Just Us {maternity/Christmas photos}

My sweet friend and talented photographer, Desiree, took a few photos of us 

a few days before we found out we were having twin girls :). 

I was 20+5 weeks pregnant.

Thank you Shutter and Spice Photography :)

Two by Two {our multiplying family}

Well, I haven't been very good at writing through this pregnancy, considering I'm 23+4 weeks and over halfway... but I do have some exciting news! 

We found out two weeks ago (gosh, only two weeks ago??) that we are having ... not one ... but

TWO BABY GIRLS!!!

That's right... we're having TWINS!!!

John and I could not be more excited. Of course with that realization comes more nervousness and uncertainty {I thought I wouldn't sleep with just one!...how will I feed them both...grocery shopping alone??...etc...}

We invited our families over the evening we found out (12/3/13!) and told them by ultrasound picture. 

Needless to say, we have some very excited grandparents! 

Everyone I've shared with has been {for the most part} so encouraging and excited for us.

I've also heard many twin stories :)

Even today in the grocery store line, the lady behind me is a grandma of twin girls!

I have to say, there is quite a connection between people with twins. I'm so excited to be a part of it.

Our due date is still set at April 15, 2014, but I'm aiming to make it to the last week of March. At that point, they will be 37 weeks and term. Praying for two healthy baby girls and a continued healthy pregnancy. 

Lord, thank you for the blessing of two baby girls growing inside me. Please protect them and grow them proportionately, each in their own little sac. May their bodies be healthy, their minds know your truth, and their hearts your love, and the love of their mommy and daddy. 

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord.

'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'"

Isaiah 55:8-9

Little Letters

Dear rockstar husband,
     Monday morning I came home from work to clean folded clothes on my dresser. This made me feel so loved. I nominate you to be the official folder of laundry in our home. :)

Dear Mom,
     I loved cheering for the 3-day walkers with you last weekend almost as much as I loved walking it with you two years ago. You are such a great encourager, and handing out those little oranges was brilliant! I love that we will always share that experience.

{2011 walking and 2013 cheering}

Dear Baker,
     You've been so good trying not to bark at the neighbor dogs. I just think you're the cutest and such a sweet little snuggle puppy. You're so silly though - you're attached to me at the hip all day until bedtime when you go sleep on the couch. I wish you could tell me your little thoughts!

Dear backyard,
     You still scare Emma, as evidenced by her running quickly back inside after she goes potty. But I think you are growing on my pups. Thank you for your convenience, your freshness, and your beautiful view.

Dear sweet growing baby,
     You are 19 weeks! I'm told you are the size of an heirloom tomato this week. Last week you were a sweet potato... I hope you aren't shrinking. :) I can't wait to feel your little somersaults and kicks. You are my little treasure!

Dear Emma,
     You turned five this weekend! You are my kindred spirit puppy and I love you SO much. Thanks for rescuing us, bearsie.

Dear sister,
     You came over at 7am for breakfast after I texted you a good deal earlier than that. Then after breakfast we went to Target and McDonalds. Thanks for being awake so early and always being my hangout buddy. I love our sister dates!

Dear Jesus,
     During this month of thankfulness, I can't help but be overwhelmed with the fact that you are the reason for thankfulness. Thank you for your faithfulness, your grace, your love, and your truth. You are the reason for my joy.

Dear marshmallow fireside candle and hot chocolate with marshmallows,
     You two have made me such a happy girl over the last few days. Can this season never end so we can continue our little morning tradition together?

Dear J,
     Last week you smiled when I pulled our bright orange new brita pitcher from the frig and explained why orange was the best option for us. Last night you scooped me up for a picture in the kitchen after picking me up for our dinner date. Today you texted me to make sure I ordered my snuggle pregnancy pillow so I can {try to} be comfortable when I wake up again. Have I told you how much I love you?

Soon there will be three...

We are so so so excited to share our big news...

John and I could not be more thankful for this little treasure that the Lord is forming inside me.

"For you created my inmost being;

 you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; 

all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Psalm 139:13-16

Baby McGovern is coming April 2014!

Thankful for: Our Condo

So, I thought I posted this blog on November 1st... but turns out, I don't know how to post from my phone. So anyway... this is a few days late. :) And, it looks funny... but at this moment I'm not gonna retype it. Oh well.

Happy November!

As much as I love October, I am so excited to be passed Halloween... (Some of the costumes I saw were just too much for me!).

November brings continued weather changes (hopefully cooler!), a thankful spirit as we approach Thanksgiving, and the allowance of Christmas talk and jingles. It brings the smells of pumpkin and cinnamon, the coziness of a blanket and a fire, and warm home cooked meals (I'll work on that one).

Change. Ah, how you make me smile.

In a few days, J and I are moving to a little house (although bigger than our condo) with an extra bedroom and a yard for our puppies. We couldn't be more excited to switch up our neighborhood, have a bit of extra space, and start a new adventure. 

With that comes the sale of our sweet condo we've owned for the past five years. I tend not to be one that attaches to places or things, but as much as I love moving and change and am ready for something new, I will miss our first official home. We have invested a lot of time and money into beautifying it and J learned how to be quite the carpenter through all of the work we put into it. We got both Emma and Baker here, which is reason enough to be thankful for this place. We've also grown so much more than I could have imagined both individually and as a couple while living in this home. 

I'm thankful that home can be anywhere we make it.

I'm thankful we could make our little two bedroom condo on Gustavo Street our home. 

Thank you, Lord, for our special condo.

So...yeah

So much going on and so much to talk about! But some things will have to wait just a little longer for the blog...

I stillllll haven't finished documenting our Italy trip. I'm sure my sister thinks I forgot. I didn't. 

J got a new job! Da, da DA! He is now my rockstar Network Analyst at San Diego State University. So we are becoming Aztec fans by default. He is so happy to work for great people and a larger university and I am so happy he is happy!

J and I just got back (last week) from a little trip to Seattle, Portland and Roseburg, Oregon to see our besties. We always love Oregon, the Ritters are our faves, and Pike Place Market is sure a fun place to explore.

Every time we visit Oregon, we say we want to move there tomorrow. It's so stinking beautiful up there! But this time, along with the 'it's so amazing here' thoughts, we also felt a new sense of peace and contentment with our lives in San Diego, and are incredibly thankful for where we are at. We don't have plans to move to Oregon for quite awhile, if ever. We've decided will love our home city we are blessed to live in, give thanks that our family is so close (S and V, move here darn it), and make Oregon the family vacation spot.

Fall is here, which might be my favorite season. Well, I love winter, and Spring is pretty nice. Just not summer in El Cajon. Ugh. the heat is not my friend. But there's something about the anticipation of the upcoming holidays and change of seasons (even though it's still 86 degrees outside here) that makes my heart happy. I've failed at bringing out my fall decor this year, which I'm bummed about. But we did get two little pumpkins and I have a harvest sign that are happily sitting on our mantle and my desk. I also have yet to make anything pumpkin related, while last year I had pumpkin bread and cupcakes and muffins and cookies and pancakes going by now. Some years it just doesn't work out. But that's ok with me.

We did make a trip to Target and visited the fall Halloween section, which is not our favorite section by any means. (seriously, when did October turn into skulls and goblins month? what happened to harvest time and preparing for a heart of thankfulness?) But we did get quite a kick out of the gigantic skull heads larger than J. It was his idea to document it. 

I love my husband.

I'm sick as a dog (where in the world did that phrase come from?? It doesn't even make sense, my dogs aren't sick...) with most symptoms you can imagine, including crazy allergies, which is making looking at this computer screen a tad tricky. When I feel better, I'll upload my pics from our trip and also the rest of Italy (it was only 6 months ago...). 

Life feels crazy...doesn't it always?...but good. I'm feeling extra thankful this morning and that's a good thing. 

Lord, make my heart thankful every morning.

Letter to my husband

Dear J, you have been just the sweetest this week. Thanks for 'accidentally forgetting' to take your truck key and filling up my little car's gas tank instead. Thanks for sending me encouraging texts while I'm working to say you love me. You get the mail every day and you've fed the pups for me many evenings this week. I appreciate these things so much. Thanks for organizing the frig and emptying the dishwasher. You really are the cutest house husband. You brought me ice water and a slice of pizza tonight in bed because you knew I was too tired to go get it. I love doing nothing with you and doing everything with you. Thank you for doing the seemingly small tasks for me on a regular basis... They make all the difference. Team J forever. Love, Wife

 

A few Feelings in this Moment

exhausted after a few nights of work

full after yummy quesadillas J made us

inspired after a few pinterest photos and my latest craft projects

surprised my nails are actually a little bit long

amused by a bold funny interaction this morning

hopeful for where we are headed on this journey

relieved i am off tonight

happy i am home with my best friend

excited to see my friend for lunch tomorrow

blessed by God's faithfulness

ready to snuggle up in bed and read my new books

thankful for my sweet family

satisfied in Jesus

{Birthday} Little Letters {of thanks}

Dear J,
     You're spoken birthday card was the best birthday gift ever. And that's saying a lot, since you (among other things) also took me to a romantic Italian dinner and got me an iPad mini. Which I'm typing this on! I love doing life with you day after day. I can't wait to build house projects and create pictures from my books with you :). I love love love you.

Dear Ali,
     Thank you for my birthday phone call and song. I wish we could have birthday cheesecake together. One day we will live in the same city again. You mean the world to me.

Dear Lindsey,
     Your friendship is seriously the best. I love our daily texts about anything and everything. Thanks for being my favorite NICU nurse and friend, for always getting food with me, for being my sick buddy, for making me laugh all the time, and for your sweet (and later amusing) birthday text. My life is better with you in it.

Dear Katie C,
     My day-before-birthday Starbucks hot chocolate and birthday cake pops was such a sweet treat! I love having you in the NICU! And the fact that you and Chris closed on your Santee condo on my birthday was another present!

Dear Carly,
     I will always be able to count on you to make me smile. Every time I wear one of my adorable hair flowers I will think of you. And my coral necklace. You have amazing taste and you're the best sister in the world. I can't wait to be the old ladies on the front of the card you gave me. :) Thanks for being my Coronado buddy and always being ready with the next line of "Sista Sista" :)

Dear Katie R,
     I love that your daughter and I share a birthday month. Maybe that's part of why I adore her so much. Thanks for the laugh from the photos of Elle's artwork with my nail polish in your bathroom. You are the best!

Dear Mom,
     Thanks for taking my birthday off year after year. You never fail to make each one the most special yet. I loved our manis and pedis, Coronado lunch and shopping for fun new outfits. Thanks for always smiling for a picture with me. It means so much. Thank you for the most amazing brunch ever, also.

Dear Jessi,
     Even if our schedules are opposite and we can barely figure out a time to have lunch, know that I adore you and can't wait to see you next week. Your encouragement and friendship is so sweet.

Dear John and Kris,
     You were my first birthday call! Thanks for thinking of me so early before work and for singing to me on the machine. I love my cute peach stethoscope - the babies will be so excited to see it! Love you guys!

Dear Adrian,
     Your little voice on the other end of the phone singing me happy birthday was my sweetest call of the day. Your life is such a gift to me and I don't know if you realize how much the Lord used you to lead me to the NICU. I love you, little sweetheart.

Dear family, friends, texts, and facebook messages,
    Each of you made me feel loved in one way or another this birthday. Thank you for being so special and thoughtful.

Dear Jesus,
     You are Awesome. You have blessed me so immensely. I forget sometimes how Good You Are. Thank you for being patient with me and for loving me the most of all. You knew me way before my first birthday 27 years ago, and for that I am so thankful.

Rekindling Moments: July

July seriously flew by!! But many blessings came from these 31 days.

1 - bible study reunion dinner and laughter over Miguels white sauce
2 - a little pool time with C
3 - a good day's sleep
4 - fireworks from the bed of J's truck with blankets and pillows, Carly, J, and our four pups
5 - morning walk through Coronado with my sister
6 - encouragement from my Ali over Panera
7 - Coronado with our first married friends and favorite family, the Ritters
8 - Panera with Lindsey at work
9 - Target with Carly after a 14 hour night shift/meeting and buying a tanktop I already have... oops :)
10 - Mom's birthday! Cinnabons and Claim Jumper :) {and I got to sneak a visit to the Ritters in there too... Elle's first carousel ride... priceless!}
11 - chicken salad sandwiches with and made by my lovely sister, Chef Carly
12 - grace for the work night
13 - Get-healthy day: gym memberships, laying out, and J's first official homemade green smoothie (we think we may need to start a bit sweeter before going all-out-green!)
14 - Pat and Oscar's O's American Kitchen and frozen yogurt, and pictures in the living room with J
15 - back to the gym... thankful for the ability to exercise... and the strawberry banana smoothie I made afterward!
16 - new blooms outside
17 - helping one of our mommies hold her tiny twins together for the first time
18 - Chik Fil A and creme brulee while playing with Evie and chatting with Dwain and Jaclyn
19 - kicking off an ENTIRE weekend off with J with dinner and meaningful conversation with Jessi and Jeremiah
20 - great conversation with J about the sermon at church tonight after quesadillas with Chris and Katie {three nights in a row with friends - holla!}
21 - late night of mexican food with Sam, Valinda, Daryl and Valerie - they're here for a visit!
22 - photo shoots and crafting fun with Lindz
23 - giving Katie a hug as she started her first day of work on my unit... excited to work with her!
24 - starting and finishing a book.... can't remember the last time I did that in one day. Let alone, at all.
25 - walking through Balboa Park with my sweet sister in law, brother in law, and her fam, and then barbequin' it up at the McGovern's
26 - breakfast of champions and matching nail polish
27 - the peach valencia orange refresher I was craving that J brought me at 2200 to work!
28 - meeting my sweet preceptee
29 - laughing through report
30 - walking with Jaclyn around the beautiful Santee lakes and reaching 10,000 steps on my fitbit
31 - Panera and a good chat with Lindsey after sharing 'Letters from Juliette' at our First Touch meeting

Bits of the Beauty of Holiness

July 29th's devotion from Jesus Calling really spoke to me.

"Worship Me in the beauty of holiness. I created beauty to declare the existence of My holy being. A magnificent rose, a hauntingly glorious sunset, oceanic splendor - all these things were meant to proclaim My Presence in the world. Most people rush past these proclamations without giving them a second thought. Some people use beauty, especially feminine loveliness, to sell their products. 

How precious are My children who are awed by nature's beauty; this opens them up to My holy Presence. Even before you knew Me personally, you responded to my creation with wonder. This is a gift, and it carries responsibility with it. Declare My glorious Being to the world. The whole earth is full of My radiant beauty - My Glory!"

'Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.' Psalm 29:2

'And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."' Isaiah 6:3

Last night, the pups and I were out for our walk we take twice a day everyday.

I realized how many things I see each day that I don't think twice about.

So tonight I decided to bring the big camera and capture a few simple moments in our walk.

Because fresh perspectives are refreshing.

And moments through a lens help me remember.

so not every photo is created by God, but there is beauty in these things even still

this happens to be my favorite house ever - is that not the cutest roof and garage door?!

Little Letters

There's a little trend out in the 'blog world' that I like.

But I also hate copying, so I refrained from joining in.

Well, I've decided to say what-the-heck and jump on the bandwagon.

Dear Coronado Island,
   The combination of your perfect view of the city, amazing coffee shops, clean sandy beaches, pet-friendly-ness, precious million dollar homes, and all-around awesomeness has made me one happy girl lately. Can we have a date every day?

Dear Jury Duty,
   I realize I've postponed you three times. But you just are not convenient for my schedule. Let's postpone next month for retirement. Then I'll be glad to fulfill my civil duty every year.

Dear Fingernails,
   Can you grow for goodness sake? Please and thank you.

Dear Pinterest,
   I think you're really fun. Thanks for all the pretty pictures and ideas. Now to actually do one of them.

Dear Tidelands Park,
   You are quite the secret hideaway. Thanks for being empty, huge, and safe, and letting Emma and Baker run free. We'll visit again soon.

Dear twinsies in the NICU,
   The way the two of you do the same thing at the same time from two different beds is seriously rad. And keeps me very busy. :)

Dear Emma and Elsie,
   You ladies are famous. And your app has made photo editing that much funner. Can't wait for your book to come out. You guys rock.

Dear Real Simple magazine,
   You are the most exciting thing that lands in my mailbox. You and those $10 Kohls giftcards. Can you come soon? The grocery ads are only so exciting.

Dear baby J {edit: this is NOT a baby in my tummy... this is a princess from our NICU},
   Do you know how your sweet little spirit has inspired more letters to be written?

Dear Lindsey,
   Thank you for making every single shift I work with you so worth it. You're an incredible nurse and great friend and I adore you.

Dear Kindle app,
   I decided to try you out today for the first time on a $3 book. Best. decision. ever. I didn't think reading on my phone would be so cool. I was wrong.

Dear Baker,
   I'm sorry we had to sit in the vet for 2 hours yesterday. You were such a good boy. Soon your ears will feel better.

Dear Emma,
   Thank you for not tearing up the house while we were gone. You seriously have a heart of gold, sweet bear.

Dear J,
   I love when you laugh, sing with your headphones on, and kiss me every day when you get home. Thanks for choosing me to do your days with.

Dear Jesus,
   You are my strength when I am weak. Your mercies are new every morning. Thank you for being enough.

much love,

Jordanna

Shout-out: A Beautiful Mess {and some visual moments of late}

 So I found this new photo editing app called A Beautiful Mess.

If you have instagram, you NEED this app. 99 cents is absolutely worth it.

A Beautiful Mess is also the name of a blog by two sisters, Elsie and Emma.

These girls are just the cutest and have way more than just photography on their blog,

so go check them out if you have time.

I told Carly we need to have a sister blog. :)

I've been having fun using the app to add to photos I've been taking.

So here's a little glimpse into a few moments in my life this month.

fourth of july parties with carly, j and the pups in the bed of j's truck

amazing skies crafted by our Creator Himself

 dinner with family to celebrate mom's birthday

visits to coronado beach

 puppy play time in coronado with my gorgeous sister

 and puppy snuggles on the way home after playtime

 visiting and photoshooting with our favorite little girl {and family} in the world

 amazing sunsets

 beautiful new blooms around home

time with my sissy

 family photos

 discovering a new park

 time with baker

 time with emma

 being reminded of how fortunate i am to live in san diego

healthy 'green' smoothies

yummy strawberry banana smoothies

and way too many homemade white chocolate iced blendeds {possibly my favorite treat ever}

God, You are good.

Thank you for different experiences and eyes to see your hand in it all.

Thank you for new recipes, family time, and puppy smiles.

And apps that make photo editing that much more fun.

You are so gracious to your people.

And you are so faithful.