First Pregnancy Class

http://www.sanfordhealth.org/centersofexcellence/womens/NewsDetail19233.cfm?ID=0,1330

Jordon and I had our first two hour "Centering Pregnancy" class tonight at Sanford. It is taught by a midwife and there are 5 other couples so far in our group. It was really fun getting to hear the other moms' stories and concerns as well as learn a lot of cool things I had never read in my books (...and can I add I have about 8 pregnancy books... so I was surprised to have learned so much). Centering classes are included in our overall pregnancy package and also allow us to go to whatever classes we want at Sanford for free...which is interesting because midwife care is cheaper than with a doctor. We will be delivering in the hospital however and doctors are on location 24/7 in case needed. I feel really good about our decision on the midwife thus far. Thanks for the tip off Lars ;0 )

Hung out with Lenny and Lucy for maybe the last time tonight. They are leaving early next week already. Very sad to see them go. I feel like so much is changing so fast in our lives. Jordon and I were talking today about how this is really such a transitional time in our lives. So crazy.... It seems like just yesterday I was living in dorms and now we are preparing a yard for summer and a nursery for our baby..... While we miss some aspects of our "old" life, we are both really excited about the new adventure before us. Home ownership can be a pain and frustrating, but is amazing none the less. I think having a child may be similar haha.

Being pregnant has also made me really appreciate and grow even closer to my husband. He has been so amazingly supportive and awesome these past months that words cannot begin to describe it. Some moments we want to kill eachother haha, but most of the time we just get along so well and are so happy. I am glad we are having this special time to bond before Ava comes. I know we will need all the love and patience we can in our first few months as new parents (or so I am told...). I am thankful for our supportive friends and family too. Even though today held bad news from several angles... I feel very blessed.

-A <3

First Pregnancy Class

19 Weeks- New Car!!

19 weeks has been fun. Jordon and I bought an adorable cherry red '67 Convertible Bug from Lucy and Lenny this week. Happy Birthday to me haha. This was quite the surprise!! I have always wanted a bug!! I can't wait to take it down to Okoboji this summer and cruise around the lake. Jordon is selling his old Fury in turn. This way we can get rid of his storage unit bc the bug will fit in our garage. Have I mentioned I really really love my husband for surprising me with all this. Also love you Lucy for giving up your baby :0 ) We will take good care of it. This past weekend was full of fun times. Kristin and Scott were visiting from Kansas City and them, us, and a whole crew hung out at Monk's and then played cards at our place until 4am. Very good times!! :0 ) Saturday, Lana and I baby window shopped and then Jordon and I spent the evening w/ Lana, Steve, Becca, and Trevor making cookies, playing guitar hero, and playing Life. Sunday we went to church for Palm Sunday, went to my Grandma and Grandpa J's (They got us a baptismal dress and bouncer for Nieva). My Grandpa and Jordon had fun playing with my Gpa's new banjo. We also watched some really old home videos. Was fun!! That evening we went and hung out with Lucy and Lenny; always a good time. :0 ) Also got to visit Kailie and her adorable new son, Asher, today. He is a doll!! Tonight the boys did a poker night and Lenny brought our new car over. So excited about that!! Jordon also got a few 19 weeks prego pics in of me tonight. Here are some pics...

Baptismal Gown

My Aunt Angie found a gorgeous baptismal dress, so my Grandma J went and picked it up. Love it!!

The Hybrid we are saving for

A Green Mercury Mariner (30mpg...pretty darn good)
This will be great for getting Nieva and all her stuff to and fro. Also will be great for taking clients on location with my photography equipment and moving artwork.

Preparing for Nieva

What's in a Name?

Nieva Aurora

(Nee-AY-Vuh Uh-Roar-UH)


Nieva:
origin: Spanish
Meaning: Snow; Its snowing

Explanation: Around December of 2003, Jordon and I were out with kristin on her back deck (a historic building in central Sioux Falls), watching a really beautiful peaceful snowfall. Jordon knows Spanish and he said "Nieva," which means -it's snowing- in Spanish. I said "what?" He explained, and we commented that would make a beautiful name for a little girl.

Settled snow can be cold and depressing, but lightly falling snow has always been a sight I've found to be extremely beautiful and calm. One of the few beautiful sights of long depressing winters. He agreed, and so here we are over 6 years later, preparing to welcome Nieva.


Aurora:
origin: Latin
Meaning: Sunrise; Goddess of the Dawn


Explanation: There are a few reasons I like this name. As it says above it is latin for sunrise. When I was a kid I used to love sunrise, but never could make myself get up to watch them. Sometimes I would wait all night long so I could go outside, walk through the dew to the end of our property, and watch the sunrise. Some see great beauty in a rainbow, but I remember my Grandma Boer telling me when I was a kid, that she found the sunset and sunrise to be much more beautiful than a rainbow bc they were there everyday. The symbolism behind a sunrise is apparent to me now. Something beautiful to kick start and represent a new day. I especially remember finding solace in sunrise when things weren't perfact during the day. Evening was quiet and sunrise brought the refreshing scent of dew and harmony or morning birds. Morning birds have also been inspiring to me and its odd that the meaning of Nieva's nickname correlates to them (see below).

I also like the name Aurora bc I am a Disney fan and any little girl knows who Princess Aurora is. I've been told I resemble her a little with my angular facial features and because I sing. At the beginning of the movie 3 fairies bless Aurora with the gifts of beauty, song, life, and love.



Nickname:
AVA

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Like a Bird

Bird's can symbolize a lot of things, but I find this fitting because bird's are free spirits with the gift of song who travel great distances. Jordon and I love music. I sing and Jordon plays drums, and we both enjoy a vast array of music. I hope this passion can be passed along to our little girl. I also like the idea of her being a free spirit as it has contributed so much to my artistic development and both Jordon and I's passion for learning and travelling.


I can't wait to meet our little angel!

Girl Stuff :0 )

Grandma and Grandpa Johnon did some shopping. We have a pink bassinet, crib mattress, and swing on their way tomorrow morning. Becky gave us a bag full of adorable dresses from the Philippines. Before I left for Costa Rica my Gma &Gpa Johnson brought a playpen over, and my friend Kaile offered us a baby tub, and a crib set. Feeling so excited and blessed at the many things people are finding for us to use. Excited to start looking for GIRL stuff :0 )

-A <3

Its a Girl!!!! Meet Nieva!! 18 weeks!!!

Costa Rica Getaway w/Kristin

I wasn't sure if it was going to be a good idea to travel pregnant... boy was I wrong. I needed this. It has felt so good to getaway. The fact I got to shoot a wedding definitely adds to my love of the experience because photography brings me such great joy. I have had an amazing time thus far. Check out my Mandas Adventures in Wonderland Blog for more details on the trip. I had an amazing massage today with waves crashing in background and bird sounds under this tropical canopy... so amazing!!! The masseuse says I am having a girl (Becky, my hair stylist saidthe same thing last week so we shall see. Laid by the beach/pool all day and had virgin drinks, read, napped, and now am getting ready to head out for supper with part of the wedding party. Danielle's wedding was stunning yesterday. Cannot wait to finish editing pictures. Those will be on my Amandas Imagery Blog in due time.
Tomorrow I am going on a rain forest/volcano/hot springs tour. Very excited for that. :0 )

will add pics later


-A <3

A Ver Merry Un-Birthday Theme...

Saw the new Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland last night. Fitting since vintage Alice is one of the theme's for the nursery. Was thinking it doesn't work for a shower party theme...BUT for a 1st bday!?! How cute. Envision Wedding Studios posted a link to an example and it reminded me how I had looked this up a few years ago for fun. I wish i could find some of the images from that search session, but I think they are on my laptop so for now here is what I fund for an Alice in Wonderland themed party.... (For fun's sake :0 )

Maternity Clothes

Was pretty excited to find a $4 pair of khaki cargo maternity capris and maternity jogging pants at Kohls!! The same pants were $45 at Motherhood Maternity in the mall!! :0 ) Leaving for Costa Rica tomorrow and couldn't be more excited!!! :0 )

Jordon home & 16 Week Appointment

I am so excited that Jordon is home. He got home at 4 am this morning. It feels so good to have someone else in the house again. I missed him so much. I feel so happy today despite my still nagging sore throat and stuffy nose.

16 week appointment today went great. I have had a cold/sore throat for days that is finally going away, so am so worn out and was worried I could be dehydrated. Also, I had been worried bc the last few days I have been having painful sharp pains in my lower abdomen. Baby's heart beat was good though and she said cervix is closed and uterus growing properly (sorry if thats too much info for some haha), so she thinks it is just ligament pains. I was worried I could have a cyst forming bc I get those sometime. She said on my first ultrasound there was a cyst on my left ovary, but it was gone on the last one so hopefully those stay away.

At 16 weeks I have gained 5.1 pounds according to their records so that is good. Between 4-10 pounds is normal. She said since I am thin I should be fine to have my ultrasound done at 18 weeks to check for health and GENDER!! :0 ) (I apparently just take for granted that baby WILL be healthy haha). I am very excited for that appointment though.

I will basically leave for Costa Rica this weekend, get back next weekend, and have the ultrasound that monday so I have a few super exciting weeks coming up :0 ) Yay :0 ) The following week we start centering/birth prep classes and I start my new fitness program at Sanford Wellness (Working out for 2). Also have lots of painting to do as my first show will open on April 19th at USF Library in Sioux Falls. I will have a reception with goodies that day. Will be sending invites out hopefully late March/Early April. Also am likely going to be part of a show at the seminary and at The Wine Bar in Okoboji late spring. I am happy for spring to be here.


-A <3