Pink or Blue?

Good thing the room is turquoise and it was going to be that color regardless if it was a boy or a girl. The doctor told Matt and I on Thursday that now they don't know if we're having a boy or a girl and the baby is getting so big that if they can't tell in two weeks then we will all know together at birth! It's 2008, not 1908- if you want to know, you should be able to know! :) I just think this whole thing is hilarious and another testimony of God being in control; not doctors, not me, not Matt, not my overly excited mother who wants me to fly home to Seattle to have a different ultrasound done- this little one is in God's hands. So when people ask what I'm having, my response has been different lately, "A baby!"

6 months

I don't know why people say that pregnancy is 9 months, because it is 40 weeks, which sure sounds like 10 months to me. Anyways, we've made it more than half-way now- hello six months! :) Does that mean we're in our last trimester? I really don't know... All I know is that my belly is getting bigger and bigger everyday. We are definitely having a healthy big boy! My balance and equilibrium are so off right now thatI even fell in the parking lot at Dominicks... TWICE! The first time I slipped on some ice. The second time it was all me- no ice in sight. So, if I didn't feel foolish enough waddling around like a penguin, falling flat on my face and having Matt rushing over to me (why wasn't he already holding my hand again?:) sure was a high point in the third trimester. So- I've included some pictures of my every growing bump, and it's called "Pregnancy Head" folks (when you're face gets fat and looks different during pregnancy) so don't be hatin' just because you're jealous.

There's a Gymnast In There!

Well, it was bound to happen, and we've been waiting for it, but finally on Sunday night Matt was able to feel Baby Jackson move around! I've been feeling something for the past couple of months, but nothing like the gymnast that abounded on Sunday night. He's been consistent since then and we are both enjoying another first of pregnancy. It sure makes it a lot more real to feel that little guy kicking and doing flips. I still forget that he's in me and that I'm pregnant, until I walk by a mirror- YIKES!

The Nursery Has Been Started!

While I love being pregnant, I am having a hard time slowing down and allowing the limitations that pregnancy has put upon my body. I wanted the nursery to get started during Winter Break and I thought that I could get in there and paint up a storm, put the furniture together, etc., as I've always been able to do. I did about a foot of trim before I was out of breath and "Uncle Dave" (the Godfather) sent me out of the paint-fumed room (I asked the guy at the hardware store and he said I would be OK!) I spent the day shredding and filing paperwork in the den while Matt and Dave painted and put together furniture for the new room. It isn't finished since we don't have the crib or anything yet, but we'll get there. We are really pleased with the results and I find myself sitting in the middle of the room with Sox, just enjoying the happy new place in our home. Four and a half months to go and our home is starting to look ready for Baby Jackson. I just can't wait to meet him! He's been so active lately, I feel like I know him already. We are hoping that Matt can start to feel the kicks soon as well.

Getting ready to be a dad- thanks Papa Rife.

Thank you Uncle Dave!

Well, it's a start! Changing table and wardrobes.

We have already hung the little Urlacher jersey/onesie- Jackson's sure to love Chicago sports.

...and lastly, the adorable new curtains. I love this room.

Winter with the Rifes

Well, someone mentioned that we should start up on a family blog since we are getting ready for the most exciting time of our life. We are expecting Baby Jackson in May, and as of now our due date is still May 11th.
This was a fun winter for us! We were able to go home to Seattle and visit with everyone for Christmas this year. It was especially eventful since G-Pa Dime celebrated his 50th- good thing we're finally giving him a grandchild :)
It was a really fun visit home, although too short as always. We really made an effort to keep it low key and spend a lot of time with our parents and brothers. It was one of the most enjoyable Holiday Seasons we've had.

Almost 10 years now and still kissin'.

Getting ready for G-Pa Dime's 50th.

Grandpa & Grandma Binkley with Matt & Nicole

Matt & Chad

G-Ma & G-Pa Dime

Saying goodbye at the airport- Mom, Nikah & Josh.