The Big Announcement

 The  Story:

    We were 19 and 20  when we had our New Millinium wedding and said "I do" We couldn't wait for  forever to begin. The things we knew back then would amaze you.  We knew all about protection: we took every precaution so we could to finish college and begin our careers before babies started showing up.  Tobad there wasn't an accident. Waiting 12 years to have kids has allowed us to travel, see the world a bit and become a closer couple.  So, maybe there wasn't an accidental childbirth, however we do have a strong bond between us.  I can honestly say, Chris is my bestfriend.  He's the first person I go to when I need a hug or to vent. We have had a lot of good times together and we have learned a lot from eachother. It seems natural to take the step to become parents. We both feel like a little something is missing from our lives.  Well, maybe this feeling isn't a "missing" feeling, but more of  a"needing something more".
     As I write this, I am planning to attend a babyshower for a friend.  I should have invested in Clear Blue back when my first girlfriend became pregnant.  For the past year to a year and a half we have been trying to get pregnant...and as you can see our results show NEGATIVE.  We have read a ton of books on how to do this.  Studying makes perfect scores right? Somehow, we haven't learned.  When we first started trying...we, um we...  thought I could only get pregnant on day 14 like a typical textbook girl.  I'll never for get when um, we, learned we could get pregnant on 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,......  Good thing we read so many books.  Being informed is key. 
      First, we study then the tested.  I remember when we went in to be tested to see "what's wrong".  Why do we call that "wrong"?  The fertility clinic didn't find anything super "wrong" with us.  They claim we just need time.  A few months...and then they would like to do more intense testing and eventually artificial insemination, like a pig.  Why does getting pregnant consist of picking, prying and probing? It's interesting in the sense that the medical experts pick us apart to see "what's going on" and then they leave us to piece ourselves back together, like we are a puzzle. How humiliating and degrading this process has become.  Then of course, everyone wants to know the results of the tests. Well who wouldn't?
     My mind can't wrap itself around NOT carrying a baby for 9 months.  What do the little butterflies feel like or a baby's kick for the first time?  It's hard to think about never going through birthing pains; seeing my baby for the first time.  I'll never sit around the dinner table during girls night and discuss my deliveries, or compare my different pregnancies of carrying a boy versus a girl. I'll not understand what a true food craving is. Maybe that's a good thing.  What about heartburn? I've never experienced it, maybe I'll never experience it. Swollen ankles wont be apart of my worries.  I'll get to wear heels forever and never fear varicose veins. And it will always be swimsuit season.  There is a little part of me that says.."what if I am pregnant and I don't know it yet".  There is always a glimmer of a little hope that I wont squish out.
     That being said,  after 12 years of marriage, I can honestly say, we are ready to adopt.

Yes, I am thinking about cutting into the food line :) I am FAMISHED can't you tell that from my face?

Do you ever wonder what you look like during the wedding cerimony as a couple is saying their "I do's"? Maybe you don't... Here we are glaring at the wedding couple. haha No wonder they are so nervous.

A sneak peak...LOVE

Rachel and Ty's Special Love Day.

Here we are Husbandless at Ty and Rachel's wedding....ding ding... a year ago.  How can time fly that fast?  Chris probably had to stay home and work.....and Al was an usher. Notice my hair.  Yeah, great southern California weather to mess with my hair.   Christine's hair is perfect as always.



Here is my dear Great Grandma Schmedding being ushered by Al the Great Usher of All Time.

Al and Christine of La Jolla.  Also, known as my scuba instructer. 

I loved the details of Rachel's dress with the shockingly Red Lipstick shoes.  LOVE

The Old Wedding Dress

Tis the season......
I always thought it would be fun to have a tea party wearing our old wedding dresses.  I had visions of us sipping tea and admiring ourselves, laughing at how style has changed over the years.  So, I dug up my old dress....which consisted of a trip to North Dakota and rummaging through my mother-in-laws closet. Squeezed myself into the dress and found, TADA....I have grown in areas I am not mentioning.  Maybe next year we'll do the tea thing.

Brady and Ash's wedding...

Here we are at Brady and Ashley's wedding at the Red Barn in San Diego. It was soooo sweet to see my Chris pull out the Black Tie for such a special momentous occasion...and really it was all for me. But isn't it always? wait, don't answer.

The Guest Book Table was Dar-aling!

Aunt Debbie aka MOG being photographed by my mom. Loved her suite. Also, I'll point out that's Grandpa's old type writter.

Sherry Debbie and Karen (formally known as the Justus girls.)

2011 Cliff Note Version

Jan: We got a house ready for rent....while "camping" inside.  That was an adventure.
 
Feb: We found a house for us to live in.   A "forever house" which means, I am not moving any time soon and no more camping.  We visited the Richtsmeier Family Farm and the Richtsmeier's in Grand Forks as well. It was a great to experience to see what living with twins is like.

Spring: We planted 100's of French Lavender reducing our water bill dramatically.

Summer:  We took a car trip to North Dakota and enjoyed the Yule Family Reunion.

Fall: We visited the Bible Belt and Great Auntie Ester and Sandy Justus....Bruce, Jessica and baby Carter Myers in Texas. We enjoyed finger licking BBQ ribs. 

Thanksgiving memorable because of the lack of a kitchen.  Dad washed the turkey in the Bathroom shower.....Rosie washed dishes in the laundry tub.  I hope one day I'll look back on this journey and not grind my teeth in frustration.  Maybe one day I'll laugh.  Just not today.  We spent our days with Cousins, Pammy, Jim Myers, Tom Baldock,  Mom and Dad, and Auntie Rosie. Mark Mooshian provided the instant mashed potatoes which we shall never let him forget.  How can next year be better :)

Love Chris and Shawna

Bubba and Kiki, love those noses!!

I need more shoes.

Chris left his shoes by the back door Kiki found them. I wonder what kinds of things she was planning on doing with them. I remember a certain little girl who used to hide my shoes when it was time for me to leave.

Sweet kisses.

Trying to hold 2 year olds can be tricky!!

Home, Sweet Home

Home again, Home again, jiggidy jig.

We are thankful there aren't anymore pigs!

Family farm, beyond the train tracks..

Fargo Scatters

Dwight and Juanita, the guys entertaining themselves

My new M&M friend in MN

We toasted Walt's 68th's birthday at Dave and Becky's house.

We ate and ate until we could eat no more.....

We talked and talked about kids and vacations...

Blew out candles and dropped matches on the floor...

We were so full, we had to find the door!!

German Chocolate Cake and soft serve ice cream from a gas station in town....

Everyone sat in the car and watched me as I got my picture taken by the neighbor man. Maybe he liked my Italian boots.

I loved the rock on this building, the gothic arched door way. It's now a museum, but it was a Town Hall. A young guy from accross the street had keys to view the interior if I wanted! But, check out that rock I wonder how those mason's hands looked?

Chris and Patric Lipsey, Chef for Stella's on 1 St Ave, Fargo

He and Chris competed in the Odyssey Of the Mind together at Mayville High School. He's a confirmed Thomas keller follower. His parents owned the cafe in Mayville.

While attending the music final for the Burgh's girls, we ran into Pat's sister Jesse along with her husband Jarrod Arneson. She mentioned Pat's resturant and so we made a point in dropping in. Anything to do with food, we are game!!

Cali and Brinna waiting for the car pool, trying to buy time.

Chris and Grant playing a game of some sort....

Brinna and Me, by Yaya

Yaha, is such a little fashion Diva!!

Grant telling his countless "Knock-Knock" jokes. "If you know the answer please don't tell!! "

And this is how you do 2!

Bubba's sweet face

Yaya and Kiki, living it up in front of the lense.

Love you Kiki!

Dawna and Marla

Thank you Marla for sending me pictures!!! I love them!! Isn't he darling?
Here is a couple more pics William. He weighed 7.4 oz, 19" long, dark hair and blue eyes. He has absolutly the most amazing kissable little lips ever! He even made Chris sigh .......(*** ah there is hope)

William Dale

We are excited to welcome a new little nephew, William Dale. We can't wait to meet him. We have waited 9 months to find out if we had a nephew or niece. That was the longest 9 months of waiting. Not knowing the sex, took the fun out of buying cloths. Right now, little William has his nights and days mixed up keeping the house hold awake at odd hours. My mom flew back as soon as she got the call my sister was in labor, however William decided to make his grand entrance before Grandma could arrive. I am living precuriously through pictures.....Hurry up and get here MARCH!!!!