Dearest Reader,
I like how life is marked by
defining moments, which serve as a catalyst to shifts in my mind and
understanding. Speaking, walking, running, EATING, conversation, love, sharing,
giving, receiving, responsibilities, commitments, covenants, service, death,
new birth, siblings who marry and relationship alterations and changes. I
remember several times thinking “now I got it, I understand myself and where I
want my life to go and I know exactly how to do that”. Talk about naïve!
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about all the female loved ones in my life who felt extremely conflicted about the man that wanted to date them and whom they eventually married. I asked Elizabeth about this once, she said that it may help to solidify complete devotion and loyalty “It gets all the bad stuff out of the way before the wedding even happens”. I also watched the Lizzie Bennet diaries recently and realised that I got what I have always wanted! A relationship where I misjudged the man, he was the kindest most genuine fellow, and of course we all know the ending… or the beginning (dang Hollywood movies! Always ending the romance at the best part.)
As you all know, Brad and I recently went to Peru and experienced those amazing people and culture. The picture of simplicity, and not in the Asian interior design way. While we learnt a great deal it was so fantastic to get back to the US. We travelled to San Francisco, rode an elephant, enjoyed crazy slides, fisherman’s Warf, Boudines (why do I enjoy that sour dough goodness so much?), and the lovely beach of Carmel By The Sea. We visited the Collett homestead for a few days en route to Provo. Does anyone else crave routine? Then when you have all the routine you can possibly fit into a day, do you crave a little more of nothing or chaos? That is just sooo me!! Once home we work hard (I get to work on the road, Thank you Damon and Beth!), try to save money and plan.
Some of that planning includes the next 8 or so years of our life. The pursuit of a medical career for my honey. Did I mention how great he is?! And then part of that planning means I start to get very dizzy, very tired, have a sudden need for brussel sprouts and kind of start feeling quite sick! Isn’t it funny how women put so much work into getting fit and healthy, and what better way to disrupt that than to become pregnant? I realised this might be my situation after I ran a 5k in 30mins and had to lay down for two days straight because I was so dizzy whenever I stood! By Jove!! It sounds even more ridiculous when I read it. Lay down for two days after a run, funny hey. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153171516985597&set=t.787090596&type=3&theater
Needless to say, we are more than ecstatic. A little munchkin is just what the doctor ordered (permission to roll eyes here). Brad and I have been preparing and hoping for this for some time. Eternities if you want to get philosophical. Prayers and discussion have surrounded the choice of our baby, and welcoming him/her will certainly be one of those major defining moments. We are looking forward to the shifts. And yes, names have already been picked out! (like 6 months ago) I don’t mind admitting just how corny I can be. As for baby clothes….. we’re students guys! If we had the abundance then yes, I would have bought something neutral by now. Did you know you get loads of freebees when you’re pregnant?! We got free prenatal pills (I can’t keep them down, but we have them!) and a free baby bottle by Phillips (It helps that I am an aunty and know what products I like, kind of. I won’t ever admit to taking off with nephews and nieces bottles to try and hold on to my childhood!! So don’t ask, but that may have something to do with liking Phillips bottles).
So there you go, we are going to be adding to the population of Provo. We may not be unusual to the general public around here, but we feel pretty darn special and blessed.
I hope each of you are doing very well and enjoying the only things in life that are always there.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about all the female loved ones in my life who felt extremely conflicted about the man that wanted to date them and whom they eventually married. I asked Elizabeth about this once, she said that it may help to solidify complete devotion and loyalty “It gets all the bad stuff out of the way before the wedding even happens”. I also watched the Lizzie Bennet diaries recently and realised that I got what I have always wanted! A relationship where I misjudged the man, he was the kindest most genuine fellow, and of course we all know the ending… or the beginning (dang Hollywood movies! Always ending the romance at the best part.)
As you all know, Brad and I recently went to Peru and experienced those amazing people and culture. The picture of simplicity, and not in the Asian interior design way. While we learnt a great deal it was so fantastic to get back to the US. We travelled to San Francisco, rode an elephant, enjoyed crazy slides, fisherman’s Warf, Boudines (why do I enjoy that sour dough goodness so much?), and the lovely beach of Carmel By The Sea. We visited the Collett homestead for a few days en route to Provo. Does anyone else crave routine? Then when you have all the routine you can possibly fit into a day, do you crave a little more of nothing or chaos? That is just sooo me!! Once home we work hard (I get to work on the road, Thank you Damon and Beth!), try to save money and plan.
Some of that planning includes the next 8 or so years of our life. The pursuit of a medical career for my honey. Did I mention how great he is?! And then part of that planning means I start to get very dizzy, very tired, have a sudden need for brussel sprouts and kind of start feeling quite sick! Isn’t it funny how women put so much work into getting fit and healthy, and what better way to disrupt that than to become pregnant? I realised this might be my situation after I ran a 5k in 30mins and had to lay down for two days straight because I was so dizzy whenever I stood! By Jove!! It sounds even more ridiculous when I read it. Lay down for two days after a run, funny hey. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153171516985597&set=t.787090596&type=3&theater
Needless to say, we are more than ecstatic. A little munchkin is just what the doctor ordered (permission to roll eyes here). Brad and I have been preparing and hoping for this for some time. Eternities if you want to get philosophical. Prayers and discussion have surrounded the choice of our baby, and welcoming him/her will certainly be one of those major defining moments. We are looking forward to the shifts. And yes, names have already been picked out! (like 6 months ago) I don’t mind admitting just how corny I can be. As for baby clothes….. we’re students guys! If we had the abundance then yes, I would have bought something neutral by now. Did you know you get loads of freebees when you’re pregnant?! We got free prenatal pills (I can’t keep them down, but we have them!) and a free baby bottle by Phillips (It helps that I am an aunty and know what products I like, kind of. I won’t ever admit to taking off with nephews and nieces bottles to try and hold on to my childhood!! So don’t ask, but that may have something to do with liking Phillips bottles).
So there you go, we are going to be adding to the population of Provo. We may not be unusual to the general public around here, but we feel pretty darn special and blessed.
I hope each of you are doing very well and enjoying the only things in life that are always there.
Love
Joanna Joy Collett
