We went to my second ultrasound yesterday, and it was even more amazing than the first one!!!

So, first things first, despite my neurotic panic that something would go wrong, everything looks normal. The strange mass on my gestational sack is nearly gone. It is small enough to be considered within the ranges of "normal," and didn't even get mentioned in my paperwork. The baby is growing at a normal rate (he's 48mm long right now) and I was only one day off in my calculation of my due date. New date is August 19th.

I thought the first ultrasound was amazing, and it was, but this one was so incredible. Even though Maggot's only about 2 inches long, he really looks like a baby already! And he was moving around like crazy! I joked with the woman doing the scan that I wasn't sure if I was excited to feel that or not. The first time I saw him move I nearly cried. I really have a baby inside me!

Martin had a good time at the scan as well. He actually showed a little excitement (shocker)! I could tell he was happy because when he saw the baby move he got this amazed expression on his face and he said, "I made that!" He also said that the baby MUST be his, because it wouldn't stop jiffling around. The technician actually had a hard time getting measurements because Maggot wouldn't hold still. I was so relieved to see our little acrobat.

For the 30 minutes after the scan Martin and I walked around with big, dumb grins on our faces. When I got back to work everyone ooohed and ahhed over the picture, even though you can't see much. I am so happy right now!

I'm disgusted with myself right now. It's Friday night, and I am sitting at home alone watching (gasp) REALITY TV!

It could be worse, I guess. It's "So You Think You Can Dance," so at least they're actually doing something. But really, I couldn't find the remote and couldn't be bothered to change the channel. CSI is next.

Martin is working, and should be home in about 1 1/2 hours. For once I didn't come home and crash. I cleaned the bedroom and folded some laundry. I think the worst of the sickness and exhaustion are behind me, thank goodness. I have been up since 6:30 this morning, and I still feel human.

Martin's loving work! I went in for a few minutes tonight while I was going to the grocery store, and I got to watch him working for a little while. He fits right in, and looks like he's worked there for years. I may not like it that I'll be spending Fridays alone for the foreseeable future, but I like it that Martin loves his job.

Martin’s Job…

Martin’s first day at work was good, I think. For those of you who know him well, you know that he doesn’t really show excitement or anger or fear, or any emotion, really. He is so typically English and blasé about everything. When he got home last night he just looked really tired.

He said that the restaurant was pretty busy, and he worked a 10 hour day. But it was 10 hours spent doing things he likes to do, and I think that will make all the difference. Plus, he left the house at 8:45 am instead of 7:15 am and walked to work. I think that was probably the selling point! He is at work now, and I am curious to see how his day went today. Sally and Nadine, the owners of The Place, are taking him to lunch in York on Monday. He’s being wined and dined! They will be working with him all this week, and he will be on his own starting next week.

Work continues much the same for me. Every day sees me a little bit more comfortable with my duties and a little more confident in the work I am doing. The little office alliances are becoming clearer and the petty arguments seem more obvious. But everyone is still so lovely. Funnily enough, there are three of us that are pregnant at work. Kerrie is due on April 23, Emma is due on September 5, and I am due on August 20. I am the oldest one by about 7 years. Oh well, c’est la vie.

In pregnancy news, I think the worst of the morning sickness is past. Either that or I am learning to manage it better. I no longer spend all my time fighting nausea. I really only get sick if I let myself get too hungry, which has happened a lot this week. It seems like no matter how much I eat I am still starving. But I am being good and eating fruit, veggies, and yoghurt for my snacks. It seems like I don’t have enough meals in the day to get all the stuff that I need. Thank heaven for pre-natal vitamins!

It’s kind of funny that my eating habits have changed so much. I have actually lost about 8 kilos since I got pregnant because I have been really trying to get all the fruit and vegetables in. I eat like a pig, but it’s all healthy, good stuff. But even with the weight loss, my clothes are starting to get too tight. I’m at that really annoying stage where you can’t tell if I’m pregnant or if I just need to lay off the chocolate. The other day Martin told me I was starting to look a little bit pregnant. Then he got worried, and asked me if he was allowed to say that. I love my husband!

A GREAT weekend and wonderful news…

My birthday was smashing! Martin and I went to the temple on Friday and spent Saturday driving around the Yorkshire Dales. It was nasty weather, but a beautiful drive. I have some fab pictures to post when I get a chance. Thanks everyone for my lovely gifts. It really softens the blow of getting older.

So today marks a milestone that Martin and I have been waiting patiently for. Most of the family already knows, but today’s the big BLOG announcement. Martin and I are going to have a baby! I’m due in late August.

I am 10 weeks pregnant, and today marks the end of the embryonic phase. I officially have a fetus (although we have called it a baby from the beginning.)! We found out about it on the 15th of December, and I already had an ultrasound to make sure everything was normal. The ultrasound was on the 3rd of January, and it was the most amazing and emotional experience I’ve ever had. I was only 7 weeks then, so there wasn’t much to see, but the baby is in the right place, and we saw its heart beating. I have another ultrasound scheduled for next week, and then I will start seeing the midwife.

So yeah, I think I have a pretty good excuse for not posting more often. Every spare moment I have (and there aren’t many, believe me!) has been spent sleeping. I’ve been completely exhausted and sick since the day I conceived, but we are still so excited! Martin has been great—really taking good care of us. And he is working much harder on the house now so it is done when the baby is born.

Speaking of Martin and in non-baby news (Martin accuses me of only talking about the baby recently so I’ll try not to), his last day at Enterprise was last Wednesday. It’s been a little bit weird for him, but I think he’s happy about it. He starts at The Place tomorrow, and he seems cool about it. He’s pretty nervous though. We bought him some new black shirts for work since that’ll be his new uniform and he’s getting a haircut today. This should be interesting. I know he liked his new job this morning when I had to get up and get ready for work at 6:30 and he stayed in bed. I’m sure we’ll settle into a routine soon enough.

This week we are working on our first clients at college. We’re only doing a back massage, not a full-body massage, but I am a little bit nervous. The massage bit is fine, but I’m not quite sure how to do record cards, explain the treatment to a client, etc. My first client is Fran Anderson, Lewis’s mum. She’s excited for the massage, and I have given her a leg and abdominal massage before, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Next week is the first full body client, and Emma is coming in for me. That one is a little bit nerve wracking. But I got to practice the back massage on my college buddy Selina, and she liked it. Martin may be getting several massages this week. I’m sure he won’t complain!

Hello my faithful blog readers!

Sorry I haven't posted for so long. Life is so busy right now, and I haven't been feeling so hot. Basically, I do what I have to do every day, then immediately go to bed. If you are feeling neglected, you should see the state of my house. It is disgusting!

Things continue much the same as ever. Work is good for both of us. Martin's last day at Enterprise is next week, and he is getting pretty excited for that. He'll have a few days off (to get stuff done on the house hopefully) and then he'll start at "The Place." I am really starting to learn the ropes at Alan Dick and now have my own e-mail address, logon, and set of defined duties. Of course, I am not there today. I am having some problems with my asthma and have to go to college tonight as I am taking two tests. There was no way I could work all day and then do three hours of college. I hate being sick!

We went to Martin's work holiday party last weekend, which was pretty fun. It was in Sheffield, and we were late leaving. Martin drove like a maniac the whole way there, and we made it in record time. The dinner was great, the compan was pretty good, and watching everyone get falling down drunk was a real treat, as usual. I did get a fabulous new dress out of the whole deal, and was pleased to look classy AND covered up. There were some seriously skimpy outfits there. We didn't stay very long--only about 3 hours--but were glad we went all the same.

We are now on afternoon church, which is great! Sunday morning we went for a walk down at the Water's Edge Park. We took a loaf of stale bread and fed the ducks. It was really strange though, because along with the usual ducks and moorhens and swans, there was a flock of terns (kind of like seagulls, only different). We really had a good time feeding them, because they are super aggressive and got into fights over the bread. A few times they even snatched food right out of the other birds' mouths (think the "Mine" seagulls in Finding Nemo). It is kind of bad that it's dark by the time we get out of church, but that won't be the case for very much longer. Summer is coming--though not fast enough for my liking!

Anyway, I need to get some homework done and study for my tests, so I'd better close for now. I promise I will be better about posting--or I will at least try to be!

A Fantastic Christmas!

So yeah, Christmas was good. We spent Christmas Eve in our own home, and then all of Christmas day with Martin's parents. To my complete amazement, no fights all day. Christine was much more relaxed than she usually is at Christmas. Everyone really liked their gifts, the meal was perfect, and I got everything I wanted (except pajamas--I really wanted pajamas).

Martin's gifts went down well. I got him a hand made chinese checkers set, a couple of CDs, some gloves, Christmas socks, and a new titanium and silver ring (to replace the silver ring I gave him when we got married). He gave me a fabulous new handbag, an adorable belt, this gorgeous new necklace, loads of good stuff!

Martin's parents got me a portable massage bed. It's not new, but it's nearly as good as. And it will make it possible for me to practice at home and then start going to people's homes to give massages when I'm qualified. I gave Martin a back massage, but I haven't been feeling so hot lately so that's all I've done so far. Emma is going to have a massage on New Years day. I need the practice desperately!

Speaking of Martin, the poor guy has had a horrible hacking cough for 4 days now. He came home from work early on Tuesday because he hadn't slept all night. He's getting better, but he's still miserable. Work has been boring for him, which isn't helping matters. All of the garages and body shops are closed for Christmas, and that's where about 80% of their business comes from. I hate it when Martin's sick. Especially when he's not complaining about it, because that's when I know he really feels terrible!

We have started working on the guest room upstairs. I almost have the walls ready to paint, which is cool. Martin helped me chip away the plaster that was rotten, and I have put the first layer of dry wall on the holes, and just have one more coat plus the finishing plaster to put on. Then we paint, put up our recycled wooden cladding, strip the carpet, clean up the floor boards, and furnish it. To be fair, though, we already have a bed for the guest room. Just no closets, drawers, woardrobes, or bedside tables. But we DO have two matching lamps!

This weekend I think Martin is going to build the stud wall in the living room. I'm going to keep working on the guest room. Once the stud wall is up, we can do the ceiling. Then we can plaster and paint. After we paint, then we can do the floor. I'm tired of DIY. I think I'd give almost anything to be able to pay someone to finish it for us!

In happy news, we may be getting our kitten soon. We may have located one at Humberside Animal Rescue. They were getting a few in today, and they just need to do a home visit and verify that our home is acceptable for a kitten. Then we can pay the "adoption fee," and pick out our kitten. We could get a little kitty by next week. I'm so excited about that!

Anyway, I need to start cleaning the house since we are having the missionaries over for dinner tonight. Plus, I want it clean in case the HAR people come over for a home visit today! I'll write a bit more later. Happy New Year in case I don't blog anything before then!

Merry Christmas!

I am done with work for over a week, so it should be a VERY merry Christmas for me. It is 10 am and I am still in bed. Don't be all judgmental though--I've been awake since 9!

Last night was a busy one--Ward primary Nativity and social, as well as Martin's Gran and Grandad's 50th wedding anniversary party in Mablethorpe. Martin rode down to that with his sister and I went to the Nativity because I had to play the piano for it. When I was finished with my bit, I drove to Mablethorpe by myself. We stayed until about 10, then drove home. We were both completely exhausted by the time we got here, so it was straight to bed. We didn't even read before going to sleep, really. Martin is at work now, poor guy!

Christmas has come really fast this year. I can't believe it's only three days away. Our Christmas tree isn't even decorated yet, sadly. We got it last weekend, but have been too busy and too tired to do anything about it. I had a night or two when I could have done it, but I didn't want to decorate a Christmas tree alone!

Things are going well here in sunny old England. We've celebrated the first day of winter, to our absolute joy, so the days will start getting longer now. I believe yesterday was the shortest day of the year. Not that it's mattered anyway, as we've been completely covered in a bank of fog all week long. It's been so thick that you can't see more than about 10 feet in front of you. It's an absolute nightmare to drive in, but lovely all the rest of the time. It makes it so you can't see the steel works in Scunthorpe, the docks and factories in Grimsby, and the refineries in Immingham. Yes, a good old pea souper really improves the scenery in the Lincolnshire cities.

Martin is still looking forward to his new job--he'll start working weekends just after Christmas and will start full time on January 22. His group rental manager at Enterprise took him out to lunch on Wednesday and tried to talk him into staying at Enterprise, and he's seriously considering it (I think). I guess he was pretty persuasive and had some excellent arguments. I told Martin I would support him in whatever decision he makes, of course. I just want him to be happy.

I still haven't heard back from the day spa people, so I'm not holding my breath. But in the mean time, my job at Alan Dick is going swimmingly. They treat their temps so well, and it's nice to be considered more than just a piece of office equipment. I am off work all next week as they are closed for Christmas, but I think I get paid for it. Also, after only two weeks there I got a gift voucher from them for Christmas. The people are all really nice, the office is busy but social as well. If I were to stay there, it would be OK with me. There are worse places to work! In fact, I think I've worked in those already!

I need to get going. I have to run into town to pick up a few last minute bits and pieces for Martin's Christmas, get wrapping paper, tape, etc. Then I really ought to clean my house. I've been so tired lately that I haven't cleaned for ages. Even Martin is grossed out by the kitchen (I suggested he might like to clean it, but that didn't get a very favourable response).

Best Christmas wishes to all of you, and I will probably post again early in the new year (if not sooner!)

Merry Christmas!

The cathedral--where Martin proposed to me nearly 6 years ago now!

At the top of steep hill. Historic Lincoln enjoys the Christmas spirit!

Dressed up for Lincoln Christmas Market--as warmly as possible!

Affectionate! Mom and Dad!

Sleeping beauties--Krystle and ShaNeil.

Thanksgiving in Elmo with the Lofleys. Me and Krystle--awfully snooty!

Angie and Greg strike a pose.

Quick post--

The Lincoln Christmas market was lovely, and I have some pics to post. Just not right now, as it's been an incredibly busy day and I still have a lot to do. Tomorrow is the choir's Christmas Carol service, and I have been doing printouts of the program and cutting and pasting (literally, not on the computer) music onto card stock. Ugh! It's also the Primary Nativity next week, so we will be practicing that in church tomorrow. We also had a practice this afternoon.

Martin and I finally got a Christmas tree today. It's beautiful--a Norweigan pine with beautiful, full branches. We haven't decorated it yet since we had so much to do, but we will get it done some time in the next three days. I have one more week of work until AlanDick closes for the holidays, so that's good. Some free time, at last! It seems like we never even had a vacation.

In other good news (man, it's been the best week ever this week!) we finally got council approval for our home renovations. It came in the mail yesterday, so now we can build our wall downstairs and finish the front room. I don't know when we'll get around to it, but it should be soon. Then I want to get the guest room sorted out. You know--in preparation for all the people who are going to come and visit me in the next year or so!

Must go--absolutely exhausted and can't go to sleep until I get some stuff done. I'll post more later--promise.

A Great Day!!!

Yesterday was so busy, but so good! It started (for me) at 9 am, when I woke up and got ready for a job interview in Scunthorpe. I went to that, then popped in to see Martin. We had lunch together, exchanged our broken DVD player for one that actually works, then drove over to Hull to take my driving theory test. I got there with time to spare, didn't get lost, found a good parking spot, etc. Then, I took the test and passed it!

While I was driving across the Humber bridge to come home, I got a call from On Loan about the job. The guys that interviewed me thought I would be ideal, and wanted me to commit to 3 months. I want to keep my options open with the day spa job, which I haven't heard on yet, so I committed to a definite period of 8 weeks, with a chance to extend that later. This one may turn into a full time job as well, and I will be making the equivalent of $4 an hour more than I have been making since we got here. I start Monday!

I drove back to Scunny and bought the first of Martin's Christmas gifts, then picked him up from work. We drove into Grimsby and helped out at the Ward single adults Christmas party with the bishop and his lovely wife. It was such a good time, even though it was 3 hours of non-stop work. Then we came home and collapsed--completely exhausted, but so content. Especially because I bought us some new pillows and switched our mattress. I hope today is as good!

Martin is at work right now, then he is playing football this afternoon. After the game, we are driving to Lincoln to go to the Christmas market. It's one of my favourite events of the year, and I have the camera all ready to go. I will post pictures (maybe tomorrow) of the market, etc. Hope everyone else has a good weekend!

Personality really shines through--Jace!

My gorgeous little sisters--Krystle and ShaNeil.

The promised post...at last!

For those of you who didn't see us on our trip to the States and are dying of suspense, Martin decided to take the job at The Place. They are going to have a written offer for him on Monday, at which point he will hand in his notice at Enterprise. Scary!!! But he's excited, and that makes me excited for him.

My second interview went well, and I should hear back from the ladies soon. The day spa won't be opening until January, so I am trying to get a temp job in the mean time, and I have an interview for Job Seeker's allowance on Monday in case I can't get anything right away. That makes Martin less stressed.

Also, I am taking my driving theory test and hazard perception test tomorrow in Hull. Should be a good time. I just hope I pass, because it will be a pain in the rear end to take it again. I don't really fancy a trip into Hull, but I suppose it will be OK. It's just an absolute nightmare to drive over there. Maybe I'll see about getting a bus in? There's a thought.

So Martin has been sick all week, poor guy. He was throwing up and . . . other things, and didn't leave the bathroom for like 24 hours. I was feeling a little queasy myself--still am--but had to take care of my man. He wasn't complaining about how he felt, so I knew he was really sick. He's better now, and actually made it in to work today. This is the first day that I've been on my own, and it sure is nice. I've got a lot of laundry done and the bedroom is clean. Hooray!

Anyway, I'm going to post some pictures of the vacation now. Enjoy!

Back in the UK...

We made it back safely. The flights were boring and uneventful, and the drive from Gatwick to home was unimaginably long. But we are home now and happy to be here. It was great to sleep in our own bed!

I have the job interview in about 1/2 an hour, so I need to get ready for it now. I WILL be posting more--probably tomorrow.

Hugs!