Lydia Jayne Livengood

Lydia Jayne Livengood made her appearance Thursday, October 30th, at 5:14 pm. She weighed 9 lbs, 3 oz, and is 19 inches long. We're all home and doing well. She's a good natured baby so far and we're enjoying her a lot. Here are a few pictures:

Turning over some new leaves...

I know it's not yet the new year...but fall has always seemed like a time of new beginnings to me. Maybe it's the result of the anticipation of starting a new grade in the fall, new classes, new activities, new programs for the "school year", etc. Whatever it is...that's how I feel. So, I'm turning over some new leaves...

As some of you may know, our daughter will be born this week. Thursday, the 30th, if not before. That event is going to change our lives...forever! I've had a lot of time to do some thinking over the last 12+ weeks, and reflect on what really matters in life. I hope that when the pace of my life quickens again, that I will remember some things that I learned.

First, what's really important? Is it more important that the house is spotless, the laundry is done, I have a home-cooked meal on the table by 6:00 every night, and that I spend countless hours after my full-time job seeing that these things happen? Or that I take time to enjoy life and have fun and make memories with my husband and daughter? Now, I know that responsibility is not something any of us can escape completely, and all of those things need to be done, but I don't want the pressure to rule my life anymore like it has in the past. I want to do what I can with the time I've got, and be satisfied in that.

Second, I want to be more reflective. During this time I read Dr. John Bowling's (president of Olivet Nazarene University) book, "Making the Climb". It's an account of his spiritual and physical journey climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. His book inspired me to be alone more with God, and spend more time in quiet reflection, instead of daily giving in to all of the things that clamor for my attention every waking hour.

Third, I want to be more greatful and appreciative of the things I have, and less consumed with what I don't have. God has provided for us time and again, and I can trust Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." I want to live Philippians 4:11-13, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." I don't want to compare myself to everyone else, but to be satisfied in my own skin, in my own situation.

Finally, I want to find happiness and joy in small things. I feel like I used to be better about this, but somehow got bogged down in life, and forgot to enjoy things I enjoy! A hot cup of something to drink on a cold day, beautiful trees in the fall, wearing turtlenecks, you get the idea (that would be the fall version of what I enjoy :-)). Jon is good about enjoying life, and I could learn a lot from him.

And, on a rather shallow note...I want to be better about updating this blog! I want our friends and family to see our baby (name, TBA) grow up, and enjoy her from afar as much as possible. So - I'm not making any promises, but I will try...

So - those are some of my reflections from bedrest. As this rather unpleasant period of my life comes to a close, I hope that I will take from it something that will help me in the future.

Next post...the one we've all been waiting for...BABY GIRL LIVENGOOD!!!

Until then...

A Long 6 Weeks

Hello friends and family! I thought it was time to give another installment of Livengood happenings. A lot has happened in the last 6 weeks or so...

(For those who don't know) The last weekend in July, Jon and I made our way home for two baby showers. Jon's mom threw us a shower in East Peoria, and my mom threw a shower for us in Rock Island. Unfortunately, for the shower in Rock Island, I was in the hospital instead of at the shower. I was experiencing a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, and so was kept overnight for observation. When they released me to go home, I was to stay on bedrest until I saw my doctor. Little did I know that 6 weeks later, I'd still be on bedrest! What a drag! Not at all how I expected to spend my last trimester, but I'm thankful that the baby is doing okay, and amazed at how the Lord has provided for us during this less than ideal time. So - during the last six weeks, we also moved (thanks to Jon, and a lot of help from friends and family!), celebrated our fourth anniversary, and I did get to go to another shower last Saturday, here in Kansas City.

This week, our office is moving from Kansas City to Lenexa. I've worked my last days at the Paseo, and I didn't even know it! When I go back to work (probably after maternity leave at this point) I'll have completely new surroundings! It will be so strange, to say the least.

Jon started up class again tonight. He was supposed to take a two-week module this summer, but because of our unforseen circumstances, wasn't able to do it. Instead he was home packing up our entire apartment, fixing dinner, getting groceries, doing laundry, cleaning up the place, and, oh yeah, working all day. He's been great during this time, and I don't know what I'd do without him!

That about sums up life as we've been experiencing it. I'm hoping to be off of bed rest at 36 weeks, but we'll see...(that's only 2 more weeks and 4 days!) We can't wait for our little girl to get here. I'll post some pictures of the nursery once we get it together.

Me at the shower in East Peoria

30 weeks (I think)

Jon and I on our 4th Anniversary

Me and my mom at my shower in Kansas City last weekend (33 weeks)

Hello! It's me again...with my randomly updated blog. Maybe I'll be better about it when the baby is born...but probably not :-)

Our summer has been so much fun this year! When it started, I told Jon, "This needs to be the best summer ever!", and I think it has been. There is so much to do in Kansas City in the summertime. We've been to the drive-in twice, the Farmer's Market, "Oklahoma" at Theatre in the Park, "Othello" at Shakespeare in the Park, Royals Game, Mini-golf, Free Friday Night Flicks at Crown Center, Celebration at the Station (Featuring the KC Symphony and Fireworks!), Rock Island/Manville for 4th of July, and we're only halfway done! Unfortunately, the second half of the summer will be a little less impressive. Jon starts work for a module class next week, and we need to start packing to move over Labor Day weekend. But all fun is not done...we'll make sure of it.

Today we celebrated my 27th birthday. Jon took me to the Melting Pot (Fondue Restaurant) for dinner tonight, and we're waiting for our food to digest before we go out and get some dessert. He also got me the 6 hour, A & E, Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice! Very exciting! I have heard from a lot of friends and family today and feel very loved. Thank you to all!

Baby Update: We are now 101 days away from our due date of October 25th! Jon and I are making a very fun trip to Illinois next week for a baby shower in East Peoria and a baby shower in Rock Island. I am REALLY looking forward to going home and celebrating with friends and family. The baby is moving and growing like crazy! Consequently, I'm growing like crazy, too! According to my books, I'm in the third trimester at 25 1/2 weeks (or about 6 months). Below is a picture we took at my mom and dad's a week and a half ago. Jon can feel the baby move now, and sometimes we just watch my stomach for entertainment. It's so weird and amazing all at once. Some of my fears about motherhood have already been replaced by immense love and concern for this new little one inside me. Childbirth is still a little disconcerting, however :-) We start classes next Monday night for that. Hopefully knowledge will be power in this situation :-)

Well, I should go for now. Until next time!