Birth Class Number 1

Last night, we had our first birthing class. We are taking a five week course for two hours on Monday nights. The experience was both enlightening and eye opening. Justin learned three different techniques to take away Dawn's back pain. Dawn is excited for Justin to practice each one of these techniques as they all involve a massage of some sort. We also learned our first breathing method. We are suppose to practice this breathing method at least once through out the week and Justin gets to decide when and where the practice will take place. Justin will pick the most opportune time during the week to make Dawn practice her breathing. Also, part of the breathing was to find a picture to focus on. Justin pulled out his school ID, but Dawn did not want to use that as her focal point during her breathing exercise. Therefore, we will have to find a picture for Dawn to focus on during her breathing exercises. We are open for suggestions.
The class concluded with a video!!! The video showed the birth process from the first contraction to the time the baby emerged from the vaginal canal. Justin was not expecting to see such a graphic video during the first class. He thought they would gradually lead into the viewing of this type of video, but nope they showed everything on the first night. The birthing process is nothing like they show on TV. We learned so much and are excited to continue this amazing process towards the birth of our first child.

Another Friend's Wedding to Celebrate!

We were able to celebrate with our friends, Dave & Emily who were married on July 24th. They have been very dear friends of ours and Justin has enjoyed working with Dave at Ascending Lights. Dave & Emily were some of the people who first helped us move when we arrived in California and we have been friends ever since.
We were also able to spend some time with Dave's sister, Amy who Dawn worked with at the Hospice House in Holland. It was fun reconnecting and showing them around some parts of Los Angeles. It was a great weekend of friends and celebration!

Getting Ready for Baby Beck!

Last week we accomplished a lot in regards to getting things ready for Baby Beck. We have decided to stay in our place for now unless we find a great deal before Baby Beck is born. Because of this, we also decided to start getting the essentials while Dawn is still feeling okay. Last week we bought a changing table, bassinett, and a few other items off of Craigslist for about $50 and saved hundreds! There is nothing like a good deal on used furniture. We have washed and disinfected everything and it is ready for Baby Beck whenever he/she decides to arrive. Although there are a few other items on the wish list, we feel better having a few of the essentials bought. Here are a few pictures for those who have been asking.....

Our changing table



Our Bassinett




It is hard to believe we are close to 10 weeks away before Baby Beck makes his/her arrival (that is if he/she is in line with what the doctor says). The time is flying by and we are trying to soak up every last day of our freedom and sleep! The doctor thinks Dawn will gain 1-2 pounds now every couple weeks until the baby is born, which is a bit overwhelming for her to think about as she already feels huge! AND, with the summer heat around the corner, it is also a bit exhausting as her energy is fading with each new day. The baby won't be getting much longer at this point but will continue to gain fatty tissue and develop his/her organs. This past week the baby's head grew bigger (hopefully not too big) to make room for his/her developing brain and the baby is the size of a butternut squash.



The Baby continues to communicate through kicks often and Dawn is beginning to think there is less and less room in there because every kick seems to be much stronger than the last. Dawn is also finding herself having to move the baby around when his/her foot seems to get stuck and sticks out. We continue to be amazed at the baby's reaction every time Justin touches Dawn's belly. Without fail, the baby will start moving and kicking around as soon as he/she feels Justin's hand. What an incredible experience! We have learned more about God and His detailed work throughout this whole process and have grown so much in ways we could never put into words. We also realize this is only the beginning......

Celebrating Mark's Birthday!

Our friend (Justin's college roommate) turned 30 last week so we went to San Diego to celebrate. It was great catching up and celebrating such a milestone! Mark & Michelle welcomed us with a warm welcome and homemade apple pie with a heart cutout in the crust. We laughed so hard and enjoyed a day at the beach. The boys wrestled on the sand, we played wiffle ball, ran around like little monkeys, and enjoyed the sunny, beautiful, California weather! If you would have asked us 5 years ago where we would all end up, we never would have guessed that all of us would have ended up in Southern California!



We have yet to meet someone who has as much energy as Mark (even Momma Beck couldn't keep up with Marky) and are pretty sure Baby Beck was unsure of what was going on! We will see when Baby Beck gets around 2-3 years of age if Mark can keep up with him/her. It will be a fun test!

Trip to Michigan!

We were blessed with the opportunity to fly to Michigan for Justin's sister, Alina's wedding and we had a great time seeing family and friends. The wedding turned out to be a beautiful event (the Beck's always throw good parties) and it was wonderful catching up with family we haven't seen in awhile. Baby Beck got pretty excited at various times throughout the trip hearing all new voices and sounds. Many were able to feel Baby Beck communicating through kicks and punches, which was also fun! Besides swollen feet and feeling tired, Mommy Beck also did pretty well.



While we were in Michigan we also caught up with friends from Young Life and Immanuel and Dawn had her first baby shower with some of her closest friends and family. Lindsay and Erin put on quite a party and it was fun getting some new baby onesies along with necessities for Baby Beck. Baby Beck had fun meeting Great Grandma, Grandma Braat & Warnes, and all his/her Aunties at the shower! We have a feeling Baby Beck may be a bit spoiled!





We are so grateful for all our friends in Michigan and feel that no matter how long it has been since we have last seen you, it still feels like we can pick up where we left off. It is hard to find friends like this and we realize how blessed we are because of you all. As usual, We ate well, laughed a lot, and enjoyed the company of those we miss dearly. Thanks to everyone who was able to make it to see us, you were all truly a blessing and we can't wait until our next visit together.