Week 26 = Cankles!

This has been a week of new adventures for us. Dawn now has swollen ankles (aka, cankles) and is adjusting to not always seeing her feet due to the large bump in the middle of her body! Our baby was also able to enjoy his/her first (and second) Tiger baseball game this week and it was perfect because his/her ears are now fully developed and able to recognize familiar sounds. We are pretty sure our baby will find comfort in Rod & Mario's (Tiger commentators) voices just like Dawn did with Ernie growing up!

Last weekend when Dawn picked up Justin after being gone a few days the baby started jumping/kicking around as soon as he/she heard Justin's voice. It is unbelievable how much this baby knows without ever spending one day out of the womb. When Justin touches Dawn's belly, the baby responds with a kick pretty consistently unlike anyone else. The baby is communicating in his/her own language already and it is pretty incredible.

Development this week:
He/she is inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his/her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he/she is born and takes that first gulp of air. And he/she continues to put on baby fat (not too much we hope). The baby now weighs almost 2 pounds and measures 14 inches from head to heel and is similar in size to a head of cauliflower.



Only a few days until we head back to Michigan for Alina's wedding on July 1st. We are excited to be with family and friends again even for a short time to catch up. We can't wait!

Justin Graduates from Fuller!

Justin graduated from Fuller mid-June and although has one more class to take online this summer, he is happy to be done with his busy, hectic schedule. He decided not to take part in the graduation ceremony because most of our family isn't here to take part but still celebrated well with friends over a nice BBQ and toasts. Justin continues to work with Ascending Lights, which is an organization that mentors and tutors college-aged students throughout the Summer and the job will continue into the Fall if he wants. For the next month, Justin plans to enjoy some downtime and will be helping get things arranged before the baby comes and our schedules get too crazy.

It is hard to believe we have been out here long enough for Justin to graduate. The time has flown! As we reflect back on the past year and a half, we are amazed at how much God has blessed us with a great community of friends, steady employment, great memories, time of growth, and now a baby on the way! We couldn't be happier about all the blessings we experience each day.

Week 24

Today we saw the doctor and were given good results. Everything looks and sounds normal! The baby's heartbeat is strong and steady. When the doctor put the microphone on Dawn's belly the baby started kicking it as if the microphone was interfering with the baby's space. We aren't sure if the baby was just trying to say hello or if the baby was upset because he/she was being bothered! Again, our active baby took the time to make sure we knew he/she was there. Never a dull moment! The baby is as long as an english cucumber and is gaining about 4-5 oz each week for awhile. The baby's brain is developing quickly and his/her taste buds are continuing to develop. The lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and producing the substance that will help his/her air sacs inflate once he/she hits the outside world.



We are continually amazed by the growth that happens each week and all the small intricate details that are coming together while the baby is inside Dawn's body. Everyday is something new and exciting! One of our favorite things to do is poke on Dawn's belly and watch as the baby responds with kicks. It is as if the baby is connecting with us and can't wait to say hello. Pretty amazing!

The Frens came to visit!

Mark and Michelle came from San Diego on Sunday for a visit to celebrate Justin's graduation and catch up on life. It is always great seeing good friends and enjoying good company.

Week 23

Week 23 has been pretty significant for many reasons. Dawn's belly has officially gotten larger and is more noticeable. The baby moves around all day long and Justin has been able to feel the baby kicking through Dawn's belly. We now believe that we have the busiest baby ever because it is rare that our baby doesn't move throughout the day. The baby doesn't recognize night vs day and we fear that our baby will never sleep or sit still once born! We definitely feel the baby has Justin's genes in this department from the Norris clan! The baby's ears now recognize our voices and we have started listening to a Mozart cd from our friend, Jill to help soothe the baby. Dawn often taps her belly while listening to music with hopes that the baby will come out a music genius. We hope the baby has Dawn's musical gifts! Everyday is turning out to be pretty incredible.

Sunny California has been beautiful and we enjoyed some time at Huntington Beach after seeing some old youth group girls from Hudsonville. We are enjoying each moment we have together while still able to go out as we wish without any distractions or other responsibilities. We sat outdoors reading our books and enjoying some coffee before taking a walk on the pier and enjoying the beach performers. It was a beautiful day! It was a nice break from the busy weeks involving work and school life and was a good time to catch up and begin planning our next few months.

Erin came to Visit

Our lives have been going through some transition but we continue to find ourselves grateful for great family and friends who have been supportive. Dawn has switched jobs and although she continues to do hospice care, she started with a new company the end of May with hopes of a less stressful work environment and better support from leadership. She now works for Vitas Hospice, which is a national company with more resources and better benefits. The decision to change jobs during the fifth month of pregnancy was difficult but thankfully Erin came out during the time of transition to help out with extra support.

Because Erin has been to California a couple times prior, this trip was more relaxing and more focused on refreshing and just spending time together. We went for walks, sat by the pool, ate at some of our favorite places, and enjoyed a Dodgers game.



On Memorial Day we hosted a pool party and BBQ at our place with our many of our favorite people. It was a great turnout. This is a picture of our friend, Dave enjoying some time in the pool. Dave is a dear friend of ours with many Michigan ties and works with Justin at Ascending Lights.