25 Roses

Okay so I am finally posting the pics of the 25 roses my husband got me for my birthday. Aren't they beautiful?? By the way did I mention that he took Monday off to prepare for my birthday and Tuesday off to spend my birthday with me?! He really made it GOLDEN:)



They were so beautiful, I was sad to see them die...but I am drying them, to remember:)

My Golden Birthday

So yesterday, the 25th of July I turned 25...my golden birthday. I am going to share some pics with you all on how my first birthday married and pregnant went:)

My Birthday started at midnight on the 24th of July...

This is me arriving from work exactly at midnight to my husband singing happy birthday with all the lights turned off and just candles lit:)

Here I am enjoying it all!

My delicious cake...especially decorated by Francisco! Love it!

THE NEXT DAY (My Birthday)...

I received my first pedicure ever! The best part was my husband went in the day before and made the appointment all by himself (that's not easy when you aren't familiar with the beauty salon terms). What a man!

We went to the lake to grill out (fun, relaxing and beautiful)

After everything we were going to rent a boat, but it started to rain...so what did we do instead? What else but take a nap! I will picture the next time (since all my pics wouldn't fit) my 2 dozen roses he got me...they are beautiful! It turned out to be a great birthday.

Vergüenza

Never be ashamed of the gifts the Lord has given you. This blog has usually been of my journey through pregnancy, but lately I have been compelled to share things the Lord has been bringing to my attention.
Sometimes I often wonder what my role is at work and if I am really making a difference. Last night for the last 4 hours of my shift I was transferred to the MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit), I was grumbling about the transfer because I really do not enjoy working there, I feel like a bump on a log until they need my help to turn a patient or something. As I was sitting at the front desk (the reception asked me to answer the phone and stuff while she ate....ummmm sure, I think I know how to answer the phone. Not sure if I know how to answer their questions on the other end...what is this??? This is not my job!) Anyway, I sat there reading and then I heard a nurse frantically come out of a room asking if anyone spoke Spanish. Sure you all are saying well that's easy, yes. Ashamed of myself I have sat in silence and not said a word as I watched the nurse and patient struggle to communicate. Why? You ask. Something you may not understand because I do not fully understand myself. Pride is evil, pride prevents and pride takes away blessings. But, sometimes people make fun of other cultures, sometimes people look down on others who do not speak English and sometimes comments are made right in front of me. It hits straight to the heart. People who can not speak Spanish may never know the heart of my husband and that he is opposite the stereotypes people have of Mexicans or Spanish speaking people in general, but there are just times I don't feel like it's worth explaining to others.
I so much wanted to keep my mouth shut and not answer, Yes. But something inside of me...said "Meghan this is ridiculous, this is a gift I have given you and I want you to use it, not only when you choose to use it, but when I choose for you to use it as well."
As I walked into the patients room..the nurse was wondering how much Spanish I knew (which I give props to her questioning...she thought if it was high school level she has that covered. I informed her that my husband and I speak only Spanish and then there was like a ton of bricks lifted from her shoulders.) I turned and looked at the patient and in my head I thought, "Now is your chance, the chance you missed a few months ago." See he was one of the patients I had before, but did not translate for, I just watched as the nurse tried to explain everything.
I looked at his frail little body filled with cancer (When he came to the MICU they thought he would not make it...he is only 19). As I talked to him and let him know what we were going to do (bathe him, give him his meds and get him ready for bed) the nurse repeatedly thanked me and said she has no idea what she would have done or how she would have told him any of that. He was confused, he was weak and he just needed someone to explain. By the end of the night we had had a few laughs and as he got ready to sleep he happily said, "hasta mañana" which means see you tomorrow. I told him I would not be in to work the next day, but I am sure I will see him around.
Let me remind you all that this was something so simple, a gift the Lord has given me, it took no effort on my part and the blessings I received from helping both the patient in the nurse were beyond what I expected. You all may think that when I do not fess up to knowing Spanish and helping people out, that it seems a little twisted and even rude. It is. More so I feel as though I offend my father in heaven who has given me this special gift. We so often ignore our gifts and "sit" on them, missing out on so many blessings that He has in store for us.
Please pray for Francisco and I as we are wondering what our next step is in all this. By working at the hospital, there are so many Spanish speaking people I come in contact with that don't have anyone, no family at their bedside. We want to be that family for them and share Jesus with them. Please pray with us as we explore this opportunity to share Christ.

Perfecto

God is perfect, we are not. This blog today is a little different and stems from a conversation Francisco and I were having this morning before he left for work. Some of you might not know him that well, or the two of us as a couple, so I would like to share with you all a little bit of our conversation. I share this more because I am amazed at how the Lord has mapped out our lives and has done a good job at it. So grab a snack or a coffee and sit back and enjoy as I retell a little bit of how Francisco and I met and married.
It is by no mistake that we are married and together which makes me feel so reassured that Francisco is the man the Lord has chosen for me to share my life with and do ministry together. I am going to start in March 2003 when I went on a Mexico missions trip (with the motive to practice my Spanish) to Casa Hogar, that is where I met the pastor that would soon marry Francisco and I (along with Pastor Sterner). When I came back I was overcome by the amount of Latinos who lived in Forest view trailer courts (right up the hill from Parkview). The Lord busted through all my pride and with 1 other person I went up and knocked on every door (100+) with an invitation explaining how the following Saturday we would have lunch for them and I wanted to get to know them. Through this event no one showed up, except for one man through this man the Lord spoke and he suggested having English classes, which the people would come and that is how we could get to know them. We are now on our 3rd year of English classes. So this is where Francisco comes into the picture. Was he a student? No. In the summer of 2004 I met Francisco through his cousin Maria who attended my ESL classes. Maria and I hit it off, she is close to my age and we had very similar personalities. I spent many days up at her house and hanging out with her (all with the intention of sharing Jesus with her). Her and I liked to play basketball on their little court and that is how Francisco arrived with his buddies. They were our competition. The minute I saw him...I thought, "wow" and then he was so different from the rest (I know that's what they all say) , but I am serious. He was very respectful and quiet. That was as far as that went. Then in August was Maria's birthday. She called one night wanting me to go to a dance with her to celebrate. I was very reluctant to go, but one of my roommates at the time reminded me that this is the best way to get into her life. So I went. The Lord had other plans for me. That is where I officially talked to Francisco and we decided to go for dinner the next night. I felt a little on the crazy side:) We went for dinner and he decided he wanted to get to know me more, but I had already decided he was the man I wanted to marry. So we started hanging out and then eventually dating and then married. Did I mention exactly one week after we met he was scheduled to go back to Mexico to live? Only one week and did I mention I was approaching my sixth year of college when 2 years before that I should have been finished and living somewhere else? Did I also mention that I was not even thinking about boys, in fact I told my friend Lindsay that I would be totally content being single or not getting married until 30? Oh yeah did I also mention that a year before I met him I wanted to live in the trailer courts and my aunt told me that my future husband probably lives in those trailer courts? Disgusted by her remark I refused to even pay attention to her. The Lord is so creative. This all might not seem like that big of a deal, but as Francisco and I were talking this morning we were overcome with how everything was planned even right down to the day. If it would have been a week later he would have been on his way. Oh yeah, I have to add this one important detail. In high school my nickname was "flunko" because I hated Spanish and barely passed each year. For some insane reason I decided to take it my freshman year in college which lead to me wanting to major in it. What????!!!! The Lord has been preparing me for this marriage way before I even laid eyes on Francisco. I don't want to ever forget how great the Lord works and how thankful I am that he is the one in control and planning everything. I'm amazed. He has tied each step of my life together. Who said living life with the Lord is dull? I don't know, but this is a lot more exciting to me than getting drunk and waking up the next day feeling like I was run over by a semi. My life has purpose and I see that I mean something to the Lord....that even when I am not walking straight he is still putting together the pieces of my life. He is perfect, and we are made perfect in Him. Thank you Jesus.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and 10 pounds heavier.

I am 28 weeks which means I am officially starting my 7th month. I had my start of my third trimester appointment yesterday. Good news: I passed my glucose test! Last week, I had to drink a bunch of sugar, which tasted like crush (and I know the rest of you pregnant ladies will think I am strange, but I kind of liked it). Then I got poked for the sugar and poked again to check iron levels and then poked again to receive my Rhogam shot (in the hip!). Yesterday, I was informed that I have gained another 10 pounds and I was told I need to take it easy on the weight gain. What??? I seriously don't know what is going on. I eat when I'm hungry (which is every 2 hours), but I can't help it. Well, thankfully I am only 12 weeks out...so maybe I will ease up a little in the final stretch. I was also sharing the fact that my right hand goes numb quite a bit. Guess what I have? Pregnacy induced carpal tunnel. What is that you ask? I have included info on it below if you care to know. Oh yeah, also please pray for me as I am taking on a full load at work and trying to study for the nursing boards before the baby is born. This should be interesting!

Is it normal to have pain and numbness in my hands during pregnancy?
Yes. Pain and numbness in your hands and fingers during pregnancy are quite common and most likely caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Although you probably associate this condition with workers whose jobs require repetitive hand movements (such as data processors, computer programmers, assembly line workers), about one in four pregnant women develops carpal tunnel symptoms, usually in both hands. Symptoms can appear at any time, but most often begin in the second half of pregnancy as you begin to retain more fluid. The symptoms usually go away gradually after you give birth as the swelling from pregnancy subsides.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?
The carpal tunnel is a bony canal formed by the wrist bones on three sides and a ligament that runs across the wrist on the other. The swelling and fluid retention that's so common during pregnancy can increase the pressure in this relatively narrow and inflexible space, compressing the median nerve that runs through it.The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb and the index, middle, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for movement of a muscle at the base of the thumb. Pressure on this nerve is what causes the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, including numbness, tingling, burning, pain, or a dull ache in the fingers, hand, wrist, and even up the arm to the shoulder in some cases. In severe chronic cases, your hand may feel clumsy or weak.

What can I do to relieve the pain?
If you're like many pregnant women, you'll have symptoms most often at night or when you first wake up in the morning. Whenever you feel the twinges, shift your sleep position and try to prop your arm up with a pillow or two. If you have a lot of discomfort, try stabilizing your wrist in a neutral position (not bent) with a splint. (This position allows the carpal tunnel to be slightly wider.) In any case, avoid sleeping on your hands. If you wake up with pain, try shaking your hands until the pain or numbness goes away.When working at a computer, adjust the height of your chair so your wrists aren't flexed (bent downward) as you type. If possible, avoid jobs requiring forceful, repetitive hand movements — although they may not have caused your carpal tunnel, they can make your symptoms worse. If your job requires this kind of movement and you must continue it, consider wearing wrist or hand braces while you work. If you work at a computer, using a special ergonomic keyboard can help in some cases. Remember to take breaks to stretch your hands. Practicing yoga can also help relieve the pain and increase hand strength. You may also have heard that taking extra vitamin B6 can help, but two small clinical trials have shown no immediate benefit from this.

Fun times

So I have some picture to share with you all of this past weekend. My sister (Nichole), brother-in law (Tom) and our nephew (Brighton) stopped by one there way back from Colorado to their new home in Virginia. We had a great time relaxing and spending time with them and my parents. Time flys by! So here are a few pictures of the things we did.

Aunt Maggie, Uncle Frisco and Brightito:)

Doesn't he look so cute? He is a handsome kid and sweet too. Isn't he the coolest lookin kid?

My dad taught Francisco how to mow the lawn. Francisco wants to start his own lawn service.

Just strolling along.

My dad and I put together the baby's changing table. Since I am a girl and I like bargains I have to share with you all that my mom purchased it for $5!

Here is the somewhat final version. I got the baskets to go with it. It fits nicely in our bathroom! Thanks mom!

The Hat

So Here the now famous hat appears in my blog once again. This past weekend when I was with family my uncle Mark went to look for a frisbee to throw around and thought my mom's hat would work...instead he used it as a baby bonnett. Very versatile hat (you can see Francisco wearing it a few blogs ago. Funny.

Owen

This past Saturday I went to my grandma's to visit family and I was able to see my cousin Brittany's baby for th efirst time, Owen Douglass Knuth. Sweet baby, very content and happy. In one of the above pictures you will see his lip picture...I guess he makes that face a lot.

Belly update

Okay here I am at 26 weeks (6 1/2 months). I feel like I have little time before the baby comes. I am not sure if I have grown much since last month because some days I don't even feel pregnant. I still can bend over and change positions easily, but I am sure this will all change in a month or so. I am getting more anxious for the baby to come, but also have mixed feelings about our life changing so dramatically. Also, some days I think a lot about giving birth and wondering if I will survive:)

The 4th

Here we are at the fireworks in Coralville. The finale was by far my favorite. We went a little earlier and listened to a band and also looked at the animals. I am pictured above with the most beautiful burro (donkey) I have seen. Ever since shrek I told Francisco I would like a donkey, preferably one that talks and flys and then the other day we were reading the Bible and stumbled across a story about a donkey that talked to his owner (the holy spirit used this donkey to communicate to the man). We cracked up! It was the best!
*Since I like pics, I usually include some with each blog, but since I forgot my camera when my parents came to visit us I have no pictures. We had fun with them. We went to the Charlie Daniels concert, which we ended up leaving early and going to Lone Star for Monday night all you can eat ribs. Francisco and my dad almost got sick trying to eat all they could:) We then played UNO attack and watched my dad try and take Francisco on in a fighting match on Playstation....that was funny! It was nice to have them up and relax and playing cards. We wish they would have stayed and watched the fireworks!

Camping

So we decided to go camping on Friday night and this is how we decided to sleep...in the back of our truck. Let me tell you we are ghetto campers. We have a tent we bought last summer, but we failed to read the details and it is for little kids. Our queen size blow up mattress (that we bought without a pump) didn't even fit, so we folded it up and slept on a deflated mattress inside this 4x4 tent (not really, but it was so small you couldn't see it over my car). So this time we decided to go without the tent and sleep in the back of the truck (fun!) yeah until we realized that our mattress blown up doesn't fit in the back of the truck (hmmm...kind of liek last year) so once again we deflated it and slept on top of it...oh did I mention in the middle of the morning we moved to the front of the cab since the mosquitos were biting us. Also Francisco tried closing the top over us so we could still sleep back there and not get bit, but I am closterphobic and that doesn't work so much. Despite everything it was an interesting time (atleast for a pregnant lady sleeping very uncomfortably:) More adventures to come!

mom

Here are some phtos of when my mom came to visit us last Tuesday and stayed until Thursday. We had a fun time. The shirt I am wearing is one of the new shirts my mom bought me. What a great blessing to be able to have more than 5 shirts to choose from:) Oh yeah and for anyone who is pregnant....get the new crock flip flops, now I can walk all day and my feet don't hurt! We had a good time going around and looking for baby things although things are still sureal for us. Oh by the way, Francisco is wearing my mother's hat in the picture above....he likes to get people's attention like that:)