Happy Holidays and Almost Halfway Point!!

Happy Holidays!! Can you believe 2011 is almost over?? Hope it's been as wonderful of a year for you all as it has been for us. 

Life has been quiet for Shane, Baby Evans, and I up until the end of last week. We decided to resurrect a family tradition of mine by going to see "A Christmas Carol" at the American Conservatory Theater in downtown San Francisco. It was a first for Shane, and an entertaining date night for us both. 

Then, the very next night I checked off a HUGE item on my Bucket List, as we attended a Tori Amos concert. For those who are not familiar, Tori Amos emerged on the music scene back in the early 90s and has kept me captivated by her voice and lyrics for nearly all the years since. 

The theatre was AMAZING! Not a bad seat in the house. 

It was during the third song that I had to pinch myself and realize that I was not dreaming.

Poor Shane attempted to check off a music artist on his Bucket List only the week prior, but apparently Metallica expects people to take out a small loan to experience their talent (cheapest ticket we could find was $2000!!!!!).

The morning after the Tori Amos concert, Shane, his brother Dave, and I were on the road bright and early to viva Las Vegas!! My experience was quite different than the last time I was there, but it was still a fun-filled weekend with great friends (we met some of Shane's friends from Iowa). 

During the Bellagio water show... pretty impressive!! 

We got my daily walks in for sure by roaming the strip. 

We also got to enjoy VIP treatment 40 stories above the strip at the Foundation Room in the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. We realized just how lucky we were that night when actor Chris Cooper (American Beauty, The Bourne movies, The Patriot) walked right by us!

Even though I was sad to end our mini-vacay and head back to reality, I was quite excited to see our Baby Evans at the ultrasound visit. Based on the written report I received after the appointment, our baby is on track and normal. We meet with the doctor next week for more in-depth details, so I will keep you all posted. 

Here is our little one's foot. It was kicking a bunch during the appointment, and if I'm feeling correctly, is finally kicking hard enough for me to know there is a being in my belly. 

Although creepy, this picture shows our little one's facial structure. 

This is our little one's spinal cord and body. It's breech, but seems cozy and content. It even had its tiny little hand curled up by its ear... too cute!! 

And finally, here I am at 19.5 weeks... 

I've been struck with quite a cold, which seems to be affecting my usual glow. It's there, though, I promise! Especially since I get more and more excited as the days pass and my belly grows... 

Well that's all the news I have for this week. I'll check in again next week to share what the doc says about Baby Evans' halfway status...

Sure wish we could share the holidays with you all, but know that you are thought of and appreciated each and every day! We love you!! 

-The Expanding Evans Family

16 Weeks and Counting...

Happy Midweek to you all! Hope you're recovering well from your Thanksgiving week! I can definitely admit I ate for more than just two last week... which certainly shows in this week's belly photo. Haha! 

The adventures of Baby Evans continue, as Shane, his brother Dave, and I recently attended a San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals. Although it was a rainy and cold day, we had a blast! Also, crazy to know that I've attended more football this season than ever before... guess we're prepping Baby Evans EARLY! 

Post a Thanksgiving tailgate with some great friends! 

Not to shabby of seats... still too cold to remove my hood, though. 

Then, due to an unfortunate loss of Shane's grandfather, Shane and I returned to his hometown in Iowa for the funeral and Thanksgiving week. Although the event was sad and difficult for all, it was nice to enjoy the fall weather on the farm and time with family. In fact, I made a new friend during my visit-Donkey.

Amazingly, Donkey was very quiet and calm. 

 Then today, Shane and I went to the baby doctor for a check-in. All was well (aside from the fact that I might want to slow down on the weight gain... I blame the wonderful food I consumed in Iowa!), and once again, the baby's heartbeat was strong and loud. Unlike the first visit, we only heard the heartbeat via a doppler fetal detector, but next visit we will see our little one via an ultrasound. Remember... if you spot the sex of the baby, please keep it to yourself. :)

16.5 weeks and counting... 

Other than that, life is pretty simple these days. The Christmas tree is up, the stockings were hung with care, and I continue to enjoy my long fall/winter/pregnant naps... ;) 

Stay tuned for the next blog, which will most likely come around the halfway point (ahh... just a few weeks away!!!). 

All our love,

The Expanding Evans Family

The Story Begins of Our Baby Evans

Hello all! Welcome to the unfolding story of our Baby Evans! 

Since everyone is so spread out, I've decided to create this blog so you can follow along on the wonderful journey of our sweet baby-to-be, who will arrive around May 11, 2012. 

So far, the journey has been a blast and memorable. I'm edging into week 15 and finally being relieved of continuous morning sickness and exhaustion (although my afternoon naps are still a must!). Also, my concern of not having Shane present for the birth has been dismissed (he was supposed to be deployed), as he will part from active duty with the Air Force come March 1, 2012. We're feeling truly blessed for this recent news, a wish that has come about 3 years early!! Crazy to think that we can finally point to a state on the map and move there if we so desire and settle into a "normal" routine of life, expanding our Evans family.

For those who don't know, we found out on September 8th that I was pregnant. Since that time, Baby Evans and I have found ourselves travelling all over, sharing the first trimester with many! 

First was our trip to San Diego, California for my first NFL and Vikings game.

During that same trip, I touched the Pacific ocean for the first time in Carlsbad, California. 

Then I was off to Los Angelas, California for a Texas Longhorn vs. UCLA game. 

Only a few weeks later, I was on a plane to Denver, Colorado. This is us standing at the top of Red Rocks---so beautiful!! 

Later that same day, I jammed out at a country bar with some great friends at a Pat Green concert. Don't worry, I was the DD. :) 

The very next night, part of our Charleston crew (Nikki, Dan, Katie, and I) celebrated Katie's birthday at a Journey concert. We have not stopped believing ever since!! 

Then, back in San Francisco, Shane's mom, Shane, bump, and I strolled through the Muir Woods. The smell and sights were incredible!

Days later, we found ourselves touring the lovely Jelly Belly Factory. (CAUTION: the BeanBoozled flavors truly taste like what they claim--- rotten egg, moldy cheese, barf, pencil shavings, etc.) 

Finally, during Week 11, I was scheduled for my first doctor's visit. Shane was unable to join me and wipe the streaming tears from my face when this sonogram became visible. Our little Evans made it's debute with a strong and healthy heartbeat. 

During Week 13 Baby Evans finally started showing itself to the world. (Although I could've just been bloated from another delicious dinner night with Shane and Dave ;) 

Then, just last week, we flew to Minneapolis, Minnesota for a weeklong residency for my masters program. Capella University is based downtown, so I had to snap a shot at headquarters. 

Once I returned from my trip, I told Shane it was time to surrender my normal-sized pants and cash in on some maternity jeans (which are SUPER comfy... I may find myself wearing them even when I'm not pregnant...haha!). Thank goodness we did because the bump seems to be growing on a daily basis. Here we are at Week 14.5

In case you are wondering, we plan to keep the sex of the baby a secret until the BIG DAY comes, so if you know how to spot a boy in a sonogram, please don't share. :) 

It's crazy to think how quickly the time is going. Shane and I are so excited to become parents, and thanks to all of you, you make this process comforting and enjoyable! 

Please feel free to share this blog link with whomever you'd like (especially as I'm sure pregnancy brain has left me to forget certain "followers"), and stay tuned for weekly updates!! 

LOVE YOU ALL!! 

-The Expanding Evans Family