There’s this video that was really popular in my youth group when I was in high school. I came across it today and thought I’d share. I’ll never stop laughing at this…it’s awesome (in my opinion!). Enjoy!

I’m not talking about the dance! There is a free service out there called ChaCha. You can call them or text any question you want. Someone will text you back in a few minutes and tell you the answer! It’s best to do it when you’re not around a computer…obviously. Here are some questions I’ve asked and the answers I’ve gotten:

Q: Does a baby’s heart rate indicate their gender?
A: That is an old wives’ tale, so it’s not a proven fact, but: Over 140=girl, Under 140=boy

Q: How is baptistery spelled? With or without the ‘e’?
A: Both spellings are listed in the dictionary with the same definition. Pick the one you like!

Q: What is the soft drink exclusive to Kentucky?
A: Ale8. Apparenty it’s only available in Kentucky, althougj you can order it from their website.

It’s cool! Go try it! Text “ChaCha” (242-242) and ask away! Check out their website. You can even get paid to become a “guide” (the person who answers the question)! I’m thinking about doing it! Who doesn’t need a couple extra bucks??

We’ve finally picked a name and this is definitely it. Ready?

Sadie Olivia Collins

The first name has a meaning. Sadie is a form of Sarah, which means princess. Sarah also happens to be my grandmother’s name (the one with cancer) except she spells her name Sara. Olivia doesn’t necessarily have a meaning but I have always loved the name…so has my grandma…lol. I think it will fit our little bundle perfectly. I’m so excited to meet her!

Check out the blog later today for the big announcement!! I will be revealing the name we picked for our baby! See ya then.

I am very excited to announce that I finally felt my baby girl kick! It happened last night while watching TV around 9 p.m. It was AMAZING! Since then, I felt her kick me twice pretty hard (it didn’t hurt of course) in the car on the way to work. I can’t even describe what it feels like to those who haven’t experienced it. It’s weird, cool, amazing, funny…did I mention AMAZING?!?! I’ve finally felt life! What an awesome miracle.

one word: vacation.

Life has been busy lately! My in-laws were in town for 5 days so I haven’t had much time to update this thing. Of course the great news we found out while they were here is that we’re having a girl! I want to upload the sonogram pictures but for some reason WP isn’t letting me do it. I’ll figure it out.

Anyway, we have two frontrunners right now for names. I don’t want to reveal them yet, but it’s coming! I still can’t believe we’re having a girl. I thought it was going to be a boy for sure. But to say I’m excited is the understatement of the year!

I’ll be 17 weeks this week. Still not showing tremendously. I have the beginnings of the pooch but not much to talk about! Still can’t feel the baby. But it’s still early!

I’m pretty obsessed with picking out cribs, furniture, bedding, etc. I didn’t realize how consumed I would be with it all. I always thought those women were crazy…and now I’m one of them! I guess that’s how it goes. Pictures to come!

Went to the Dr. today and found out…

IT’S A GIRL!

(picture to come!)

I’m so excited I can hardly stand it! Yay!

Many of you may not know that my husband was an MK (missionary kid) growing up. He and his family spent 10 years in Suriname, South America. Nope, they don’t speak Spanish there (I know, weird!), they speak Dutch…totally useless! It’s cute to hear him speak Dutch once in a while though!

Anyway, Joel’s Mom makes this meal called Suriname Chicken. It’s one of Joel’s favorite meals and I really liked it too (she made it a few times while we were dating). Well Joel’s birthday was in April and I was deathly ill (dramatic? :)) so I didn’t get to really celebrate his birthday with him. So we finally celebrated it today. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law and made it with an Asian salad (the mix from Publix). It’s very easy and delicious! Recipe follows:

Suriname Chicken
(feeds 4-5)

1 T vegetable oil
1/4 medium onion (i bought the pre-sliced onions from Publix that they sell in the produce dept…already cut into rings and used them all)
1 garlic clove (crushed or minced)
1.5 lb chicken cut into small strips
2-3 T dark soy sauce (you can use regular soy sauce but i happened to have some Tamari, which is a dark soy sauce)
1/3 C water
White rice

Saute onion and garlic in oil until slightly softened. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add soy and water. Cover and let simmer 10-15 minutes…sauce will cook down. Serve over white rice.

It helps to cook it in a wok (i bought one cheap at Ikea) but of course you don’t have to. I don’t know exactly what makes the chicken “Suriname” but it’s delicious and super easy…a great 30 minute meal! Enjoy and let me know if you make it!!

Well, I’ve returned to reality. After four days of laying on the beach, shopping and playing Apples to Apples and Scattergories with my family, I’m back to my real world. I had a great weekend. Lots of sun, relaxing and quality time with the family and I didn’t get burned! I missed Joel terribly (he had to stay behind unfortunately) but I still had a good time.

There are these great outlet shops in Ft. Myers right off Sanibel that we go to every year on the way home. I spent a lot of time in the Gap and was able to buy some really cute stuff that I will be able to wear not only now, but throughout being pregnant. I was super excited!

I really want to try to go to the beach more often here at home. I hardly ever go, or we go to our pool. I can relax right here in town! My parents (well, really just my Dad) wants to sell their home in Davie and move down to the beach. My Mom is definitely not sold on the idea but I think it would be fun! Usually my Mom wins in those situations…

But, it’s back to reality. Deadlines, updates and emails are piling up!