This year was a whopper of a year!! It was easily the most amazing year I've ever had and yet I can't believe everything that happened this year was actually this year. Most of it feels aaaages ago.
In February I flew out to Sydney, Australia to visit my amazing Mr. van der Wel. I hadn't seen him in 3 years. My stomach was in butterflies and I couldn't wait to see him.
We toured around the city and loved every minute of being with each other. We flew to New Zealand to meet his folks and the mister proposed!! It was magical.
In May Phil flew out to Texas a month before the wedding. I quit my job early so we could spend time together and finish the preparations for the wedding. May was so much fun! We had a yard sale with all my things to raise money to move to New Zealand. We had our engagement photos taken by the lovely Miss Ashtin Paige. We toured around Texas and visited cute little towns like Fredericksburg.
Since we had a long distance relationship for the majority of our relationship, it was so wonderful having this time to be together. Sometimes it still amazes me that I get to hang out with him all the time. We will be driving somewhere and I feel so lucky that I can look over and see him sitting next to me. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
In June we were married! I know it sounds quick, but believe me, it was ages! It was forever. It was waaaaay too long. We got married in the cutest little white chapel you ever did see. It was perfect.
In July we moved to New Zealand to start our life together. When I look around at the scenery around me I still can't believe I live here sometimes! I feel so blessed!
In late September we found out we were expecting a little baby to join our family! We had some early complications and didn't announce the little Bean's arrival until we hit 12 weeks to be on the safe side. We are so excited to meet you, little van der Bean!!!
In November we purchased our first home. It has been so amazing being able to call this house a home and work on the place together. We have a beautiful veggie garden and a beautiful little yard to call our own.
And in November we made the big announcement of our future Bean!
Like I said, 2010 was a really big year. We got engaged, married, moved countries, bought a house, and have a baby on the way. 2010 guys. It's been an amazing year and I wouldn't change a thing.
I look forward to what 2011 has for us!!
xoxo
Talia Christine
I've heard that necessity is the mother of invention but this morning I learned the true meaning of that phrase. The morning started off the same as any other morning. I slept in a bit, meandered through the kitchen (and somehow misplaced my cell phone in the pantry), then moseyed on over to the computer to see if my sister was online. Then it hit me like a sack of flour. I needed hot chocolate. I don't really know where the craving came from nor could I explain how intense this NEED for hot chocolate was. All I can tell you was that if I didn't get hot chocolate, and fast, I might have died this very morning.
Anyway, we didn't have any hot chocolate mix in the house so naturally I panicked and cried like a hungry angry baby until I remembered that I did have a few key ingredients on hand. The end result was hands down the best hot chocolate I've ever had. Maybe it was just because any hot chocolate would do. Maybe it was just because it wasn't made from a pre-packaged mix. Either way, I'm excited to make more of this in the future because it was so simple.
I don't exactly have a recipe because (sorry, Grandma) I never ever measure anything. Measuring stuff takes way too much time and this was a legit emergency. One day I'll painstakingly take the time to get the proper measurements and write them down but today is not that day. So here is what I did, a guide if you will, for yummy hot chocolate:
I only made enough for one (waste not, want not) so I measured out a mug-full of milk and poured it into a small pan. I added a handful of milk chocolate chips. I'm sure white or dark chocolate would work as well but I was going for the classic. I whisked it constantly as the milk heat up because I didn't want the milk or chocolate to burn on the bottom on the pan. I added a bit of cinnamon, probably 1/4 teaspoon or so, and juuuuust a pinch of salt.
I'm telling you this hot chocolate was perfect. It was really yummy.
I called Phil to tell him of my amazing discovery and then he reminded me that we DID have hot chocolate. Haha. Ah well.
xoxo
Talia Christine
P.S. - Merry Christmas Eve to this side of the world! (Sorry, USA, that's tomorrow for you folks. We're already having fun over here.)
Well Christmas is just about here anyway! I can't believe how FAST Christmas snuck up on me! I am working like a maniac trying to finish Phil's Christmas present on time. Since I was a wee little kid, I always made Christmas presents. I guess I never grew out of it, because I've always made my family's Christmas presents year after year. I just love putting time and care into something handmade for someone. It brings me a special joy.
Here is a sneak peek of Phil's present. I hand carded merino wool and hand spun the wool into this yarn. I'm so excited. It's a big project and I like how it is turning out. I hope Mr. van der Wel likes it!!
Also, here is a picture of Mistar the neighbor cat just because he is so darn cute.
I keep our front door open (for a nice breeze) which has net curtains over the door to keep flies out. It works wonders but it doesn't keep cats out. Mistar just strolls in like he owns the place. Honestly I don't mind and I let him because I miss having a cat friend around. I realize that is ridiculous and mildly psychotic but I sorta don't care. I love cats. He just jumps on the couch next to me and snoozes on my lap. So cute!
I thought that by getting married it would save me from being a crazy cat lady. Now I'm just a married crazy cat lady.
It happens.
xoxo
Talia Christine
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This week has been a blur. It's gone by so fast I haven't even noticed what was going on with baby! All I know is that I feel better!!! Finally my morning sickness has passed and I feel like a normal person again. Let's all just take a moment and enjoy not being nauseous. (Except you, pregnant friends. Feel better soon!!) Ahhhhh. Amazing, isn't it? My back has been killing me and my insides feel like they are stretching (and they are) but I feel like a million bucks! I am getting my appetite back and it's the best thing ever!
This morning I thought I may have felt the baby flutter but now I'm pretty convinced it was just gas. Cute, right? Ah well, that's pretty common so I feel like I'm in good company.
What I'm craving:
My craving for lemons has actually subsided with my nausea. I still like lemons but I don't feel like eating them. Instead I've been eating more and more savory things, which is a nice change. I haven't actually had any major cravings this week, but I did really want some soft licorice and Phil got some for me. It's amazing.
xoxo
Talia Christine
Dear Flies,
If you come into my house, I will kill you. You've been warned.
Dear Baby,
You are really hurting my back and my insides feel like they are stretching. Also, I don't think I can ever stomach onions ever again, but I really really love you. A lot.
Dear Raisin Bran,
You are super yummy. Thanks for being so reliable and what I want in the mornings.
Dear Husband,
You make a killer roast. I love cooking with you and being your internet research assistant while we try to figure out what temperature to cook things. You are my best friend.
Love,
Tal
Edited to add: Dear Neighbor, We haven't met yet (which is a shame) but I think your music is really terrible. Stop playing it so loud. Please and thank you.
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I can't believe how fast this is going!
I feel like my pregnancy is flying by! I'm afraid that if I blink baby will be here and my life forever changed. I'm savoring the last moments before our world is turned upside down by a sweet tiny new life in our arms.
I'm slowly getting over the nausea but there are still times when I feel like I haven't made any progress at all. Like the other night when Phil just wanted to heat up a hamburger and I almost threw up everything I ever ate. (Sorry, Love.) I just closed the door to the kitchen and sat in the hallway and cried. It wasn't pretty. But there are other moments when I feel great and I start to forget that I was ever nauseous (almost). I feel pretty human again. Right now I feel like a million bucks!
My clothes are already fitting tighter. I can't wear any of my pretty high waisted skirts because the baby bump is too small to look cute and too big to hide, so I just end up looking fat. It's weird. I feel like I've already gained a million pounds! I feel like a monster, but yesterday I weighed myself and I'm only 114. I've only gained 4 pounds this entire pregnancy. You've got to be kidding me. My tummy looks huge. My sister laughs at me and says, "Oooh just you wait." (She is 33 weeks pregnant.) Ack.
What I'm craving: Oddly enough... Lemons!! I hate sour stuff!! I can't staaaand sour stuff! I get goosebumps just thinking about sour stuff or watching someone eat something sour. Well... I did hate sour stuff, but now I can't get enough lemons. I think they are amazing! When I go out I keep a small tupperware container of sliced lemons. When I'm home I have a plate of them next to me all day. I can't get enough lemons. Weird, right?! I told my sister of my strange (and only) craving and it's the only craving she had too. It must be in our genes.
We heard the baby's heartbeat yesterday and it was magical! It was a moment of pure relief for me. A wave of relief just washed over me as we heard the strong, steady, quick heartbeat of our little Bean. I had a sonogram very early on, about six weeks in, because I had some bleeding and we assumed we were losing the Bean. The baby was fine at the time, but I haven't seen or heard from the little one since, so I've been very nervous to hear the heartbeat. It was so reassuring. Our little one is going strong! So amazing, hey? What a miracle.
xoxo
Talia Christine
Yesterday I had to get some blood work done before my next midwife appointment. Pregnancy really does have it's perks. Before I go on, let me explain that I have an almost insurmountable, illogical, terrible fear of needles. I have never given blood. I won't get blood tests. I'm just too scared. That was, I wouldn't before I was pregnant. I would do anything to make sure baby is healthy.
Because of this, I was forced with going to get blood tests ALL BY MYSELF aaaaaaand (here's the best part) I DIDN'T CRY!
Did you hear that mom? I got blood taken! AND I didn't cry!! (I wanted to though)
The lady gave me a certificate of bravery to show to Phil when he got home from work to show him that I was such a brave girl.
I think I did pretty well. The Lord gave me some pretty unexpected strength when I needed it and I overcame a huge fear of mine! (well, still working on it. Baby steps.)
xoxo
Talia Christine
