

This picture was taken this afternoon to show off my baby bump. Can you see it? It's getting very noticeable, but I still haven't told my students yet or their parents. So please don't tell them.

Family Dinner, Part II

This past Friday we had yet another "family dinner." As always, we had a great time, and we enjoyed the company of many different friends. I'm horrible at taking pictures during parties, so don't be offended if I didn't catch you...it's probably for the best. Special thanks goes out to my dear friend Laura (Kobbs), who cleaned my kitchen and pampered the heck out of me. Props also go out to Matt (Buck) & Shannon Miller who brought brand-new baby Ben to visit. This was one of their first outings with the little guy, and we were touched that they came so far to show him off. I can't believe that I didn't get a picture! 

So, if you want to join in the family fun, we're planning another BBQ/potluck on Saturday, September 27th. If you read our blog, you are officially invited, unless you're a stalker.

Brundibar is a total party animal. Or not. He decided to rest his haunches on Shauna with Alex and Owen looking on.

Look at these kiddos! Emma Quesada, Esme Pool, Caleb Angulo, and Owen Pool. 

Tim and Shauna (that's Alex in the pic) have a new addition to their family--a pooch named Charlie. Of course, I think he's just perfect, as I am a sucker for furry friends named Charlie.

Here I am pictured talking with my Pool girls, Amber and Andrea. I love them lots. Aren't they pretty? Sorry guys, their married...

Here's a picture of some of the gang. Suffice it to say, I'm horrible at taking pictures during parties. Sorry friends.

Brandon is a guy who's always ready to party. Yep, he owns a pair of sandals with a bottle opener on the bottom.  Brandon's constant vigilance to the needs of his friends are just one of the reasons why we love this guy.

Tres Dunlaps

What will you be doing around March 20th, 2009? We'll be busy birthing a child. Correction: Karen will be birthing a child and Steve will be running laps around Kaiser Riverside to ease his anxiety.

Yep, we're having a baby. A real one without a tail. If this is the first time you've heard this news, forgive us. I know it's kind of lame to find out via the internet. We've been trying to contact everyone but now we're giving in and just posting it on this here blog. 

We are so excited about this next chapter, but our excitement is also met with a lot of anxiety--mostly on Karen's part. If you know me, you know that multiple trips to the hospital to be poked and prodded by cold hands and needles is pretty much my own version of hell. However, it's all for the good of our baby child, and I'm ready to deal with some fear issues that I've held onto for far too long. I don't know who needs more prayer; stress-case Karen or my saint of a husband Steve. 

I'm 11 weeks along, still feeling pretty sick, and sneaking in a nap wherever/whenever I can find one. I guess you could call me a napoholic. So there's the semi-juicy details. And for the record, fat jokes are NEVER funny to a pregnant lady. 

We have been overwhelmed by the love and excitement that our friends and family have shown us. We will do our best to keep you up to date with our prego news, but we'll also try really hard not to become a blog solely dedicated to the growth of our unborn child. That's sort of annoying.

10 Years

This past weekend I (Karen) flew back up to Oregon to partake in my 10 year high school reunion. Steve was unable to attend due to school starting back up, which was a bummer because I was really looking forward to showing off my trophy husband. Anywho, we had a great time. I somehow got roped into being the MC for the event, so I guess you could say I was the life of the party...or maybe just the annoying person on the killer karaoke sound system. While the above picture may look like we had a sparse turn out, keep in mind that the graduating class of Jefferson High in 1998 numbered about 70 people. If you ever get stuck with planning a high school reunion, I highly suggest doing the BBQ in a park thing like we did. Everyone seems way cooler with a cheeseburger and Bud Light in tow.

Nightlife

Last night Steve and I went to a show at the Chain Reaction. That's right, living proof that we're not just a bunch of old fuddy duddies. We saw Matt Pryor, and he was spot on! Mr. Pryor was the lead guy in one of our all time favorite bands, The Get Up Kids. He also keeps himself busy with The New Amsterdams, which is another great band. However, last night, it was just Matt and his guitar. The show was great, minus the dingle heads who kept yelling out old Get Up Kids song titles. Matt Pryor did relent, and we were privileged to hear a few New Amsterdams and Get Up Kids songs. And for all of you Mama and Papas out there, Matt has written two kids albums under the name of The Terrible Twos. Not too shabby.

The Great Northern Adventure of 2008

Warning: This post is super long.

We began our road trip by spending the night in Redding with the Lances. We had so much fun, and Steve and Zeke had plenty of wrestle time. It was so great to see how big Sofia has grown, how much weight Dan has lost, and how 9 month pregnant Alyssa was more beautiful than ever. We really love those Lance folks.

I told you she was pregnant and beautiful! (Spoiler alert: the baby in that tummy will make an appearance somewhere during this post!)

Next stop: Portland area to visit best friend Alison, hubby Brandon, and cross-dressing son Jackson. My other best friend, Beka (Alison's twin sis), came to join us for a sleep over just like old times. You know you're best buds with someone when you can spend an entire day in their company without really "doing" much...except for dressing up their son and buying school supplies. Man, I miss you guys.

Isn't it funny that all of these pictures involve friends and their children? I'm such a grown up. Here's a pic of my dear friend Christina and one of the most handsome guys I've ever met, Brody. Our time was short, but anytime we get to spend with Christina is well worth it. Plus, she made me a quesadilla. Bonus! I'm pretty sure that Brody told me that he wants to visit Disneyland soon...hint hint.

The next day we spent time up at my grandparents' farm, Rasmussen Farms. My cousins, Gunnar and Solveig, were up there working, so we had a bit a fun with them. The above picture was taken by Steve during an impromptu photo shoot with Gunnar.

After spending time at the farm, a bunch of family members gathered together at Lost Lake to have a BBQ and celebrate my Gramp's birthday. After the BBQ, Steve, my parents, and I stayed to camp out for the next two days. We had rented a cabin, and the nice way to describe the joint would be to use words such as "rustic" and "cozy." It was a tight fit, the four of us sleeping in such close quarters. Ahh, family vacations. We were able to go canoeing, hiking, and ate many smores. Yumm.

This is not a stock photo, my friends. This is a Stevie original. This was our view of Mt. Hood from the cabin. Not too shabby.

I realize that this is not a great picture, but after camping we returned to civilization and had some good times with dear friends Beka & Jake, T.K., Lubes & Rubes, and little brother Jeffy. We ate good grub, picked some blackberries, and spent some time listening to awesome tunes. These people are like family to me, and it's always refreshing to be with friends who have loved you for an entire lifetime.

If you think that all of our time in Oregon was spent loafing around, you've obviously never met my family. My dad was SO excited about working on his fence, and he thought Steve would share in the enthusiasm. What a good son-in-law. However, Steve really did have fun on top of that tractor...and he looks good doing it.

Steve wasn't the only one spending time on a tractor. This picture is of my brother Jimmy's tractor hard at work. Jimmy thought it prudent to take his twin sis on a spin around the field. My brother is a successful farmer, and he is known around the area as the Straw King...at least that's what he tells me. It was fun getting to see how my brother spends his time. 

And here it is, folks. A smashing picture of Steve, Zeke, and brand-new baby Moses. Alyssa was so kind as to have her baby during our vacation, making it very convenient for us to meet the boy. Moses was just perfect, even his high-pitched cry was adorable (I don't have to hear it every night, though). Three kids seem to suit Dan and Alyssa just fine. 

And, although we don't have any pictures to prove it, Steve's vacation was made very memorable by spending time with Josh, Shawn, and Armin at TomFest. Steve loves these guys, and I'm so glad Brundibar didn't spoil it for Steve. 

Now we're at home, vacuuming cat hair off the couches, giving Brundibar plenty of attention, and doing copious amounts of laundry. Ahh, it's good to be home.