Jamaica: Round 9 & Pregnancy: Round 2

It seems that every year returning to Jamaica I leave with the same feeling, "Is this really over for another year?" What an amazing experience it is for me...emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It is eye-opening week and reawakens talents in myself that I tend to forget I process. This year Jamaica was also a physical experience for me. Being pregnant in your first trimester and being in Jamaica are at times a completely miserable pairing! I loved being able to return this year and do not regret the choice Kyle and I made for me to go, but wow, hello sickness! I've been sick this entire pregnancy, since day one, but being sick in a country that is so hot and sticky, while trying to serve the people and not get sick on them...it was rough! I only got unbearably sick on Thursday and spent some time at the church resting. Fatigue held me back at times, but I am very proud of how much I was able to do and hope I didn't let me team down! My amazing Jamaican parents and grandparents are very excited for our new addition and looked after me the entire week. Sister J has requested we have a girl though as she already has two Jamerican grandsons. :)Overall Jamaica was an amazing trip. I'm hoping that next year Kyle and I will be able to travel together as it does so much good for us individually and as a couple and even as parents.








Now to answer some questions I have gotten about this pregnancy. It is TOTALLY different than it was when I was pregnant with Britton. I am sick nearly every day, I am always nauseous, some days I eat very little and other days I eat everything in sight. I have even been having cravings this time around. For example on Monday I had Kyle go and get me a kid's meal from Captain D's (which we do not eat at EVER) and had it with a glass of chocolate milk. Yesterday we planned on having pasta, but on my way home I smelled Arby's and my craving for a roast beef sandwich, french fries and a bowl of Lucky Charms won me over. Hopefully all of these differences mean a little girl is on the way. ;) It's been a very rough 9 weeks, but I know the end is within sight and the feeling that comes with a newborn has no words to describe the emotions. Thank you all for all the congratulations, kind words, gifts, calls, and texts. We couldn't be happier about Britton becoming a big brother!

(: Big News :)

Another Busy Weekend

My parents and my Grandfather came to Nashville for the weekend to celebrate my birthday (early) since I will be in Jamaica when it comes around! We put my Dad to work building a wall in our downstairs room. The framing has been completed and the next time he visits we will officially have a 3rd bedroom with a closet and a SEPARATE laundry room! Yay, for grown-up birthday gifts. :) While Dad was framing and Kyle was painting outside, P watched Britton and Mom and I went to the Otter Creek Consignment Sale. I had not planned on getting anything as Britton has more clothes than he will probably wear! I did end up spending a little, only $7.50, and Mom did the rest of the damage! We picked out some outfits for Britton, a musical saxophone to help with his band, a three little pigs talking book/house/figurine toys, a polar bear toy, a LIttle People pirate, musical bath toys, and the best of all a POTTY!! :) I'm hoping to start taking Britton to the bathroom when he's 18 months and just let him sit on it and "read"....hopefully this will encourage him. It was a good sale. We were amazed at how much was left when we left at noon and it was over at 2pm. I wonder what happens to all of the items not sold?! We grabbed Chic-fil-a, one of my favorites, and headed home. After lunch,more home improvement work, and lots of play time outside for Britton we had dinner, a birthday cookie and opened some gifts. It's been a busy weekend, but good. :) Spring Break could not be coming at a better time, though I'll be working in Jamaica it will still be a much needed break and even sleeping through the night. :)