5 Weeks

Today I started my "belly shots." I know it's kind of early since the baby bump won't show up until about week 8. But I wanted to start early... especially since I'm feeling the pre-baby-bump-bloat coming on. I can tell I'm retaining water and this extra resident is making me feel more bloated every day.

So here we go!

He Got A JOB!!!

Phillip was just offered a job this morning and will be accepting it! He starts in 2 weeks!

He will be working for a company called ITC (Insurance Technologies Corporation as a customer service analyst-ish. The official job title will come with the formal offer letter this afternoon.

So excited for him!!! You have NO idea! We've been waiting for this for a year and we are THRILLED!

Now to start thinking about relocating to somewhere between Carrollton and Bedford....

I am so excited for my wonderful husband. He deserves this more than anyone. Job hunting has taken its toll on him and now he can finally relax and build his career up.

So blessed. :)

Apple Seed

Today, our baby is the size of an apple seed! Can you believe it!? Already growing way too fast. Hehe.

Yesterday we took some "pregnancy announcement" pictures. We're probably not going to do an official announcement but I wanted them as a keepsake for this time and to remember us before the bump and subsequent bundle of joy. Here are some of my favorites!

What do you think!? I thought they turned out great! There are probably about 15 others I love too! Heather did such a great job with the camera and helping us pose correctly. Thanks!

P.S. Phillip had a job interview this morning!

Baby Long

Week: 5

Size: Apple Seed

Important Developments: Umbilical Cord

Noticeable Symptoms: Smell, Mood Swings

One Year Anniversary

Today I have officially been in my current job for one year. Happy anniversary!!

This job came at the best moment and has changed my life for the better. I truly love what I do and I get to make a difference in the world every single day.

This company took a chance with me - fresh out of school, young, and burnt out from the post-grad-can't-get-my-dream-job-so-I'm-working-at-a-bank-to-make-ends-meet job. I am so thankful!

My Accomplishments: (Ok. I know this is conceited but I wanted to pat myself on the back a bit.)

• I have personally been responsible for 2000 students in Texas being screened.
• As a result of my initiative, we now have our first district that purchased machines and is paying for their students to be screened.
• Two adults in a school district in North Texas were flagged for serious heart conditions - one spent that weekend in the hospital.
• Two FC Dallas players came out to support us and show students how "cool" and painless the process was.
• I screened almost an entire town in east Texas because they needed it.
• I caught a rare Long QT person. You have to screen them at the precise second they are having symptoms.
• I spoke with the mayor of Arlington, a room full of skeptical athletic trainers, a TEA big-whig counsel meeting, and held my own during an interview with the newspaper.
• I found a student with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome who had an inpatient hospital procedure.

I have grown so much this year - professionally and personally. I have pushed my limits and done things I thought I couldn't. I conquered those times I had a ball of nerves in my stomach while my legs tried to run the other way. Situations were uncomfortable, scary, and overwhelming at times, but I did it. I mastered "small talk" to new people, sharpened my memory skills, improved my work ethic (as though that were even possible to do), realized some big dreams of mine, and so much more.

Cheers to starting a new year with them and hopefully making a difference in more lives!

NYE in Argyle

Happy New Year everyone!

We stayed up just until it was officially 2013, our time. Then, like the old people we are, we drifted off to bed. It was relaxed and I loved it. We watched TV, hung out with our puppy dog, and enjoyed the night.

Our very own New Year's ball!! Phillip's parents gave it to us last year so we could carry on their family's tradition of dropping their own ball at midnight. Last night, since it was our first NYE alone, we did just that. Happy New Year!

Phillip and Murphy snuggling on the love seat while I took up the entire couch.

I love my life! This time next year, we will be playing with a baby at the same time. What an exciting and eventful year ahead - for us and our families and friends. 2013, despite its number, will be a lucky year for a lot of people. Ready to get this 2K13 party started!