Not quite Paradise . . .

Well, its that time again. Time for boxes, and packing tape, u-hauls and goodbyes. May 29th we will load up the truck and head for Austin, Texas to spend around four and a half months with our overseeing congregation - the Round Rock church of Christ.

We expect a time of growth and rich fellowship while with them. It still hasn't quite hit me that we will also welcome our first child into our family during this time. This could be some level of denial because all signs (increasingly) point to 'child within'. Seriously, she is already so fun to watch on the inside . . . and we can't wait to have her in our arms. We know that we, and she, will be greatly loved on in Texas. We pray we can give and love on others, too.

Our plan is to leave the United States from Memphis. In October, we plan to come back 'home' to Memphis, enjoy a week or two here, and then head down under to join our team mates in Wollongong.

These are surreal times. Sure wish Myron or Kenrick were around. . . packing would be a whole lot more fun with a little Jamaican cheer!

Memories from Paradise

Memphis to a piece of Caribbean paradise in just 2 hours and 47 minutes. Our time in Jamaica was everything we expected - pure R&R and a little bit more . . .

Upon arrival in Jamaica we were taken to the concierge lounge where we learned that we had been upgraded to the River Suites - a new room at Sandals Negril - and that our butler would soon be arriving to take us for in-room check in. Our room was gorgeous, the view - spectacular.






And Myron and Kenrick, our butlers . . . what can we say? Before this week, I was always a little weirded out by the whole butler thing, but not anymore.




They were great. Anything we needed, they were right there with it, or even a few steps ahead of us. Every morning, our beach chairs were set up under a palm tree, with a "Reserved for Mr & Mrs Whaley" card, towels and a cooler of drinks. And this is pretty much where we planted ourselves for the entire vacation. I am pretty impressed, if I do say so myself, at the way I "landed". I tend to be a little like a bird, "flying" here and there, either in my mind or body. It is hard at times for me to just land, settle, relax. But not this time . . . I did well. I had "landed" within an hour of being on property.






Our days consisted of reading and sleeping on the beach chairs, and swimming in the lazy river pool or the Caribbean. I was a beached whale in its truest form. :) We did take a couple of walks down the beach each day. We had a cell phone to call Myron or Kenrick if we needed a snack, or wanted to make dinner reservations or anything else. Whatever we ordered arrived within 5 minutes with flair and a smile, and often carried on their head.












It is sad, but true, that all good things do come to an end. But the renewal we received, and the good time we had being together in such a beautiful place, will be one of the sweetest memories I have of our life together pre daughter.

Beautiful Saturday

I wish I had a picture of the beautiful spring day we woke up to today. I went for a walk this morning. It was cool, but sunny and not a cloud in the sky. Beautiful.

Today we also began our child birth classes. We chose to enroll in a Bradley Method class here in Memphis. Our instructor has had both a hospital and a home birth. I first talked with her when I was only 5 weeks along in our pregnancy. She has been a great resource for us already, and what I appreciate most about her is the way she presents information. She does so with conviction, yet with understanding that we will make the decision that we feel is best for us. She encouraged us to go ahead and enroll in this class even though we might not get to have the birth experience we are hoping for. She has stressed the importance to be as mentally, physically and emotionally prepared for both a natural birth AND a surgical birth. She helped bring me out of the pit I felt I was in when we learned that a c-section was a possibility by reminding me that 1) it could change, and 2) if it didn't there are things I can do to have the best possible surgical birth and recovery. And she has graciously allowed us half tuition as we will be here for only 6 of the 12 weeks, and has even contacted Bradley Method instructors in Austin who would be willing to take us on for the last 6 classes. We are not die-hard-must-do-it-one-way-birthing-kind-of-people but we are excited to learn what we can.

And happily, tomorrow, we get to fly out for Negril, Jamaica. We are headed back to Sandals Negril for one last travel agent hurrah! We get to stay for $25 per night - all inclusive. That, along with a frequent flyer ticket, and an amazingly cheap ticket for Jason can't be beat. I think the maternity beach clothes might be more expensive than the trip itself. I spent the last three weeks or so trying on my summer clothes each week, thinking (in vain) that they would 'work'. Well...lets just say they didn't 'work'! :) We are SO looking forward to getting away. By no one's fault other than our own, we have been so outrageously busy. The R&R is much needed, and what better place to get it.

Over the halfway bump . . . pun intended

At just over 22 weeks, it is pretty clear now, even to strangers, that there is a child within. I continue to feel good. Many of you have expressed your concern regarding the news we shared a few posts prior about the placenta previa condition. Your concern and prayers mean a lot. Thank you for praying. We ask that you continue to do so. It is essentially just a waiting game at this point. An ultrasound in about 5 weeks will give us a better understanding of how things might play out. So while we don't have any updates - we are glad to share that so far things are going well, I feel good, and there are no complications.

This situation, along with just the fact that a life is growing within me for which Jason and I will be solely responsible calls me to greater faith. Greater than I have, and greater than I anticipated needing. Welcome to parenthood, huh?

I love to feel her move. At night she is particularly active and wild, which is fun . . . to a point. :) In the mornings, she wakes up slowly as if to say 'I shouldn't have stayed up so late'. I tend to agree.

For the sake of my sanity, I have pretty much filed away my pregnancy books. I used to pour over them but it just wasn't working out to be good for my mind! I do read the 'what's happening with baby' each week but that is about as far as I go. I have not read much though about the kind of father-to-be dilemma/rivalry that seems to be going on as portrayed in the images below.

Awwww

While Jason was in Belize, I hit some outlet malls and found some sweet baby girl clothes. Many people have cautioned me to not buy a lot of clothes. But these were all on sale, and I picked up a variety of sizes - some 12 months, even. It is fun to receive cute clothes for our baby girl but also fun to pick out some things for her myself. It could get dangerous if we make a habit of being apart!




And Jason's gift to her was this onesie from Belize (below). We thought it might be useful in broaching the topic that we might want to give our baby girl a few days with just her parents holding her before passing her around and around.



We can handle being the ugly ones! :) And I know, I know...many a baby has survived being passed right after birth. But we're first time parents so we're allowed to have a few neurotic ideas, right?

Its a . . .

"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

. . . .

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting"

Since learning that we were pregnant, I have meditated daily on Psalm 139. The verses above are particularly special to me. It is a little ironic to me that those last verses are part of this psalm. I read it and feel like it is part of a letter reading, 'Dear Nicole. . . ' I need both of these reminders. Daily. Ok . . . hourly. Lately . . . every few minutes.

And now the news you have all been waiting for. This week we learned that we are going to have a baby GIRL. What a blessing to raise a daughter! We are so delighted. We dream about the sweet little girl within me. We enjoy talking and singing and reading to her. Her Dad beams with pride when he sees her push my belly out with her still tiny limbs. She already makes us laugh and her Mama cry (pregnancy hormones!).

Thank you God.

Not to take away from such wonderful news, we do have a prayer request. Along with revealing a healthy, active baby Girl, the ultrasound also indicated a condition called placenta previa. In a nutshell this carries some risks and possible complications with an ultimate outcome of a c-section at 37 weeks. To say the news 'blindsided' us would be an understatement. We had planned on using a birthing center in Austin. We were so excited about this option as it seemed to be the middle road between a hospital birth and a home birth that we were hoping for (and that didn't exist in Memphis). However, should the condition remain unchanged, that will no longer be an option. It might seem odd to say that there is a small element of 'grief' as we adjust to preparing for a birth that might be quite different from what we had anticipated and hoped for. Not to mention some anxiety and fear. There are much greater things to grieve and fear, so forgive the overall insignificance of this situation. I hesitate to share those feelings but hey, its my blog!!! :) And it is an honest feeling. I pray for a greater focus on the healthy baby girl we have! Oh, and forgive me, but I am declining any and all labor and delivery stories right now! Its just not a good time!!! I'll let you know when you can bring those on!

The situation will be reassessed at another ultrasound at 28 weeks (about 2 months from now). In the meantime I have to limit physical activity. No running, no excessive work outs, no lifting and so on. It is rather strange to shift from a smooth pregnancy to having to be so careful.

I guess the lessons of parenthood begin early. We're learning that its not about us and what WE want. And that WE are not in control. I've also learned that you do in fact let go of some of your 'dignity' as you have kids. Here I am on the world wide web sharing news of my placenta and cervix. Apparantely not much is sacred!

We do ask that you will join us in praying that the condition will naturally correct itself. Pray that in 7-8 weeks, the placenta will move upward and allow for a normal delivery. And in the meantime please pray that my heart will be filled with peace and not worry. And join us in prayers of thanksgiving for the daughter God has given us.

Snow Day

Snow days are awesome! On Friday, March 7th (ironically the beginning of 'Spring' Break for many), it snowed about 5-6 inches in Memphis. It was absolutely beautiful . . . and probably the best snow I can remember in our six Memphis winters. It always seems to make me a little giddy. I was so excited to wake up and look outside this morning. Everywhere we looked was covered in a blanket of clean, white snow. It was pretty warm today though, so the snow is quickly melting . . . but not before we, and others, got out and enjoyed it a little.

Here's a few pics of the snow along with some others to document the growth of baby Whaley. Enjoy!

Friday night as the snow was really setting in


This snowman was not the work of our hands. Whose belly is bigger?


See . . . I'm not the only one who gets a little giddy


Out for a walk in the neighbourhood

February 15th 2008

We usually celebrate the anniversary of our first date (which was February 15th 2001), instead of Valentine's Day. The good thing about this is that 1) we don't have to worry about Valentine's Day crowds when we go out to eat, and 2) Valentine's Day is a good reminder in case we might forget about the anniversary of our first date. Good thinking Jason.

Seven years ago found me at an Italian Restaurant at the top of Mito Station . . . I remember it like it was yesterday. This year we celebrated at Bombay House here in Memphis.

Life is good. Thank you God for the blessing of my husband.

Wigglins' from the Whaley within

Today while some 27,000 feet in the air, enroute to Memphis from Austin, Jason and I were able to experience (together) some wiggles from baby Whaley. I am so glad he was able to feel the baby moving as I really thought we would wait a while longer before he could experience it, too. I've been feeling this for about a week now and it was my first time to be feel the gentle 'kick' with my hand.

It was a wonderful moment to wrap up a wonderful weekend with our overseeing and supporting congregation. The Round Rock church of Christ will be partners with us as we serve God in Wollongong. We are in complete awe and humbled with such gratitude at how God has worked to bring our family and the body at Round Rock together in this way. They blessed us this weekend with fellowship, love, food, prayer, study, hugs and an obvious and genuine excitement about what we believe God has been calling us to.

It will bring about some changes for our family in the upcoming months. More on this past weekend and these changes later. Right now, I just want to be thankful for what we experienced this weekend.

January Happenings

Just a quick update to let you know we are still here and doing well. A quick pregnancy update . . . I have reached 13 weeks, feel great, feel less tired, and have heard that little heartbeat twice. Many told me, (and I once believed whole heartedly), that "skinny people didn't show early especially with their first pregnancy". While it might not be evident to all yet . . . let me assure you that this baby IS growing and we, at least, can tell. Of course, this is all normal and good, so we are thankful for my health and the baby's healthy development to date. And what kind of mom-to-be would I be if I didn't post our very first ultrasound (taken at week 8) picture of Baby Whaley?


In January we enjoyed a team retreat. The eight of us shared a great cabin at Paris Landing. Unfortunately, the retreat took place in the midst of extreme fatigue for me, so I did a lot of napping. And I believe that certain team members captured many of my naps on camera. I do wonder when these might surface!!?? But I did manage a game of football (Darian's planned activity), enjoyed a bonfire, lots of good food, and toasty delights inspired by the Griffiths. We enjoyed relaxing, worshipping together, playing games and just being together.

Jason serenades the kiddos . . . .

And draws with them . . .


Shawn & Kendra . . .

Corey & Emily . . .

Us . . .

Fireside treats . . .


As each month comes and goes, though, our three families feel greater pressure with regards to fundraising. We are currently in Abilene, Texas. We presented last night to about 25 people who were interested in our plans for Australia. This group blessed us with their prayers, encouragement and shared their gifts and resources with us. On the 29th of this month, we will spend the weekend with the Round Rock church of Christ in Round Rock (near Austin), Texas. We will continue dialoguing with them about our plans and their involvement. We have already been so encouraged by the elders and ministry staff there.

I made the decision not to go to Belize with Jason at the end of March. It is an extremely remote area and it was advised that I not go. I will really miss Jason, and miss having such a great experience together. He will do a great job because he loves people so genuinely and I believe that they will see the love of Christ through him. While he is gone, I will visit the Howards in Georgia. It has crossed my mind, however, that time at the Howards might not be any safer than being in remote Belize! In past trips to their home, I have been subjected to the following . . . (while not in these pictures, I have in fact conquered each of them)





I'll be pulling the 'I'm pregnant' card this time, though! :)

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. The half time show is on right now. I wish I knew a little more about American Football than I do. Really, I enjoy Super Bowl Sunday for the good food and down time!

A New Year . . . and a little news

Here we are in 2008. With so much news to share already. Jason and I celebrated Christmas in Texas, and New Years in Missouri. We enjoyed time with family and friends. On January the 5th, we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. I came home from work on the 4th to chilled sparkling grape juice and apple cider, flowers and cards. What a sweet and thoughtful husband! We then celebrated with dinner out, a night at the Hilton here in Memphis, and a lovely brunch on Saturday morning.

Many of you have received our Christmas letter. My mailouts are not complete. If you would like to receive one, and have not, leave me a message. I believe we ended our letter with something like '2008 promises to be an exciting year . . . ' What I did NOT know when writing this letter, (or when running that half marathon!) was that I was PREGNANT! Jason and I are thrilled to let the blog world know that our first child is on the way!!!!

We could not be happier! Our little one should arrive around August 10th. A friend advised me that if early, our baby's birth date could be 8/8/8. We'll do our best!

I don't know how many pregnancy tales I will feel compelled to share . . . but below is a picture of Jason shortly after he found out that we were expecting. I had found out in the morning when he was still at work. I did not want to tell him over the phone, so I waited all day and avoided his calls that came in throughout the day for fear I would spill the beans. (I wanted to tell him face to face). It took me two home tests, and one at the doctors office for me to really believe that I was indeed pregnant! In fact, after taking the first test, I took a picture of the result window, took the picture to work and asked my co-worker if she thought it was positive. She looked at me and said 'um...yeah!!!!!'

After work, I went and purchased a newborn onesie and a card. Jason was taking a shower, so I set on the table the onesie, the two hpts (I know...kind of gross...but apparantley this is what happens!) and a card that said on the front 'for the Dad to be'. Jason came into the living room and completely missed the display. I asked him to put dinner on the table. He did and it was then that he noticed these foreign items. He looked at them for a bit and later told me that he was thinking (panicking!) 'OK...someone has had a baby, and I am supposed to know who. She will be mad if I ask her 'who?'...so I will just think who it could be'. Then he said he thought 'that's strange...she did a card for this Dad'. I think it was the home pregnancy tests that finally tipped him off. Although he did still ask 'who's having a baby?' I don't remember but he says I responded, 'Who do you think????'



And then the joy was finally mutual! It was a good moment! I don't think I will ever forget it. We also won't forget hearing our baby's strong, fast heartbeat for the first time.

Many like to tell us how our lives are going to change. I should think so! We feel as 'ready' as first time parents-to-be could feel for such a life change. Truth be known, we know little to nothing. But we already love this little life that God has blessed us with. What a joy to pray for it and thank God for answering our prayers!

Signing out for 2007

Thought I would sneak in one last post for 2007. We just got back from Christmas in Texas. We enjoyed time with family in Austin and Abilene. Tomorrow we make one last road trip for the year to Fulton, MO to visit Derrick and Naomi. We really enjoy road trips - it is relaxing for us. And it is a good thing we like each other so much! :)
2007 has been a good year. We hope it has for you, too. 2008 is just around the corner! We'll be back in the new year with other pictures, news and going-ons.
Happy New Year!

Memphis St Jude Half Marathon

We ran the Memphis St Jude Half Marathon last Saturday, December 1st. Thankfully the weather was kind to us. It was chilly to start off, but perfect runnning weather by about mile three.
I ran my slowest ever half marathon. But given my lack of preparation :( ...it was expected. I ran in honor of Sullivan Faarar who is a sweet little boy fighting leukemia. Sully is receiving care at St. Jude's along with so many other precious children. We pray for his full recovery.
I'll share this one picture that was taken while we ran. This is on Beale Street...maybe mile two or three. I look happy!

The other picture I received was taken at mile 11 or 12. I look like I am about to fall over! At that point, many people were gathered on the side lines encouraging the runners. They yelled 'You're almost there! You're looking great!' I thought that was probably a lie. Now I know! I was NOT looking great!

World Missions Workshop 2007

At the end of October, we traveled to Oklahoma for the World Missions Workshop. It was being hosted by Oklahoma Christian this Year . . . Jason's alma mater. My dear friend Jenny traveled from Vancouver, Washington, to see her parents while we were in Oklahoma so we were able to meet her daughter Jasmine for the first time. Unfortunately we didn't take a bunch of pictures while we were together. But it was sweet to talk and laugh together. We have had some good times and good memories from Canada, Australia and Japan.
Meet Jasmine Kaori Ranum . . .

Our team was asked to present the story of our team formation process at the workshop. It was a lot of fun for us. A good way for us to reflect on how God has been forming us as individuals and as a team. We also reconnected with so many others from Australia, Japan and other places in the US. We heard many stories of how God is working and transforming people. It was an encouraging weekend.
Getting ready for the presentation . . .

Frank sharing about Australia . . .

Jason and Frank worked together at the Southwest church of Christ in Campbelltown, Australia . . .

Mum in Memphis

My mum did it! She traveled from Brisbane to Memphis . . . alone . . . and arrived safely! We are so glad. For the next few weeks we will enjoy having her meet our friends and family. We hope she enjoys our life in the US. FYI - we're really Japanese and we read right to left. :)

Las Vegas and beyond

My brave husband let me loose in Las Vegas this week with a girlfriend from church. The trip was complete with three nights in a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, a 2008 mustang convertable, a trip to the Grand Canyon and a drive through Zion National Park in Utah. We covered some serious miles on this trip! All in the name of being 30.



Our hotel - the Excalibur


The Las Vegas Strip


We arrived in Vegas on Saturday morning, picked up the car and headed for the Strip. It is always strange to see with your own eyes places you have only seen on TV or in brochures. I sell a lot of Vegas, and while I am promise I am not trying to mask this trip as a 'work trip', it really was 'helpful' to see Vegas for myself.

As for my impression of Las Vegas. . . I was pretty much 'done' with it by the time we found our way into the hotel parking lot, walked through the smokey casino to the check in desk and up to our room. Probably not a fair judgement - but I am relatively intuitive. And my suspicions were confirmed that I am not much into what Vegas has to offer.

However, I greatly enjoyed going to see STOMP Out Loud, and the Medieval Dinner Show, Tournament of Kings, at our hotel.

But the true highlights were our day trips outside of Vegas. On Sunday we drove to Hoover Dam, one of the world's greatest engineering accomplishments. From there we drove to Kingman, Arizona and worshipped with the Desert church of Christ. They were a warm and welcoming congregation. Fellowship seems all the more sweet when you are away from home. And then we drove about 4 hours to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.





The Grand Canyon is beyond spectacular. Truly breathtaking. I found a great place to get off the trail and out on to a rock overhang. I had seen a couple out there and thought how proud my husband would be to have a picture of his wife out there (since I usually ruin his fun with 'babe...no...be careful...don't do that...) But alas, a group of Chinese tourists thwarted my (rare) attempt at bravery. They created quite a scene by yelling at me . . . first in Chinese, and then very sternly in English - 'NO!' 'DON'T DO IT' ' TOO DANGERGOUS'. As people stopped and gathered, and they continued to yell, I thought it best to abandon my mission. Sigh.

Below is what I was going for (the danger shot)


And here I am stopped in my tracks






In lieu of this, Kari got a great picture of me sitting very safely with my legs hanging over the Grand Canyon. (see above) And in hindsight - I feel like that was quite brave enough. Little did I know that just down the path a little was my real shot at bravery - a tarantula! For those who know me, you know that I am extremely arachnaphobic. But, wow . . . a wild tarantula! I followed it with my camera for a good five minutes trying to get a good picture of it. As it turns out, I think that me taking a picture of a live tarantula made Jason MUCH prouder than risking my life on the Canyon Rim for the sake of a good picture. Good times.



On Monday we set out for Zion National Park. Again - spectacular. Being at the base of these sandstone cliffs and rock formations is so different from gazing down into a canyon. No attempts at bravery here - unless almost running out of gas counts.









Our last night in Vegas Kari wanted to do something memorable. She is probably sorry she chose me as her travel companion because we ended up eating Cold Stone ice-cream in bed. I know . . . I am so wild.

(comments on bravery appreciated)