pregnancy highlights | 32 weeks

Not much has changed since last week, so I've only answered some of them. :)

how far along: 32 weeks

due date: October 10
size of baby: jicama - 16.7 inches, 3.8 lbs.  

gender: girl!

food cravings: fried everything.   

best moment of the week: I've gotten to see a lot of friends in the past week (almost every day!). As an extrovert, this has been wonderful. 

daddy: Jon came back with a lot of information from the infant care class and even got to hold a fake newborn baby!

prayer requests: Today, we received good news about our little one. She's measuring about a week ahead and seems to be pretty happy in utero. Also, continue to pray that we can support our family & friends who are going through difficult times. 

{ 32 weeks }

pregnancy highlights | 31 weeks

how far along: 31 weeks

due date: October 10
size of baby: pineapple (!) - 16.7 inches, 3.8 lbs.

gender: girl!

movement: the baby girl's been moving in ways that are painful. whether it be her kicking or just moving for 5 minutes straight, her action is pretty uncomfortable!     

symptoms: I am experiencing a lot of rib pain. I made the mistake and read online articles about rib pain... let's just say, I'd rather grin & bear it than get an orthopedic brace in the case I have dislocated ribs. also, nesting... but there's not much i can do about that right now. 
food cravings: right now, I'm craving that pineapple pictured above!!!   
maternity clothes: dresses, both maternity & non-maternity, are a staple for going out. a good friend also sent me a pretty scarf that i wore to my appointment this week. :)
what I miss: getting ready without being out of breath - haha!

best moment of the week: we received positive news from our ultrasound again. we are feeling more & more confident that I'll go full term.

getting ready: i stay up at night re-arranging our furniture (in my head) in hopes that we can get everything ready before she arrives. thanks to some friends & family, we have a good plan. 

daddy: he is currently taking an infant care class at the hospital - while I'm sitting here watching Wheel of Fortune. I'm really proud of him.

prayer requests: we have several friends and family who are going through difficult times - with babies, with health, with life. I just want to go hug all of them, but I can't - pray we can support them well. 

{ 31 weeks: it takes a lot of focus for me to do anything these days }

pregnancy highlights | 30 weeks

how far along: 30 weeks

due date: October 10
size of baby: large cabbage - 16 inches, 3 lbs.

gender: girl!

movement: her movement has been very different lately. I'm guessing it's because she's bigger and I'm feeling a lot more than just kicks & punches.  

symptoms: I am much more hungry. still no swelling - yay! 
food cravings: I believe I'm craving doughnuts so much because I haven't had any recently! :) Other than that, my appetite is pretty normal.  
maternity clothes: since I'm not going out in public much, I'm not buying a lot of maternity clothing. most of what I wear around the house isn't even maternity... just really stretchy! 
what I miss: visiting family & friends and going on vacation! hey people, it's the summer so GO TO THE BEACH!!!  I usually spend a lot of my summer visiting folks, especially my Nana - who I haven't seen in over a year. It will be fun to get out of the house and travel once our daughter arrives.

best moment of the week: there's so much to say here!!!!  Some friends threw a shower for me in my neighbor's place upstairs. friends and family traveled to DC for it, and having so many loved ones around all weekend was life-giving! we feel so blessed and thankful for the gifts and love we received. 

getting ready: .... now, we just have to re-organize our house to make room for all the baby stuff!

daddy: Jon is taking fatherhood seriously and has signed up for an infant care class, which he will take next week. he will spend 3 hours learning about diapering, swaddling, bathing, baby safety, etc. I'm proud of the initiative he has taken and encouraged by his support.

prayer requests: we were surprised when receiving positive results from our weekly ultrasound! we are even more hopeful now that our daughter will arrive closer to her due date. Pray for mama and baby to stay healthy. 

{ 30 weeks }

pregnancy highlights | 29 weeks

Hi there! Since Jon just posted on Saturday, I thought I might go in a different direction with this weekly update.

Wednesdays are technically our "change dates"- which means our little one is right at 29 weeks today.  We count each day as a blessing and hope to have a couple more months before we go to the hospital. 

The rest of the post is going to be a series of pictures to fill in some highlights I want to document.  

{ 19 weeks: Nationals game with friends Hillary & Donato (and Teddy Roosevelt!) #RacingPresidents }

{ 20 weeks: friend Megan visited. brother-in-law Scott came with dog Wyatt.  Em & Will also in DC made for a fun weekend! Here we are at Northside Social in Arlington. }  

{ 20 weeks again: a talented brother trio entertain the rest of us out on the back deck }

{ 23 weeks: my brother TJ came to visit the week after I was put on bed rest, so my wonderful husband took TJ around DC all weekend }

{ 26 weeks: Jon left for his sister's wedding and my mom came up to hang out. She cooked, cleaned, ran errands, assembled furniture, everything!! It's no surprise I don't have any pictures of her, but here's one of me on the 4th of July watching fireworks from the front porch. }

{ 26 weeks: This is Jon's family in Orlando to celebrate his sister marrying Kyle! They ran a 5k to kick off the festivities.  Scott, Anne (bride!), Kyle (groom!), Emily, Sarah, Jon }

{ 27 weeks: my friend and upstairs neighbor took some maternity pictures for me - so sweet!  Check out more of her work here - Whit&Whimsy. }  

{ 27 weeks: Meet my sweet nephew Davis. He's about to turn 3 and has named our baby Lilly-Pok (haha!!). We love getting pictures and videos of his latest antics. }

{ 28 weeks: We decided to celebrate our girl's 28th week with a cookie cake - thanks to my sweet husband! } 

{ 28 weeks: Jon's surprise treat to me was a Coke float....almost like being at the Soda Shop! } 

pregnancy update | 28 weeks

jon holbrook, dutiful husband and proud father, is guest-blogging for the 28 week mark. (proofread by tiff of course)

how far along: 28 weeks

due date: October 10
size of baby: chinese cabbage, 15 in., 2.25 lbs.

gender: girl!

movement: thankfully, our daughter loves to move and sway and gesticulate. she is pretty active these days. when we play music for her, tiff swears that she responds with movement. 

symptoms: nothing yet. as the weeks pass by, tiff still hasn't felt any symptoms of preterm labor - which is terrific news. we had a really encouraging appointment on monday morning. 
food cravings: our doctor was concerned about tiff's weight, explaining that she needs to gain more. so, tiff gets to indulge her ice cream cravings. on the other hand, i fake cravings for spinach and hard-boiled eggs to make sure that tiff gets her protein. 
maternity clothes:  i was finally able to sift through our storage unit for tiff's summer clothes. as a result, tiff has been waltzing around the house in her summer outfits - by waltzing, i really mean, lounging on the couch. 
what I miss: i miss exploring the city together. tiff was a great sport for trying new restaurants and a great companion for dates around town. we've nevertheless been able to enjoy being home bodies (and watch Nationals games most nights). 

best moment of the week: i think that the appointment on monday lifted our spirits. our ultrasound tech, who has gotten to know our situation really well, had a really hopeful tone. Amid plenty of sobering news, it was comforting to hear that tiff and the baby might make it to full-term.  

getting ready: tiff has her first shower next week - which means that we will be hosting lots of family in town. we are thrilled to see parents and siblings (and especially our nephew, davis).  we're excited for the cousins to meet. 

daddy: i'm doing well - constantly encouraged by the support of friends, family, co-workers. for those who know me, they know that i'm a sentimental guy. i'm thrilled about being a father, absolutely thrilled. 

prayer requests: for wisdom mainly - that we make wise decisions about raising our daughter, about possibly relocating our family in the next few years. and mental toughness for tiff. she has been really strong over the last few weeks but bedrest has taken its toll. and, most importantly, for the baby's health. i pray for her every day. 

{ my beautiful wife at 28 weeks (hardly even showing) }

thanks for letting me share my thoughts this week. 

our wedding on a blog!

Even though the engagement story isn't completely accurate, how exciting is it that our wedding is featured on a wedding blog! Our photographer submitted the wedding to Sarah from A Paper Proposal. Check out what she posted here.
Yesterday was also a year since we got engaged in Richmond, so it's perfect timing. 

pregnancy highlights | 25 weeks

how far along: 25 weeks

due date: October 10
size of baby: cauliflower, 14 in., 2 lbs.

gender: girl!

movement: yes... less than the past few weeks, but you won't hear me complaining. It makes me happy when she's moving around now. 

symptoms: I don't believe so, but bedrest is giving me ample rest and people are feeding me really well.  
food cravings: sweet things: doughnuts, fruits, brownies, peanut butter, popsicles, ice cream! 
maternity clothes:  my uniform is typically leggings and t-shirts (see below picture).
what I miss: being around lots of people. I love having visitors so much, but it's typically 1 or 2 people at a time. When this little one arrives, I will be more than eager to get out of the house with her!

best moment of the week: I loved going to a party thrown by my neighbors upstairs. I got to squeeze into a dress, fix my hair, and meet new people! I also loved having my cousin & her boyfriend stop by on their way to Jersey. However, it's been a mostly sad week for me. At my doctor's appointment on Monday, we heard that despite bedrest and medicine, I am not getting better. Then on Friday my husband went away to his hometown for a week. It's bittersweet because his sister is getting married next week (!!!!), but we were supposed to be on our vacation this week and I am missing her wedding! Not to mention my honey is gone for 10 days. Thankfully, my mom arrives tomorrow to hang out with me. :)

getting ready: My first shower has been planned, so that's exciting! I look forward to being around a lot of friends and family in a month. 

daddy: I am really happy he's able to get away from work and house chores for a week. He deserves a vacation - a time to rest, refuel, and sleep in. (Selfishly, I just want him at home, though.) 

prayer requests: Please pray that Jon can rest and be encouraged by his family. Pray for Tiff's health - physically and emotionally. Lastly, pray this Baby Girl will wait a couple months to make her debut. 

{25 weeks}

We are so humbled by those who have sent us encouraging notes and packages, as well as all the meals coming in. We're forever thankful and believe the Lord is teaching us so much about community, service, and love during this time. 

pregnancy highlights | 24 weeks

how far along: 24 weeks

due date: October 10
size of baby: cantaloupe, 11 inches, 1 lb.

gender: girl!

movement: yes. She wakes Mommy up some nights from all the kicking. 

symptoms: I'm hungry a lot, but that's about it lately. 
food cravings: Sweets! And anything bread-y. I try not to give in too much. 
maternity clothes:  I bought some neon skinny jeans I love. If you visit, I'll probably be wearing them because they make me feel awesome. Otherwise, I usually wear non-maternity stretchy clothes. 
what I miss: Going out to eat! After my doctor's appointment this week, I walked into the Whole Foods next door and was so energized by all the people running around. I miss that too. 

best moment of the week: I spent 5 hours outside one day - both in the shade and laying in the sun. It was so relaxing. 

getting ready: I have pretty much finished registering for the baby. Often, I look online at nurseries for the one day we will move into a bigger place. 

daddy: He's wonderful - allowing me and the baby to stay healthy by serving us well. We are both humbled by the amount of help & support family and friends are sending our way. 

prayer requests: (Same as last week) - Not much has changed since being put on bedrest, so please continue to pray for the baby girl to stay put for a couple months. We are personally praying that I'm able to go full-term (37 weeks) and for no more hiccups along the way. Also, for Jon to have supernatural energy from the Lord and for Tiff to embrace this unique time. 

{24 weeks}

pregnancy highlights | 23 weeks

how far along: 23 weeks

due date: October 10

size of baby: grapefruit, 10.5 inches, 12.7 oz.

gender: girl!

movement: yes and LOTS! this girl is active, day and night. I think she's going to take after her daddy.

symptoms: general discomfort & achiness. Sometimes doesn't feel like I'm pregnant!
sleep: Between the crazy pregnancy dreams & an active little girl, I haven't been sleeping well lately. Thankfully, I have all day to rest up!
food cravings: meat, pasta, and I think I'm getting my sweet tooth back.
maternity clothes: yes, a few. But since I don't go out in public much, I usually wear leggings and a stretchy non-maternity shirt around the house. 
what I miss: The past couple weeks I've missed a lot while being on bedrest. What I've missed has been made up with the number of visitors and support I've received!

best moment of the week: I have many bests - I had six different visits from friends... and all brought food, drink, sweets, plants, or flowers. On top of that, cards & packages from loved ones. I am so blessed!

getting ready: I've started making decisions about what's going on the registry. Here's to hoping I complete it in the upcoming week!

daddy: Again, he is doing a great job as the cooker, cleaner, errand-runner, & overall supporter. I'm proud of the way he has stepped up in every way and allows me to rest. 

prayer requests: Not much has changed since

 being put on bedrest, so please continue to pray for the baby girl to stay put for a couple months. We are personally praying that I'm able to go full-term (37 weeks) and for no more hiccups along the way. Also, for Jon to have supernatural energy from the Lord and for Tiff to embrace this unique time. 

Thank you for your love & support as we walk through our first pregnancy. We find ourselves thankful for each sweet day that passes. We know (& feel) that the Lord has us in His hands.

{excuse the dirty mirror!}

me? ... bed rest?

Some sobering news came our way on Wednesday when I went to a baby appointment. A couple weeks ago, the doctors discovered a slight issue and put me on medicine to stabilize it. Tuesday was my follow-up appointment, and the condition had worsened. They quickly sent me a block away to the Labor & Delivery floor of the hospital to monitor me, the baby, and to ensure I wasn't having contractions. Everything turned out 'okay,' but I was prescribed bed rest for the next 10 weeks. The concern now is that I will go into pre-term labor, and to prevent that, bedrest seemed like the safest medicine.


We are confused, shocked, and have many questions. Yet, we are also hopeful, optimistic, and grateful everyone is healthy.  This week we have the opportunity to meet with a high-risk doctor, and are eager to ask questions and hopefully receive more answers.

We are so thankful to have a supportive community nearby, family, and friends. I'm day 3 into bedrest, and several friends have already stopped by to keep me company. 

So blessed. 

baby gender reveal!

In discussing how we would like to reveal the gender of our baby, Jon kept coming up with some ideas. We decided not to do any of these ideas, but hope you are entertained nonetheless!

1. give our friends a mood ring that is designed to turn pink 

2. suck on a watermelon jolly rancher and reveal the color of our tongue - the key is that you have to show your tongue in a dramatic way

3. distribute customized fortune cookies

4. make a mix CD of 20 tracks but each track is "My Girl" 

5. incorporate pink gak somehow 

6. design an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine that announces the gender 

7. play clips from "Look Who's Talking Too" because the sequel features a girl 

8. bake a cake and then cut the cake and have the inside be a pink color

We are more than excited to announce that we are having a healthy, long-legged GIRL! Here is a sweet picture of her little face.... 

pregnancy highlights | 19 weeks

We regret to announce that the gender reveal was re-scheduled for next Thursday. Don't worry - we promise to keep you updated as soon as we find out!


To help you get through the weekend, here are some pregnancy highlights:


how far along: ~19 weeks
due date: October 10
size of baby: length of mango or 6 in., 8.5 oz.

movement: none yet, but could be any day!  I'm eager to feel the babe move around and to share it with Jon.
gender: we find out next week!
symptoms: general discomfort when sitting and being tired.
sleep: I've been getting pretty good sleep... much better sleep than the 1st trimester!
food cravings: frozen yogurt, frozen and fizzy drinks, lots of meat, salty foods.
maternity clothes: i love online window shopping for maternity clothes, but rarely buy anything! the few maternity clothes I've bought are still loose, but I wear them because they're so comfy. all clothes should be this stretchy!
what I miss: a variety of clothing. while I don't have a ton of clothes, I miss being able to wear my jeans. :)

best moment of the week: spending my first Mother's Day with my mom. I'm thankful we could drive down to NC to visit family. 

getting ready: Jon and I have been mentally preparing for baby - reading, researching, & asking lots of questions. we have enjoyed talking & singing to the baby. 

daddy: Jon is wonderfully supportive. everyday, he gives me compliments and goes out of his way to serve me. 

prayer requests: please continue to pray for a healthy baby, for good sleep and times of rest, for strength & patience in this journey.

our baby pool

join the millions entering our  baby pool!


we hope to find out the baby's gender on Thursday, so the sooner the better!


we will be giving prizes to the overall winner(s).

a year in review

A year and 2 months have gone by since my last post. In an effort to catch you up and not bore you to death, I'll show you with pictures.

In February, moved near DC to live with these lovebirds.

Got set up with this good-lookin guy. 

We hit it off & he proposed.

Switched jobs a couple times, then got married in November.

Enjoyed a mild winter in DC.

Became pregnant!!

Due around October 10, this little one has kept us preoccupied. Stay tuned for more pregnancy and life updates! I promise to write more regularly. 

dressed in gentleness

this isn't written by me, but i often wish i could put together words like Henri Nouwen. i read this specific devotion almost every day and wanted to share it publicly, because gentleness is something i really admire in people. this is taken from Nouwen's Bread for the Journey.

Dressed in Gentleness

Once in a while we meet a gentle person. Gentleness is a virtue hard to find in a society that admires toughness and roughness. We are encouraged to get things done and to get them done fast, even when people get hurt in the process. Success, accomplishment, and productivity count. But the cost is high. There is no place for gentleness in such a milieu.

Gentle is the one who does "not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick" (Matthew 12:20). Gentle is the one who is attentive to the strengths and weaknesses of the other and enjoys being together more than accomplishing something. A gentle person treads lightly, listens carefully, looks tenderly, and touches with reverence. A gentle person knows that true growth requires nurture, not force. Let's dress ourselves with gentleness. In our tough and often unbending world our gentleness can be a vivid reminder of the presence of God among us.

christmas thoughts

HAPPY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!  i am so blest to see so much family in one day!  the highlight of my day was watching my 16 month old nephew open gifts. although he doesn't yet understand the concept of unwrapping gifts, he sure did like what was inside. he would open a book and want to read it immediately. we joked that out of all his fancy gifts, he loved the matchbox cars the best-- simple, inexpensive, classic toys.

i also exchanged emails with a dear friend today about the Dec. 24 reading from My Utmost for His Highest. one specific line from it was, "The most dangerous and unsure thing is to try to live without God."   it reminded me that God is with me (Immanuel) and was a refreshing devotion to take in this morning. my friend's response was spot on: "It is Christmas and I am lost in presents and video games and movies and noise and I need Jesus to fill me. He is the only stable, sure, worthwhile thing there is."

my nephew was a picture of how i ought to be not only on Christmas, but every day. my focus should be first and foremost on Christ. nothing else will fill me or offer me the security like my Heavenly Father. i leave you with an excerpt from the aforementioned reading. 

It is virtually impossible to doubt when He is there. Every time you are in personal contact with Jesus, His words are real to you. “My peace I give to you . . .” (John 14:27)— a peace which brings an unconstrained confidence and covers you completely, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. “. . . your life is hidden with Christ in God,” and the peace of Jesus Christ that cannot be disturbed has been imparted to you.

new specs!

hi there! most of my time & energy is spent on the painting a day blog, and so this one is getting a bit neglected.

since this is my personal one, i feel the freedom to post a photo of my new glasses. they make me feel smart and comfortable.

"have you painted recently?"

well, yes, i've been working on a little project. as mentioned in the post below, i started painting something new & it should last a year! so, to all my friends & family who have been asking, "Have you painted recently?" for the past 2 years, this is for you! i can now answer honestly. and i'm starting to feel less & less that my art degree has gone to waste!

since my newpaintingaday blog is a forum for that specific project, i thought i'd post a recent painting here. i haven't painted with oils since 2007, so i decided to pick them up. i finished this before i began the 365-day project. it's a (very unfinished) self-portrait. maybe one day i'll finish it. :)

30x18" oil on MDF.