So I think...

we finally settled on a name for our little one.... Katelyn Renee Circle. Kyle and I have always love the name Katelyn, and in fact picked it out a couple of years ago. I'm excited because she'll have her daddy's initials and hopefully will always be her daddy's little girl. I never knew that picking a name could be so difficult but Katelyn means "pure" and I believe that's what I love most about the name. I'm reminded daily of this little miracle growing inside me, and I never grow tired of Kyle wanting to come over and rub my belly and talk to his baby girl. She's going to have him wrapped around his finger in no time. He might disagree, but for those of you who know Kyle, you know I'm right.

Loving our Nashville friends

Kyle and I arrived home late last night from our trip to Nashville. We had such a wonderful time and we both agreed that we saw more people in 6 days there then we've seen in the last 6 months here. Plus I got to spend a lot of quality time with my brother, Josh. I can tell that he's really excited about being an uncle in 12 weeks! Josh will even be out here for 6 days in April, so we'll get to see him again. While I'm exhausted today because I went to bed at 1:30a.m and had to get up at 6a.m., I'm so glad we took the trip. Mentally I feel very refreshed, relaxed, and ready for the last stretch of 10 weeks before I take my maternity leave.

Yesterday, Kyle and I tried out a church called Fellowship Bible, in Brentwood, TN, and then went out to lunch with our friends Brad and Joy, the Hills, who moved out there 6 weeks ago, and Josh. We went to Logan's Steakhouse and enjoyed a wonderful birthday lunch. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by friends on my birthday even in a whole different state. Here's a picture of all of us at lunch.

Poor Ava, we pooped her out with all the excitement; she fell asleep at the table in the restaurant. I told Kyle this is what we have to look forward too, in a such a wonderful, exciting way! Brad, Joy, Josh, Ryan and Renee we so appreciate you guys coming to lunch and spending the day with us. 

I know we've haven't been back for 24 hours yet, but I'm already finding myself missing it there. Of course, it could be that I'm missing being on vacation. Not that I don't love my students, I really do, but there's something wonderful about a vacation to help you de-stress and unwind. Now that I'm home, I'm going to try and make an appointment for a pregnancy massage I got for Christmas at Burke Williams.

This week is already shaping up to be a busy one for us. School, work, tutoring, dinner with the in-laws on Thursday, pregnancy photos Saturday, Bamboozle Left this weekend, and as always, guest staying with us. Whew!! Gotta love the fast-paced, California lifestyle. 

It's my BIRTHDAY!!

Yup, you read it right! It's hard to believe that I turn 28 today. I'm truly counting my blessings. Kyle and I have had a wonderful trip to Nashville and God has truly begun to answer a lot of our prayers. We have a beautiful baby daughter on the way (due in June) and despite the fact that it rained all day long, Kyle and I spent most of the day laughing hysterically at each others jokes as we re-drove around all the areas we looked at with the realtor earlier in the week. Our favorite home is still the one I posted about earlier. It's a great community. While I am posting on March 30, my actual birthday, earlier this evening we went out with my brother to this really hip restaurant in Franklin, TN, called Saffire, to celebrate my birthday. The food was amazing and we really enjoyed the live jazz band. After dinner we went and met up with a bunch of my brothers friends. We've met so many wonderful people while we've been here.

Tomorrow we're going to try out a church called Fellowship Bible in Franklin, grab some lunch, and then head up to Nashville for our flight home. I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing trip despite the fact that we've been so busy.


This is the rain we drove around in all day long. Talk about a bummer!! We made the best of it though.

Here's one....

of our most favorite homes we've checked out so far. It's a brand new development in Brentwood, 15 minutes north of Franklin and south of Nashville. 

Nashville Fun!

Tuesday

Well, it's been a crazy, whirlwind the last few days. Tuesday began with a Enterprise Rental car drama. The air conditioning in the first car we had didn't work and after pushing every button in the car multiple times we ended up having to drive out of our way to trade in our car for a new one. That completely put a wrench in our day. We were able to trade in our Kia (yuck!) for a brand new Ford Focus, which runs much better. After getting our new car we decided to drive around Spring Hill, Thompson Station, and Franklin to check out houses. We ended up in a shady part of Franklin, which prompted us to finally call a realtor to help us begin our search. We set an appointment for Wednesday morning and called my brother to meet us at this really good fish and chips place in downtown Franklin called McCleary's. While I realize that your appetite grows  when you are pregnant, I'm appalled at how much I've been eating. The food here in TN is so good!! We've eaten at so many great, hip restaurants. 

Wednesday

We spent the whole day looking at homes in different areas today. It was exhausting, but great to get a feel for the area. I'll tell you what, you can get a lot more house for your money out here, that's for sure. We found some beautiful homes. Kyle and I are staying at our friends, Brad and Joy's house, and it was so great to make it back to their house around 7ish and hang out with them for the rest of the night. We hadn't really seen them very much since we arrived. Kyle and Brad went to a local deli to get food last night and I had asked Kyle to get me some chocolate ice cream if Maggie Moo's was open. When they drove by Maggie Moo's was closed and Brad dared Kyle to knock on the door, tell them his wife is pregnant and ask them to open back up so he could get me chocolate ice cream. Not backing down on a dare, Kyle knocked on the door, told them his wife is pregnant, and they opened and let him come in and buy me ice cream. Isn't he so amazing!!

Thursday

Today we had meetings at record labels and then met up with our friends the Hill's for dinner at a pizza place called the Mellow Mushroom. The pizza was amazing, but I can't say that much about the service. It was great to catch up with Ryan and Renee, see their girls, Taegan and Ava, and pick their brains about how they feel about Tennessee, since they moved here 5 weeks ago. They absolutely love it and Renee and I even talked about starting a children's party planning company. 

This is a terrible picture of me! It's hard to get good pictures when your pregnant. Oh well! It was just great to hang out with friends. 

Tomorrow I'm hoping to spend some time up in Nashville in Hillsboro Village walking around and maybe having Joy take some pictures of Kyle and I. 

Until then...

~Alissa

We arrived

in Nashville, TN, tonight. I have to admit it's nice to be out of California, visiting friends, and of course, checking out the area. After a total McDonald's disaster this morning (of course, what would a trip to Nashville for me be without some kind of disaster) we were off and away on Frontier Airlines. We had a short layover in Denver and then jumped on another plane to TN. Both flights we sat next to wonderful people, one which had moved out to TN from CA several years ago, so we had a chance to pick his brain for a while. I even had a chance to nap on both flights. YEAH, I love napping! I was thankful that I didn't experience too much cramping during both flights although I was feeling a little nauseous after we landed in Nashville.

Upon arrival we were greeted with 45 degree weather. Yikes! We had just celebrated Easter with the family at the beach house in 80 degree weather not just 24 hours before. I heard the weather here is weird because TN is in the center of a warm front from the north and a cold front from the south. In the words of our new friend from our flight, "whoever wins, is what kind of weather we have." I think I would have to get used to that. I would much rather begin the day chilly and warm up. But there's no doubt that TN is beautiful and all the little communities are perfectly manicured.

After grabbing our rental car we called Josh (my brother) and met him at the Franklin Cracker Barrel. Can't even begin to tell you how much I was craving Cracker Barrel. I had Mama's French Toast Breakfast with sourdough french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and biscuits with apple butter. Oh yeah baby!! It was so great to see my brother and hang out. After we ate we went back to check out his bachelor pad. He got to see and feel the baby moving around in my belly. I think it made the reality of being an uncle soon even more exciting. 

We just arrived at our friends, Brad and Joy's home, where we're staying for a few days while we are here. It's always so great to see them. Joy, if you are reading this, sorry we didn't make it back before you had to go to bed. I forgot you had to work tomorrow. Can't wait to see you!! Well, I'm off to bed. I know it's only 10p.m. California time, but we have a lot planned this week and jet lag is not part of my plans. Pregnancy slows me down and tires me out quick enough, I don't need to add jet lag to it.

Goodnight, sleep tight.

~Alissa

Bidwell Show in Laguna Hills

Last night Kyle and I went to see Bidwell, the band he's managing, at the Vault in Laguna Hills. They played a great show and Kyle and I were excited to see how all the new merchandise looked. Here are some pictures I took at the show.

Tomorrow we're heading to the Easter service at Mariner's Church and then to the beach house to celebrate Easter with the family. I hope you all have a blessed Easter remembering our wonderful Savior who gave His life that we might be saved and spend eternity with Him. 

We met

our doctor today...finally! His name is Dr. Feldman and he's one of the top "baby doctors" in Orange County and he works in the same office at Hoag Hospital that we've been going to. While we appreciate the fact that if you go into labor, your doctor will put aside all his/her appointments to deliver your baby, the doctor we had originally picked was a little too busy. We're already 26 1/2 weeks pregnant and had seen only the nurse practitioner. While we do like her, it was important to Kyle and I to meet the doctor that would be delivering our baby, preferably before the baby was delivered. I know that there is no guarantee that when our little one decides to enter the world Dr. Feldman will be around, but I sure can pray that he will. He delivered Meygan and Casey's baby girl 2 weeks ago and they really enjoyed having him as their babies doctor, so we're feeling at peace about our decision to switch.

Today i found out that I gained 6lbs since my last appointment!! YIKES!! I think I can attribute it to all the extra snacking I did out of boredom while Kyle was gone last week. I'm not normally a snacker, unless of course, it's an apple, orange, or grapes, but I found myself craving a lot of sugar. Dr. Feldman says that the weight gain is natural and that it was bound to  happen since I had only gained 10lbs up to this point. So I'm jotting down 16 lbs gained in 26 1/2 weeks in my journal, and vowing to cut down on the excessive sugar snacking!! I'm determined to not gain more than 25 lbs this whole pregnancy. You laugh, but just wait, it's possible! =)

This week is a crazy week for Kyle and I packed with doctors appointments, meetings, parent/teacher conferences, Easter celebrations, Bidwell being in town, and of course grading. I'm hoping to sneak in a hair appointment so I can guarantee myself some relaxation. I love being pampered! Next week we head off to Nashville, TN, to continue our prayer as to whether God is calling us to move out of CA. The closer it get's to the end of March, when we hoped to make a decision, the more confused I become and hope that God clearly opens all the doors he wants us to walk through. In the meantime, I'm praying for patience, an open heart, and a continued desire to follow through with his will for our lives. I'm also praying that God will continue to grow me into the mother he wants me to be, and that I'll be a good mother to our little girl. 

I had Kyle take another picture of my belly today. It's not the best picture because the sun was starting to go down by the time I was done getting dinner ready. I'll try and post more soon.

Bidwell!!

Check out this new band that Kyle is working with. The band's name is Bidwell and you can find them on http://www.myspace.com/bidwell. I'm so proud of Kyle and how hard he's been working. This band is truly fantastic, and I highly recommend you buy their new EP that is being released tomorrow night! 

If you're not doing anything on March 21, they are playing at The Vault in Laguna Hills. Check 'em out, you won't be sorry.

OH! You have to listen to these guys!

Exhausted!

1. I'm exhausted!

2. I've graded 83 trimester exams in the last 2 days.

3. Not looking forward to grading the last 24.

4. Ready for the weekend.

5. Missing Kyle.

6. Made cupcakes, in between grading, for a baby shower tomorrow.... we'll miss you Julie!!

7. Time for bed!

Okay, I'm done griping!

Missing my Hubby!

Kyle left for South by Southwest, a huge music festival in Austin, TX, last night. While it was nice to go to bed early after indulging in a weekly favorite: American Idol. I have to say I was actually impressed by how well almost all of them did. Tonight I find myself missing my hubby as this is the first time he's travelled without me since before we got pregnant. Not that I'm worried something will happen and he won't be here, but I miss his company. We had a really busy week last week and was followed up by an even busier weekend so we haven't seen each other that much. When he called tonight just to say that he was thinking about me and loves me, I was reminded what a wonderful husband he is. He has been working so hard lately, and his passion for life and music is contagious. Somedays I find myself completely engulfed in his world and loving every minute of it. 

Well, I'm off to see who gets eliminated on American Idol tonight.

~Alissa

Good News!

Last Monday I went and had my gestational diabetes test, where they test my blood to make sure that my sugar/glucose levels are not too high and might cause the baby to be born with diabetes. I hadn't heard back from the doctor's office so I called them today to check on the results. Good news... all the blood tests came back normal!! Yeah! I'm relieved because we know people who have had to change their entire diet because their blood showed abnormal signs of glucose breakdown. Thank you for your prayers.

New Sewing Projects!

So, I finally found the minky material I was looking for so I could start on some baby blankets. I made one for myself and one for Meygan, who just had her baby girl, not even a week ago. I love them both, so I decided I'm going to have to let Meygan pick which one she likes better. I have material for one more, but after making two this evening, I decided to take a break and do the other one this weekend. I'm not going to lie, I was having so much fun. Sewing is very relaxing and therapeutic, I think. Here's a picture of the blankets.

*P.S. If you look at the bottom of the picture you can see my belly popping its way into the picture. hahahaha! I had a good laugh when I realized I did that. I guess I don't always realize how big my belly's getting.

New Miracles

Last week our friends Casey and Meygan gave birth to their little baby girl, Kylie Rae. She is absolutely adorable and Kyle and I had the opportunity to visit them in this hospital. It was great because we are also delivering at Hoag Hospital with the same doctor that Casey and Meygan had. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it was to sit in the rocking chair cuddling a cooing 12 hour old baby, knowing that in 3 1/2 months it will be my baby girl I'm holding in that rocking chair. As I held Kylie in my arms and she began making soft newborn baby noises, my little one began kicking around in my belly and for a moment I felt as though they were communicating with each other. With how social Kyle and I are, it doesn't surprise me at all that our little one is already becoming a social butterfly, even in the womb.

This week I've noticed my belly really start to pop out. I know I've said this before, but the "basketball" belly that everyone talks about is finally becoming evident. I'm still thankful that I'm only gaining weight in my tummy, nowhere else... for now at least. Our little one is moving around a lot now, especially at night when I'm ready to sleep. But I love her little reminders that she's there. Two nights ago, Kyle and I were laying in bed and I felt her, not kick, but push her tiny foot against my belly. It popped my belly button right out awkwardly to the side. Kyle and I could literally feel her little foot pressed against my belly. All I could do was giggle in amazement at this miracle growing inside of me. 

Please be praying, I had to have my gestational diabetes blood test yesterday, and if it comes back positive I have to go on a controlled diet for the remainder of the pregnancy. They told me I would have to give up milk and sweets! Ok, that's not going to work for me since my favorite "treat" is ice cream and I can't live without milk. I'll keep you posted when I get the results. They said it should take 2-3 days and if it's positive the doctor will call me.

106 more days to go!