A Little History

So I guess I should catch some of you up on our lives and future plans.. I'll make it somewhat short :)

As many of you know, Rueben and I met 3 1/2 years ago in college at Central Washington University and started dating almost immediately. I was the patient football girlfriend (Carrie and Nicole, you know what I mean!) but nonetheless, we had some great times! We graduated in 2007 and 2008 and have been pursuing our careers since. I was recruited to work for Bechtel National, a international construction company in Richland, WA at the Hanford Reservation. I am a Safety and Health Specialist, which means, I look out for the construction workers to make sure they dont kill themselves (kind of like OSHA). Rueben has been in the National Guard for almost 9 years and was activated last spring for ANOTHER tour in Iraq. He is a Staff Sargent and is in charge of about 12 young guys. I am very proud of Rueben. He possesses all the traits that a strong, smart soldier should and is so good at what he does. That is why I have no doubt that he will be home in just a few months for the birth of our little one. All I have to do is call to let him know when its "time". Being a military wife is going to be interesting, but who am I kidding?? I've been a military brat since the day I was born and I've got a good mentor, my mother. I'm sure she will have lots of advice to give me. :)

Rueben came home during the month of December for his two-week pass. During that time, on December 19, 2008, his family had their Christmas gathering. He invited my parents as well. We had a wonderful meal together and afterwards, while everyone sat around to participate in white elephant he proposed! It was a complete surprise! And the ring was amazing!!! He is always so good at surprising me. Anyhow, we have set a date for our wedding celebration for November 7, 2009. Lots of planning ahead of us, wedding and baby!

In the meantime, please keep Rueben in your thoughts and prayers..

My First Blog

So I decided I would start a blog for family and close friends. As you all may know, Rueben and I are expecting our first child July 8, 2009. Today I am 16 weeks 3 days along. Time has been flying! The first trimester was pretty good other than being tired and little to no morning sickness, just a little bit of food rejection. Now, in my second trimester, I feel great and energetic. I talk to Rueben quite often and since we began talking on skype he gets to see my belly and even talk to the baby (so cute)!

My next doctors appointment is on February 5th. I will be 18 weeks by then and will be having an ultrasound to find out the gender of the baby. My dear friend Andrea is flying out to come to the appointment with me (thank you girl) so I dont have to go alone. Rueben will be there as well. He will be on the phone when we hear the news and I've even been directed to bring the video camera with me (Andrea has her work cut out for her :) Don't worry grandparents, you'll know soon enough! So place your bets now.. Girl or Boy???

We are excited either way, although still debating some names for either gender, but really just hoping for a healthy child. God has blessed us so far and I can only continue to ask for his many blessings throughout the pregnancy.

I hope everyone is doing great! All my love..