5.31.2012

Jacob Lawrence Cinadr :)

On Saturday, May 26, at 9:20 pm we welcomed our little baby, Jacob Lawrence Cinadr into the world :)  He weighed 7 lbs 14 ounces and was 20 inches long.  We already love him to pieces and are quickly adjusting to life as parents!   I will give a more extended update later since things are a little hectic right now as expected :) Here are some of my favorite pics so far- we have almost 350 to sort through!


Jacob only about 5 minutes old!


My husband has been amazing.  It has been so cute to watch him as a dad :)

5.25.2012

Unsolicited Advice.


via
I can't tell you how thankful I was to read this blog post around Mother's Day.  I think because it's become pretty obvious that I'm pregnant at this point (4 days from my due date), I have gotten lots of unsolicited advice from strangers.  Last week on our way to the Cubs game in Chicago, my co workers and I were crammed on the red line and they got to experience first hand what I experience on what feels like a daily basis.  It was one of those moments where you wish you could desperately get away, however, if anyone has been on the CTA on their way to a Cubs game, you know there is no escaping.  So, for what seemed like an hour, (which was probably 10 minutes) I listened to a guy tell me about each of his children's birth, when his wife went to the hospital and therefore when I should go to the hospital, and lots of other intimate details that I definitely was not expecting.  I was VERY thankful when someone offered me their seat so I could politely back down from the conversation.  This is a pretty common occurrence for me- from standing in line at Noodles & Company, to shopping in the grocery store, to walking back to my car in a parking lot- I've been told lots of "interesting" bits of information regarding what my life is going to look like with a baby.

What is the common denominator in all of those conversations?  Unfortunately, most people pretty much tell you the worst.  They don't mean to, but I think that they assume I must be extremely naive and have no idea what I am getting myself into because everyone feels the need to inform me that I'm not going to sleep for the next 5 years... that Dan and I will never get alone time for the rest of our lives... that I am making a huge sacrifice and it is going to feel like that... a sacrifice... and that I can bank on not getting alone time until they leave for college.  While I "know" what they say carry truth with them, I won't fully know until I am holding my baby in my arms and am experiencing it for myself.

That's why I loved Laura's blog post.  Because while she talked about the lack of sleep and the changes their baby brought to their marriage, she talked about what you rarely hear- how amazing it is to hold your baby in your arms, to watch your husband take care of your son or daughter, and the joys that come with being a mother.  I am sure those feelings are much harder to describe to someone who's expecting, so what comes out is "good luck sleeping for the next couple weeks!" however if I've learned anything from my experience, I really hope that if I feel the need to talk to someone about their pregnancy, that I share with them the positive, not the negative.  I've seen the difficult parenting moments and trust me, I already am scared that I will be that mom who has a screaming child at church all the while feeling the stares from people watching, waiting to see how I am going to handle the situation.

This could just be me.  There may be moms to be who needed to be brought back to reality about the realities of having a baby.  However I have found that more often than not, that is what people are already sharing.  So, I hope to be different.  I hope to remind them that although it's probably a little scary and nerve wracking knowing that your life is going to change drastically in the next couple weeks, the blessings you experience are even more.  I know.. this is coming from someone who hasn't even had her baby yet.  But, it's mom's like Laura who give me hope that there are blessings that come with parenthood- so I'm going to put my hope in that right now :)

5.23.2012

Nursery Update

These past couple weeks we have been putting a lot of finishing touches on the "nursery" in our bedroom.  I personally am very thankful that we are pretty much done- I can't imagine still trying to put the last finishing touches to it this week!  Other than getting a diaper pale, that is the only *needed* item before the baby arrives. (which technically could be any day.. but we don't have high hopes for his/ her arrival anytime soon!)

I did have my doctors appointment on Friday and I am one centimeter dialated- woo hoo! lol  I know in the labor and delivery realm that is pretty much nothing, but it's a start, right?!  Oh, and in other fun news we have had probably close to 5 people in the past week ask if we're having a boy.. maybe that's a sign?!  And, a kid in the McDonald's parking lot asked what we were naming our baby and I told him (well lied technically..) that we didn't know yet (I didn't really think he was that interested lol) and he said that we should name him Jake if it's a boy- which is CRAZY because that is the boy's name we have picked out!  Coincidence? Not sure.. we'll find out soon though!

Oh Ikea directions.. not the easiest to understand.  Thankful for Dan who spent a long time putting our baby's dresser together!

Making room for the baby!


We used the corner by our bed to stash some extra stuff :)

5.22.2012

Weekend Updates

This past weekend was SO nice.  Not only is it starting to feel like summer around here, Dan and I were able to spend a lot of time together - which I always like :)  My weekend technically started on Friday when we went to downtown Chicago for my last day of work to prepare for a conference that is being held at Moody.  Then, we headed to a Cubs game - I am pretty sure Trinity has treated me to almost all of the Cubs games I have attended here in Chicago! 

Next, Dan and I were able to spend Saturday hanging out at Starbucks (yes their Mocha Coconut drink is BACK, and it was amazing), and we met up with some of Dan's Beta brothers who live in the area to go see the movie "What to Expect when You're Expecting."  Although Rotten Tomatoes gave it a low rating, if you are pregnant, or have a close friend who is pregnant, you could probably relate to a lot of the humor in this movie.  Needless to say, we enjoyed watching it :)

Then, on Sunday some of our co workers/ lovely friends treated us to brunch in downtown A Heights, we went and saw my friend, Lindsay McCaul (who has been on tour with Casting Crowns, Stephen Curtis Chapman, and will be on tour with Matthew West!) sing at the Metropolis in Arlington Heights, and the night ended with me getting in my last few chances to use pregnancy cravings as an excuse to get milkshakes: a peanut butter cup shake from Steak and Shake.  Not a bad ending to a great weekend!

The couples who went to see the movie


Enjoying some down time in Chicago before the Cubs game!



Rish was cut out so we needed to take another one :)


Meeting up with Lindsay after her concert!

5.18.2012

38 weeks

So I had to take a couple pictures of my 38 week belly bump during graduation :)  Normally I post every two weeks, but since I was all "dolled up" for my big day, we decided to take some photos.  Surprisingly you couldn't really tell I was pregnant with my robe on!  Dan was slightly disappointed you couldn't see my bump, but I was kind of happy that I didn't look huge walking across the stage!

In other fun news, the foot swelling has begun.  Dan is even surprised by how big they look.  I personally think it makes me more attractive ;) just kidding.  But really, other than the swelling and my rising body temperature, I'm feeling really good! Since graduation is officially done, we have officially given this baby permission to come out whenever he/ she is ready!  Except for today... when I will be in downtown Chicago with my co workers... right in the middle of the NATO Summit preparations...with only access to our hospital via train.  Other than that, we're ready :)





you can definitely see my stomach here!

5.15.2012

Graduation

So this weekend I officially graduated from Seminary at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  I have SO many thoughts regarding it, but right now my main feeling is relief.  I cannot believe that after 3.5 years I am finally DONE.  I am so thankful and grateful.  Cannot believe it is over- I have no idea what I am going to do with my time now!

Here are some pictures from the day :)

Walking out!


Getting hooded



yay!

Dan is going to be next!!

No, I did not go into labor during the ceremony.  Even though it was extremely hot the guy next to me thought I might lol

My wonderful parents came into town to celebrate!
Then we went out to eat afterward :)

5.14.2012

Our Mother's Day Weekend

This was a very busy weekend for us!  Both sides of our family were in town so we spent most of our time with them.  It was great to see them :)

Dan's brother, Jeff, stopped by so we drove him to see the Home Alone House and we stopped by the beach up in the North Shore- it was the same one we went to when we showed it to Dan's parents.  You can tell from our other post it was much colder the last time we were there!


Comparing belly sizes.. I'm pretty sure I've got him beat :)





At graduation!  We have more pictures to come.

Celebratory dinner at Salsa 17- Guac and a virgin coconut fruity drink. SO good!


An early Mother's Day gift from Dan's family- a balloon and Dan's freshman year college Beta pic :)  Dan's parents know I LOVE this picture of Dan, so they brought it from Texas for me!  Dan thinks I am crazy for putting up this picture on display of him in our aprtment however lol

Dan and his bro



So these are LONG overdue, but these pictures we took when we were in Texas a couple weeks ago and I completely forgot to upload them, so I thought I'd share them now :)


comparing stomachs again... I'm still winning :)

Jake and his dog :)


So yesterday this Lamborghini zoomed around us going close to 100 in the turning lane to our apartment.  When Jeff realized that this was a pretty nice car and it was revving its engine, he decided to video tape it zooming away.  We could not believe what we saw when it turned the corner and crashed!  Thankfully, no one was hurt, but we were in complete disbelief by what we just witnessed!  It made for quite the eventful day!


5.11.2012

37 Weeks




Confession time.  Our baby is not the size of a pumpkin this week, it is the size of a swiss chard or a winter melon.  Pumpkin is the "fruit" for week 38, but really, who knows how big (or for that matter, what is) a swiss chard?  I figured a 6 pound pumpkin (which is how big the baby is this week!) is a pretty big pumpkin, so I feel ok with the label even though I'm lying :)

We are getting sooo close.  We are both really excited but reality is kicking in that we need to make sure we have everything in place- like buying a diaper pail and getting our bags packed and putting in the car seat (see below!).  Apparently at 37 weeks it can be "go time" yet I'm still convinced this little guy/ girl is going to be hanging out for a little bit longer, so I'm in it for the long haul!  Obviously, we would be thrilled if he/ she decided to make their appearance before 40 weeks- we are getting so excited to hold and play with him/ her, and I'm getting kind of tired of calling our baby "him/ her" or really we refer to our baby usually as "it" :)

Especially with Mother's day coming around the corner, it is becoming more and more a reality of just what a blessing my new role as a mom is going to be.  I feel incredibly honored and thankful that God has given me (and Dan!) the privilege of parenting our baby.  I know it won't always be pretty.. or easy (good reminder of the impossible call to motherhood here).. or for that matter even feel like a privelage, but my hope is that we wouldn't lose perspective of what an important job we are going to have and the incredible impact we can have on this child.  Come what may, we're excited and can't believe there are going to be 3 of us soon as opposed to 2!

I decided to take pictures of us installing the car seat.  I know, that's such a first time parent thing to do.  But it still makes me smile when I get in my car and see the little seat there and think about our baby being in it soon!  Now we can officially leave the hospital and take him/ her home! yay!

He already looks like a dad :)

Reading the instructions..

Stopping to make fun of me for snapping so many pictures haha

We're in!

Followed by the cheesy thumbs up shot. Go team.

5.09.2012

The True Meaning of Marriage

So if you follow certain pastors/ people on twitter you may have seen this video floating around yesterday, but it was too good not to share with you. I watched it at 11:20 in bed last night and there may have been tears involved.  I blame the pregnancy.

You can watch the video below and then download a PDF for free of Piper's book Momentary Marriage.  Yes I said free.  Piper is just that awesome.  I read through this book in the Fall because it was one we had on our list to do in our couples study, and I would definitely recommend it.  Here's the portion he read in the video:

"Marriage is not mainly about prospering economically.  It is mainly about displaying the covenant keeping love between Christ and His church.  Knowing Christ is more important than making a living.  Treasuring Christ is more important than bearing children

Either way it is short.  It may have many bright days or may be covered with clouds but if we set our face to make of marriage mainly of what God designed it to be no sorrows or calamities will stand in our way.  Everyone of them will be not an obstacle to success but a way to succeed. 

The beauty of the covenant keeping love between Christ and His Church shines brightest when nothing but Christ can sustain it. 


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5.08.2012

It's been a while ...

... since I've posted some of my favorite links!  I have been seeing a lot of fun things recently so I thought I would share them with  you. Get excited.

First, this song has been on repeat for me all weekend.

Despite my heartburn, I made these this past weekend and they were really good... (tip- I cooked the chicken in the crockpot.. so good)

I am loving this Ikea remake originally done here.

Good thoughts on rest.

I also made this for our small group and it went over really well... and it had lemons and berries :)

Great post on setting boundaries.

I am loving this apartment.

And of course, who couldn't love this adorable picture?! I've seen it a couple times (on blogs and pinterest) and thought I would contribute to it's popularity.


5.07.2012

Girls Weekend!

Last week three of some of my best girlfriends from college all made their way to Chicago from Florida and Indiana for a girls weekend!  It was SO wonderful to see all of them and I was so glad they all were willing to make the trip.  There was a lot of talking and catching up, but in between that we managed to head to downtown Chicago for the night, eat at some great restaurants, visit the Art Institute, do some shopping, and head to the movies :)  It was such a great weekend and I am so thankful for them!  I love that we can still get together and catch up like we did in college- cannot believe it has been 4 years!

Our room for the night!

Lovely ladies: Cynthia and Jamie

You could reserve a table to have tea :)  We wished we would have known that!

The lobby

At the Art Institute


Cynthia, Kylie, and Jamie

Intently looking at the art :)

This was a popular one for sure


Annnd the contractions kicked in so they chilled with me for a little bit :)

Heading out to eat!

At Atwood Cafe


Heading off to get dessert

Posing by the Chicago sign!


The most ADORABLE bakery ever.


helllooo amazing cupcakes




It was seriously so cute!

Of course we had to visit the bean