Escape to Arizona...

Welcome back family and friends, to the exciting life of Brad and Suki! Ok, so it really isn't all that exciting, but to us it is. :) First I have to start by saying, "Thank goodness our country pulled together to elect Barack Obama as our next president, and we are not doomed to another four years of Bushisms." I had a strong feeling he would win, but worried that it would be really close. After seeing him win by a landslide, it's good to see that the majority of the country agrees that it is definitely time for change and Brad and I are excited to see the good that will hopefully come in the next four years. Ok, enough of that, on to the family scoop. By the way, this is a REALLY long one.
So in our last post I stated that I was going to go and register for baby items. Let me start by saying, "ladies, it's not as fun as it sounds." First off, our baby's-r-us is the size of a super walmart. You start off all excited with your little pre-made list and your scanner gun ready to shoot till your hand falls off. Then as you go down each isle and you start to realize exactly how much crap babies need, the smile on my face changed into a look of terror. Not only do you have to make sure you don't leave anything out, but there are at least 5 different varieties of each item to choose from. Being a first time mommy, the pressure to make sure you pick the right one is enough to make your head burst. Four hours later I left the store with a sore back, a huge set of cankles, a major migraine, and a really bad attitude. I'm just glad that I don't have to do that ever again. The best advice I can give is to go all neutral so no matter what the sex is of the second baby, they can share everything. I know a lot of people have said they don't have a baby's-r-us in their area, but if you go to baby's-r-us.com and go to registry you can do it online. It is under Suki Little as the main registrar, and Brad Jenkins is listed as the co-registrar. Our address is 9062 Leatherwood Loop Lehigh Acres, FL 33936 and you can use our address to find our registry also.
After that was done, finding a new midwife was next on the agenda. I went with a woman that some nurses I spoke with recommended. So I go to my first appointment excited to meet the woman who is going to deliver our baby. As I wait in the tiny, packed waiting room 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment time, I finally get called to be weighed by a woman who forgot how to smile and be pleasant. Once I meet Teresa, our midwife, I change my negative attitude and decide to give the place a chance. She was really nice and welcoming and seemed very excited to meet me. Since I am in my third trimester, (I'm due in 9 weeks!!!) I have to see her every 2 weeks. Yesterday was my latest appointment and I went in early with all my paperwork ready to ensure a quick process. My appointment was at 10:30am and I get called in at 10 till 11. All the other women in the waiting room were scheduled at 11 or later. As I sit in the exam room waiting for Teresa, I hear her conducting appointments in the neighboring rooms. (the walls there are paper thin) She is taking care of her 11:00 and later appointments while I sit waiting! At 11:25 she finally comes in the room as if all was right in the world. Being VERY pregnant and irritable, I ask, "did you forget I was here?" She gave me a string of excuses, but no apologies. So now I am stuck with a midwife that makes me feel like a number instead of a person. I miss my ladies in Oregon more than you can imagine. Lisa, I miss you!!! The good news is, the baby is almost completely upside down in the birth canal. She/he is currently diagonal. I say it's good news because that means it won't be a breach birth, but at the same time, I could deliver a lot earlier than the 27th of February. It definitely seems like he/she is trying to kick his/her way out the majority of the day. Speaking of he/she, we have an ultrasound scheduled for January 6th so finally we will know for sure what we are having! I've been referring to her as Maya for the longest time, so I hope if it is a boy, I pray I haven't caused any psychological trauma. :)
Some other great news is that Brad's little brother Matt recently got married to his long time girlfriend Marisela! We were very excited to be able to fly out and share in the celebration! On the night we arrived Brad went to Matt's bachelor party and I met with my two dear friends Kim and Marie for dinner. It was so nice to see them again but sad to know that I probably won't see them again for a long while. I miss you girls!

Me, Kim and Marie at Chevy's Mexican restaurant.

The wedding was at a place called the Boojum Tree and it was absolutely beautiful. It was like a huge garden full of trees, plants, and fountains with fish. There were cobblestone paths and a nice banquet area full of white Christmas lights and a fountain. It was the perfect place to start a life together. Brad was best man and very proud to watch his little brother and best friend make such a wonderful change in his life. Here are just a few of the pictures we took at the wedding.

Brad and I before the wedding. This is also me at 29 weeks.

Brad with his brother Matt and their dad Ralph. What handsome Jenkins men!

The beautiful bride and groom, Mari and Matt. Congratulations!



Me, Brad, and Brad's cousin Casey. Casey is like 10 years younger than Brad and towers over him.

Matt and his proud momma Sandi.

Brad and I with his mom Sandi and his Aunt Barb.

Brad with Aunt Barb, mom Sandi, Matt, Mari, Pattie, and Ralph.


The day after the wedding we had to fly back to Florida so Brad could get back to work. Sandi, Brad's mom, flew to Florida to fly with us and spend some time with us before heading back to Pennsylvania. Unfortunately Brad had to work her entire visit, but Sandi and I had a good time together shopping, chatting, bonding, and eating. We missed Dennis on this trip but are happy to know we will see them both soon after our little one arrives.

Well, that is our past 2 months summed up. Busy. Even though we enjoyed seeing everyone and celebrating life, we are happy to be back home and back to normal.

Brad and Sadie relaxing together.

Our next blog will be posted soon after our doctor appointment on the 6th. Then I will catch you all up on my dad's long awaited visit and Christmas! We love you all and wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!