Making (Noticeable) Progress

Last week I hit a milestone in my pregnancy... Public Participation. I was on my way in to Sunny Farms, our local version of Whole Foods, and a lady on her way out took one look at me and said "Cute Belly." Then, as I made my way through to get a couple of grocery items I noticed at least five or six other stares and smiles, focused on my belly. So now, as you can see from the photo below (24 weeks and 2 days), my belly has grown to the point where strangers feel pretty confident that I'm pregnant and don't worry that they might put their foot in their mouth.

For the most part, this is fun. It's nice to look pregnant, and not just really chubby. It's also fun to get the smiles and well wishes. I haven't had any creepy people touching my belly yet, but from what I understand, that is to come. On the other hand, I do wonder how I will get any bigger. I mean, look at that torpedo coming out of my belly. There's three more months of growth to come. Where is it all going to go? And those aches I'm starting to feel in my back? Well those are probably here to stay. All in all, I'm still having fun and enjoying the process.
Yesterday Tony took a group of leaders to Seattle for a one-day conference. It was a great conference, talking about transformation and change. Good for personal growth and also our perspective/approach to youth ministry. The day was glorious. To have the weather be in the mid sixties and sunny most of the day was phenomenal (given the snow we had last weekend). We enjoyed a ferry ride back to the peninsula at the end of our day and I figured it was the perfect prego couple photo op.
Then, Dad-to-be, who we will refer to now as "Rico" had some fun posing for the camera (and showing off his manly chest). He is such a goofball and will probably do his share to embarrass our child one day, but we got a lot of laughs out of it. And he was quite pleased to see the picture and realize that it also showed off his favorite belt buckle. (This is one in a series of 4 or 5 that he's bought since Christmas. It's a new obsession, but thankfully harmless.)

Until next time...

Already Halfway There?!

Yep. We're halfway there. Actually, we were three weeks ago. (This picture is at 20 weeks. Now we're 23 weeks and a couple of days.) It seemed like a big marker to hit and time keeps ticking away. It's amazing how fast everything goes. Maybe it's because so much is changing and new each week. I've got my eye on the calendar, but I'm not feeling the pressure to get everything done quite yet. Although given the rapid growth of my belly these days, I can see there's validity to the fact that people say this second trimester is the best. Who knows how much I'll be able to do in a couple of months. We'll see.

(By the way, if the outfit above looks familiar, just want you to know that we did it on purpose. All of the books say to wear the same thing each month to compare. So I got two months out of this outfit, but the belly is moving beyond regular t-shirts these days so next picture probably won't be quite the same.)
Just two days after we hit 20 weeks we were on our way to Mexico for our annual Spring Break Mission trip with our high school students. This year we took 22 students and 11 leaders. It was an awesome group. The week went very smoothly and we were priveleged to build and mosaic an awesome barbeque outside their dining hall, gut and reframe their failing walk-in fridge (it was moldy and pretty nasty, not to mention the condenser wasn't really working), and a few other projects. Thanks to the generosity and support of our church, this was our fourth trip to Door of Faith Orphanage.

Baby Bear and I fared really well. This year I had the perfect excuse to embrace my role as photographer and supervisor. Although I did miss getting in and working alongside the students, it was a good lesson in letting go control. Not to mention probably a nice inbetween step since next year I'll have a little one in tow.

The day after we got back from Mexico we had another ultrasound. It is so amazing to be able to see our baby. The ultrasound tech made several comments that we had an active baby and Tony and I reveled in watching our little one toss and turn and kick. (I'm going to try to scan in the photos to share.)

You might all be wondering... Did they find out? I'll confess that I was slightly tempted when we were in the midst of the ultrasound. At that point I turned to Tony and asked if he was tempted. His reply was a very firm and simple "No." So thanks to his strength we held out. We're having a "surprise." Not even our midwives will know.
The excitement continued later on in the week when my best friend and roommate from college, Jenny, came to visit. What a special to treat-- not only to have her here with us but also to be able to share our pregnancies and growing bellies. (She's four weeks ahead of me.) Her visit was pretty mellow as both of us are enjoying our rest these days, but we did venture out to the famed Dungeness Spit for a nice beach walk. Can you see the Olympic Mountains in the background? We know they're there.
And of course, we had to take a real belly picture to capture the memory of her visit and this season we're sharing. With Tony as our photographer, we worked really hard at the science of getting our bodies turned right and making sure that both of our bellies were showing. It was quite a laugh at how much effort went in to it. But from my perspective, this is a picture I'm going to cherish for a long time. Gotta get it right.

Mom Windham was due to visit this last week for her annual spring trip, but decided to postpone until baby time in August. We missed having her with us, but are glad that she was able to be at home with Papa. We would covet your prayers for my Papa as he has recently begun a war against cancer. He's ready for battle and very positive so far, for which I am grateful. Chemotherapy starts soon and our prayer is that his body will be able to process the chemo so that it attacks and conquers all of the right places. Papa is a fighter and doesn't take anything sitting still. Please pray that his spirit would be strong and for strength and energy for my mom, sister, brother and other family and friends that will be journeying alongside him. I'm very much looking forward to a visit with my Papa at the end of May.

And Baby Makes Three!

Greetings Friends and Family. We've had many Adventures in Sequim thus far, but have recently embarked upon the biggest one yet-- a baby. We are thrilled to be in this season, along with many other emotions, of course. (Wonder, amazement, caution, a little fear, excitement, etc.)

Early in December we found out that our prayers had been answered. We shared our news with family at Christmas and then worked really hard to keep our secret until we were in the clear. So, in early February, right about the time of our 3rd Anniversary, we began sharing with our Sequim community and many of you. (Please forgive us if we weren't able to tell you personally. Energy and time have been of short supply lately.)

It's especially been a blessing to receive all of the encouraging words and excitement from our church body. Although we will not be close (in proximity) to family as our own family begins, we have established many great relationships in our church family that we know will prove to be great support. Tony had some fun announcing it to the church and no doubt they'll be giving him a hard time for a long time to come.

We're 19 weeks as of yesterday (3/21/08). I never understood why expectant mothers counted in weeks until I became one. Each week is worth counting-- not only is there so much happening in baby's development, but it's comforting to reach each point in health and anticipation (and wonder if as the weeks go by I'll be able to get everything done). The photo at the top is me at 16 weeks. Another updated photo will follow soon.

This is our year of threes. (1) our 3rd Anniversary (2/5/08) (2) Tony's 33rd Birthday in May (3) My 30th Birthday in June and (4) adding the third member of our family--Baby Bear Toth is due to arrive around the middle of August.

This photo is from our Anniversary Dinner at one of our favorite spots-- Bella Italia.

I have been really fortunate to not be too sick or uncomfortable thus far. Tony will attest, however, to my increased naps and decreasing energy for housework.

We'll have our ultrasound in April, but we're not planning to find out what we're having. Yes, I am a planner, but this is one detail I can let go of. We both agreed it would be worth the wait.

Well, that's all for now. I'll try not to drone on about the details, but just leave quick updates here and there.

Christmas in Mexico

Well, it's taken a little while to get settled back into normal life after the holidays. Finally, I have sorted through the many photos from our time in Mexico and picked a few to share. Well, more than I few, but I tried not to go overboard.

So, here is our trip in pictures... We spent an afternoon/evening in Downtown San Luis Potosi. It's an old town, lots of cathedrals and neat historical buildings.
Pause for a photo at a fountain downtown. (It was actually a long pause as Tony and Scott played with the different settings on their cameras.)
Christmas Eve dinner at Tonia (Tony's sister) and Scott's house. Phenomenal Indian food-- way to go Tonia!
Spent time as a family and read the Christmas story from the Bible.

(Tonia, Mikael, Claire and Emma)
Couldn't pass up the typical pose in front of the Christmas tree.

The classic Christmas morning PJ photo. Not altogether flattering, but a great memory.

Nephews Nathan and Zack presented their production of "A Christmas Carol." Hollywood is definitely in their future.

And below, our All-American Christmas feast at Mimi and Boppa's. (Tony's parents) This would be the last big event in their San Luis Potosi home. As soon as we returned to the states they started packing and headed towards their new home in New Braunfels, Texas.

Tonia marked her 40th birthday on Christmas, but had a big celebration on the 27th.

(Scott scored big with 40 roses.)

We shared brunch at Mimi's favorite hotel, the Westin, on New Year's eve day.

Missing photos: The many trips to local taco stands and our wild New Year's eve celebration with crazy fireworks.

All in all we had a great time, got lots of rest, experienced some of Tony's "heritage" and enjoyed lots of time with family.

Feliz Navidad!

Hey Friends and Family. If this if your first time visiting our blog... Welcome!

We're leaving tomorrow for Central Mexico (where Tony's parents live) for Christmas and New Years.

Over the last couple weeks we've been to and hosted several Christmas parties. It's great to be with friends and enjoy the festivities, but even better are the reminders of our great cause for celebration. Who would have thought "The Simpsons" would be able to help us keep a clear perspective on Christ instead of how we sometimes see God-- as our "Cosmic Santa Claus?" (Yes, Tony did use that as an illustration for our high school and college parties. Isn't he creative?!)

I also recommend the following for great ways to experience the Christmas story-- a book by Max Lucado, One Incredible Moment, tells the story from the perspective of the different players in the story (my Bible Study girls loved it); and "The Nativity Story," a wide-release film following the story from Mary and Joseph to Jesus' birth. Seeing the movie helps make the scripture come alive.

We wish you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Highlights of 2007

Hey Friends and Family. It's been six months since we started this blog, but don't let that deter you. I have goals... I figure that we'll probably have something "interesting" to share at least every three months. So don't get discouraged. Check in every now and again and we'll keep up our end of the bargain.


For now, here's the best of Tony and Claire's 2007. So far, at least. That doesn't yet include Christmas in Mexico with the Toth family.



Seahawks Shut-Out the 49ers

Right around Veteran's Day we snuck away to Seattle (even got a Sunday off) and did lots of walking. Seattle is a great city! Best of all, we were gifted tickets to the Seahawks Monday night football game and we got to watch them shut-out the 49ers.


Weddings, Babies and Friends

The first weekend in November, I (Claire) was off with her friend Melisa to California. Three days held visits with lots of girlfriends, meeting three new babies, Chad and Kelli's wedding, visit with my niece Sicily (so cute) and quick visit with the parents.

Family in Minnesota

Yet another trip out of town... My mom came to visit the first week in October (sorry, we forgot to take pictures) and then a week later in the middle of October, I met my mom, sister, and nephew in Minneapolis so that we could visit my great Aunt Vi and Uncle Phil. We had a great visiting with them (I hadn't been out there for 8 years). I also really enjoyed quality time with Oliver. He's quickly approaching 4 and such a cool little kid.

Hiking in the Olympics

Anyone remember how Tony took a 7 day backpacking trip in the Olympic mountains while we were dating? Well, ever since we moved and found them to be in our backyard, they've been backoning him. So, this August, he finally got to take another trip. The group included Bryan and Craig (two friends from church), Tony's Dad, Andy, and Uncle Joe. This trip was a little bit soggy, but needless to say they had a great time. While they were up in the mountains, Mom Toth and I enjoyed time together, in between work and other life stuff.

In addition to the highlights above, here are a few more for 2007... Our 2nd Anniversary (3rd is coming up in February)... Great Vacation in Mexico in June... Tony started his 4th school year at SCC... We have a great new Music Director (since Feb) and a great new Associate Pastor for Adult Life (since September)... One year at my job for McCrorie Carpet One... and Tony has taken up surfing again! The water here is so cold he now donns a hood, booties and gloves. Mosts days the headaches from the chill of the water go away quickly (as long as there is sunshine). The short (40 min) drives don't always produce waves, so he's been a couple times to the west coast (2 hours) so that he can find a few good rides.

Since I don't have photos from every occasion and don't want to completely bore you, I'll sign off now. And, as I've promised, will be back on before 3 months go by. Love to you all.

16 Baptized!

On Sunday, May 20th, Tony performed his first Baptism. After having a three week class, he baptized 15 middle and high school students and one grandmother (she wanted to be baptized with her 7th grader). The baptisms took place at Port Williams beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. And although warm weather would have been nice for the full immersion, you can't necessarily wait on the sunshine here in the Northwest. So, rain, low tide and really cold water were some of the memory makers for our students. But what a great celebration! Lots of folks joined us to celebrate. What a blessing.