May Is A Busy Month!

May is such a busy month at our house. I don't know if it is school coming to an end, or having to start cutting the yard again, but we are always running around with things to do in May.

I have been feeling sickly the last two weeks and finally drug myslef to the walk-in clinic last weekend. I was told that I had bronchitis and an inner ear infection. No fun. I have missed two days of work this week, and really hate that, but getting well is my first priority. I have been on amoxycillin, which makes me ever so paranoid being pregnant, but my Dr. has reassured me it is fine. The fluid in my sinus's blocked a tube in my ear, which created a vacuum motion in the inner ear. Without the antibiotic I guess it would not get better. I am in the middle of the treatment, so I am praying that I feel better in another week. Bronchitis is nothing new for me though. I usually get it twice a year, and my doctor has finally said that after the preganacy I should see a pulmonologist (sp?) Has anyone else heard of this type of doctor? He said my asthma is the cause for the outbreaks. Again, David has been a saint. His helpfulness and willingness to do all the laundry is a blessing.

Last weekend, David and I hosted a big graduation shin-dig for Rachel. I felt ill, but was so glad we were able to do something special for her. We ended up having around 40 people over for dinner and cake. Dinner was catered from Penguin Ed's, which made it really easy for me. The deck was a perfect place to let people eat and visit. We removed almost of our normal family photos and replaced them with all things "Rachel"- she was everywhere you looked! It was nice for the guests as they milled around to see tons of photos of her as she has grown up into such a sweet, Godly, young lady.































































David started back to school after a two week break from his spring session classes at UofA. He is taking 6 hours this summer, and, with his projected Fall schedule, it looks as though he may graduate in December. We are very excited about that possibility. With a baby coming the end of November, and a possible graduation the first week of December, I am reeling at how busy the holidays will be. Busy, but very exciting and special. I actually started some preliminary work on my Christmas cards. I know that sounds absurd, but I hate leaving things to chance, and if I can get paper cut now, I will. The summer is the perfect time for me to get organized. I plan on creating some type of Christmas card/birth announcement combo, and I am having fun palying with ideas.

Our sod is turning green, amd David has installed an in-ground sprinkler system. He has been getting up early to run it and is looking forward to having a green, weed free yard. We'll see how that goes. You know how weeds are. : )

My last day to report to work is May 30th, and the kids are getting ready to sleep in some and start swimming. I am too. The warm weather is very encouraging after a long, cold winter.

Take care! : )

First Trimester Almost Over!

My first trimester is almost over! This coming Monday I will be 12 weeks along. I am starting to show a tiny bit- just a bit. I had my first ultrasound last Monday, and in the last month and a half, I only gained 1 pound. I have been really sick, so I was quite surprised to see that I had gained that at all. After the ultrasound, they pushed my due date up another week, just because I measured a good week and a half bigger. So now, I guess I am looking at November 20th or so.

Work is going fabulous. I feel great while I am working. I tend to get sick in the evenings, and I am thankful that I have the energy I need at work. I started wearing maternity clothes this past weekend. A group of my friends went out with our husbands to Outback for dinner, and I wore a pair of Gap maternity jeans. They were really cute and comfy. They have all been really fun to try on and wear! I have more maternity clothes than I can ever put on though. I counted yesterday, and I have 7 pairs of maternity jeans. Between my mom and me, we must stop! Ha, ha! I have as many khaki pants, capris, sweat suits, blazers, tanks, button-ups, and skirts. I really think the shopping part is about over already. I still need a swimsuit. Rachel took life guarding classes and got hired at the local swim park to work all summer, so we already have big plans to swim. : )

David is still floating on cloud nine. He has been incredible. He has cooked every night we have eaten at home for the last month, done every single dish for the last month, and even mopped the entire house last Sunday afternoon. He does toilets, tubs, and laundry. I have not lifted a finger. He puts me on the couch with ice cream, and I don't complain. When we see kids out in stores or what-not, he says, "That will be us!! Look, look!!" He is really cute about all of it. I'm glad I waited him out. His support and excitement reaffirm me. One of the pictures not posted looks a little scary- you know how ultrasound pictures can be. It looked like a smiling skull with slanted eyes and a big smile. David was so excited by it because it looked a T-shirt he has. The shirt is called "Bone-Head" biker, and it has a skull driving a motorcycle. It says something about letting the wind blow through your bones. He and my dad thought the baby looked like a bone-head biker. You know, coming from a motorcycle family, looking tough is vital, so as a family, we are already proud. : )

School is out in just a few days- 17 to be exact. I am looking forward to summer, but will miss my children terribly. My students know about my pregnancy and have been so sweet about it. In fact, David came to my classroom today to visit, and after he left, my kids talked about what a "tall" daddy he will be. Their minds are so innocent and pure.

My mom is far ahead of me with baby shopping. While I am waiting to find out before I shop, she has already purchased a bassinet, car seat, stroller, potty chair, rocker, and made numerous burp rags and bibs. They are precious. All of this is for her house, so that she can hang out wherever she wants with baby McCash.

A view of the face


A bottom and little leg with foot

Happy Summer to you all! : )

Spring Surprises!

My beautiful cousin, Rachel, came over last night for dinner. She had wonderful news to tell us! She is currently a senior in High School and is excited to graduate in May. She was debating between attending the University of Arkansas, which is my alma mater (along with other members of our family), or attending college in Russelville at a smaller school. David and I really wanted her to choose UofA just because we know first hand what a fabulous school it is. We said nothing, however, to sway her decision. Last night when she came over for dinner she announced that she was the newest member of the Arkansas Razorbacks Marching Band!! We were so thrilled! This is a huge honor, with a tough audition, and lots of competition. She beat out many, many other flute players in order to achieve this goal. As a family, we can't wait to see her on the field and on the jumbo tron at all the Hog games. She and David will have a year together on campus, which they are very excited about. She will live on campus in a greek house- we love that she will still be close to us! So, for those of you NWA people, look for the cute blonde with the flute this coming fall!


Farmington Prom- 2008


Prairie Grove Prom- 2008

Today at school, the office delivered a really sweet bouquet of roses to my classroom. The card had no signature, but it was David's handwriting. He is so funny- only David would send flowers without dropping a name. It was very sweet. He is really fabulous at sending flowers for no reason. After school, I called Rachel to see how school went today for her, and she thanked me profusely for the flowers she had received at school today! I laughed! She said David didn't sign her card, but that it read,...."Jessica and I are so proud of you..." somewhere and she knew it was David. So David scored major double points today! Two bouquets of roses to two ladies! He is on a roll.






Lastly, the weather here is getting so warm. Thunderstorms usually rock the house in the night, but the late afternoons are really warm and breezy. David hung, for our Anniversary in April, two wrought iron hooks on our cedar and bought hanging plants. It was a nice anniversary present (he also picked out a purse and sunglasses on his own too.) With the weather nice though, the plants have really blossomed. I smile everyday I pull down into the driveway.








Happy Spring!

Happy Birthday, Hudson!

This weekend was a busy one for us! David's brother and his family came to stay the weekend with us from Omaha, Nebraska. It was nice having weekend company, and we just love Doug and Liz! We also attended Hudson's first birthday party. Lyndsey had her house decorated so cute, and Hudson was just adorable.

Happy Anniversary!

Our seven year anniversary is on Monday. What a great 7 years it has been! We have enjoyed our time together, traveling, skiing, vacationing on our Goldwing, loving on our Bichon Frise, and being "kids" together! When we married, we could have never forseen the wonders of the life that was before us. I smile to know that our Heavenly Father knew though. I've been keeping somewhat of a secret for many, many weeks now, but with our anniversary on Monday, I am ready to make our announcement.

We are pregnant! : )



I had my first Dr.'s appointment yesterday, and David and I always knew that we were ready, we would keep it under wraps for a while, just to have a special time to enjoy it all by ourselves. I am halfway through my first trimester, and with an ultrasound coming the first week of May, I feel ready to share our good news. Now, all of our family and very close friends were told at week five, but most people don't know, unless by word of mouth. I am definitely a private person, and, despite being overjoyed, I haven't wanted to tell every single person I know. We have really relished in our little secret. We have enjoyed keeping it private.




Here are some of the questions I have been getting asked:

1. Were you trying?

This is always a popular question, no matter who is pregnant, so I don't mind being asked at all. I ask it ALL the time! : ) Were we trying? Oh, yes. A very big yes. We were trying in the technical sort- charting, graphing, etc.. Let me start at the beginning.. David and I, like I said, will be married 7 years on Monday, the 14th. We enjoy just being married. We love traveling, sleeping in, and being selfish. Ha, ha! You know what I mean. I am not a baby person by nature. I love my children in my class and they are literally like my own flesh and blood. I love my friends' kids because they are an extension of my very gorgeous, good looking friends. : ) In all seriousness, I just have never felt the twang of the baby bug. Even at the hospital, even when good friends delivered, there was never the bug. Everyone told me that it would come when the time was right- so I waited.... and with 7 years on the horizon, it is funny to say that I still don't have the bug, but I am overjoyed. I think for me, my personality is not really very emotional, and so I am just really laid back about the whole thing. I am excited, but I am happy just as I am, which makes this baby just another great addition to our family- it doesn't "make" me, if that makes sense. I am already content with the life God has blessed with me. This child is really, in my mind, an extension of what David and I have already established- love.

In February, my mom came over with our Valentine's Day gifts. After we opened them, she said, "I want to be your nanny." I said, "?!?!?" My mom HAS never mentioned kids in all these years, and quite frankly, I didn't think it ever crossed her mind. She said it never had, until just recently. She said she knows I am conflicted- I cannot quit teaching (not because of financial reason per say, but because I am just that addicted to loving other people's kids). She also knows that I am not comfy with a nameless day care. Our confliction led David and I to just keep putting it off, because, like I said, I don't have the baby bug anyway. It has never been an issue. David loves that I love to teach and fully supports that. And when we married, I told David that I would never have a child until he came to me and said he wanted a family and was ready. He totally agreed and was glad I didn't want to push the issue. I thought we wouldn't have kids until our 30's for sure.

So, when my mom throws the offer on the table- "I will drive to your house every morning, I want to create a full nursery in my home too, library days, swimming in the afternoon, ballet, and park trips, all the scheduling conflicts and Dr. visits- we , as a couple, for the very first time, actually talked about having a family. We had never, really done it before. We always KNEW we would have kids, but the "how" and "when" were just too complicated. It wasn't like her offer made us do it by any means, but a little idea blossomed that night and grew and grew.. It grew until we were busting with excitement.

We discussed trying in March because it would make it a Thanksgiving baby and the time off from work was already built in and would be great as extra weeks off. We charted, and mapped, and read, and read. But, no credit to us- we know children from God. This may be too much info for most of you, but when I say we "tried" for the very first time in our entire marriage, that is what I mean. (Hint- unprotected!!) Not kidding. We had never gone that route, not even once in 7 years. I know many of you think this is weird, but for the other 6 compulsive planners out there in the world who may or may not be reading this, you may feel right at home with that idea. This choice is more David than me, mind you, but we have loved this plan and for 7 years it has kept us happy.

We tried one time, and we decided that it nothing happened (nothing happens the first time EVER, right?) we would wait until the summer. So, Spring break rolled around and we skied.... and you know what? I knew it! I just felt it!

When the test came back positive after coming home, we screamed and ran around the house and Bichon thought we had lost it. And of course, we really had. This is also a great time financially, which influenced our time table. We have had a baby "account" at the bank for quite some time, and so we have a savings in place. I do not function well with stress, so I truly admire all of you out there who can roll with the punches in good faith. Knowing most of our needs will be met with that account gives me great peace. Which is wonderful because stress makes me snack. : )

2. Do you know how rare it is to get pregnant the very first time?

Yes, I think it is rare too. BUT!! Again, this may sound over the top, but we prayed about it the night before AND after we tried. We really did, and God and I had a little talk, and I said, "You know, You will be the one to open this door or close it. And really, either way is fine. I have zero expectations. I am happy just the two of us for the rest of my life, so if you want it, go for it. If not, fine by me too." I am trusting that God's will was done. I have no other explanation for it. But, we are a fertile family. My mom got pregnant with me the very first time she ever had sex. Seriously. Any other bloggers have a similar story?

3. Will you work?

Yes! I know that many of you have already called me and said, "Just wait. When the baby comes you will want to stay home." You know, you are probably right. I am not dismissing anything. I love that blasted dog like no man's land, so I cannot fathom more love than that. I love teaching though, and I do have a secret dream of having a "teachers" kid. I want to be there at school, to know their teachers personally, to know what testing they are being given, to know who drives their bus on a personal level... I want them to grow up and say their mom taught. Now, I am not dismissing any other dreams of any other bloggers. I am a teacher. I adore kids from all backgrounds. There is no "right" way- just what is right for us. I tend to be obsessive compulsive, and when I am off in the summer, I am usually bored to death. I am ready to go back when the summer is over. I just enjoy being graphical and logistical with paper too much. I would drive our kids crazy with scheduling and projects and mini units in the backyard everyday. That is who I am. When I come home, my kids will benefit from getting a mommy who has been exasperated at work and can devote the evening to them. The summers off and great vacation weeks through out the year are perks too. AND! I'm off on snow days and get off at 3:15. Woo Hoo!

4. Is David excited?

A big yes. More than me,actually. He took off work and came to my dr.'s appointment and has already taken off work for the next. He is the youngest of six, and is ready for the challenge. He asked for it, he wanted it, he prayed for it, he actually talked me into it in the beginning, so he is ready! After my first appointment, I rested in the car with my eyes closed (four viles of blood went sayanora, ya know...) When I realized where we were, he had stopped at Ricks Bakery, where he got bought three petifors and a white cake with buttercream icing as a baby celebration treat. He is very sweet and very romantic. He has done all the cooking for the last three weeks. Every bit. He is very helpful. He has encouraged me to quit my coke addiction, which I have. But to help me, he had quit Dr. Pepper. This is huge for us!! We are miserable drinking our water, but we are miserable together, which makes us laugh out loud in restaurants, to the amusement of every one around us. He is already scheming the perfect tree house for the backyard.





5. Is your mom excited?

Hello!! She is soo excited!! She is setting up a nursery at her house too- crib, new bedding, painted walls, chandelier over the crib- the whole burrito. Today she actually went to Old Navy and went shopping on my behalf for maternity clothes. I love my mom. I am so excited about the bond she will have with this little McCash baby. My dad and David work together at the same Bank, and David was so looking forward to telling everyone at work, but when he got there, my dad had beat him to the chase and spread the good word! We got a great big chuckle out of that. I am an only child, so needless to say, this is the "big time!"

6. How did you tell everyone?

It is a tradition in our family that every year, after any trip of any kind, I make a fun slide show complete with music, video, graphics, etc.. to highlight the trip. I include inside jokes and our favorite memories. My mom is a photographer on the side, and so between the ladies on the trips, we have around 1,000 pictures to usually shuffle through. We kept it from even our family until about 5 weeks, when the entire ski trip buddies came over to my parents to watch the slide show. At the very end of the slide show, we had a couple of slides that read, "Ready for Spring Break 2009?" "Let's Invite Someone New!" "We Know Who We Are Going To Bring!" "Baby McCash Coming in November!" We included pictures of us "finding out" at home, etc. I video tapped them watching the slide show, and it is hilarious!!! We told David's family on March 24th, his 27th birthday. We wrapped up a positive test to look like a carrot (for Easter) and since she is a nurse, gave it to her just like that. She started crying and skipping around the house. David is her last child in the lineup of six and the only one without kids.









We are thrilled, and even more so, astounded at God's perfect timing and wisdom. I feel great, and we have another big motorcycle trip planned this summer, so Lord willing, we will hit the road in July. I may be riding in a car to follow, but who knows. Keep us in your prayers as we prepare for a new life. Designing the nursery is like sucking helium for me- I am about to float away with the great ideas I have in my head! : )

Love,
Jessica