16 Weeks...

Over the past three weeks your astounding growing baby has managed to stretch yet another 2 full inches (totaling about 4.5 inches) and weighs around 3.5 ounces. Yessireee, that’s some pretty serious growth... and with it comes several physical developments! For starters, their head to body ratio is finally starting to even out a bit as the rest of the body is actually growing faster than the head at this point. Yes, your little light bulb is not so top-heavy. Their adorable little limbs have lengthened, almost reaching their normal proportions which they will have at birth. Their eyes are still closed but moving and if you had an ultrasound, which many doctors recommend you have at about this time, you may even see your little one sucking on a thumb, not to mention the necessary signifiers to let you know whether you’ve got a wee lad or lassie.

We don't find out the sex until 2/1, but again Jerad is pretty sure we will have a boy! I just don't know anymore myself! So many people tell me different things, so I am 50/50 now! Either way though, we will both be super happy with what we get. We pretty much have a boy and girl name picked out too... so as soon as we know, we can call the Mini Matthai by his/her name. Also we get to start doing the baby room up which will SO fun, as my mom is coming to help. All we know too, is this kid will be a SEAHAWKS fan... Mini already has lots of Seahawks gear, and even some cute little Seahawks kicks! Jerad and I already planned that Mini's first home coming will be in Seahawks clothes too! ;)

Scary, Scary, Scary Moment for Lisa... I am SO Blessed!

Okay... I just can't stress how important (not to mention LEGAL) it is to secure your load! I witnessed first hand what can happen if you do not secure your load. I still get a bit shaky when I think about it. Here's the story...

I work over in Eastgate, by Bally's Gym and Bellevue Community College. Being pregnant you get really specific cravings for lunch. Yesterday, I was REALLY wanting a Mediterranean Vegetarian sandwich from Panera Bread Bakery in Issaquah (you must try it if you haven't, my Mom & Bro are addicted too... so good).

So I was coming back from Issaquah to work and was almost to my exit. The exit before a big Dodge truck got on in front of me hauling some boxes and 2 Christmas trees. As I was following him in the far right lane, because I was getting off on the next exit, I noticed his trees and boxes were not strapped down in any way. I was also thinking to myself, "if I was a Stater I would SO pull this guy over, as that is NOT safe at all." Just as I thought this, the tree on the right started sliding off... the tree trunk pointed right at my windshield! I had just finished looking in my rear view and side mirrors, because I just had a feeling something was going to happen. Luckily no one was in the left lane. I swerved left quickly the tree missing my car by inches. Then the tree on the left flew off... I swerved back right and missed the other tree yet again. (Thank you to my guardian angel... and thanks Mom for praying for your kids every day). But the woman behind me was not so lucky. She hit the first tree (thank GOD it was on the ground already and did not have the chance to go through her windshield like it would have for me). Also the second tree that flew left was hit by truck and continued to roll across I-90.

I truly was really close to being in the hospital... or worse, in the morgue! I couldn't imagine being Jerad or my Mom if that happened. All because some dumbass couldn't take the time to tie down his load, then even dumber, got on the freeway! I feel so, so blessed that I did not even get a tiny scratch. I came away pretty much unscathed, but I still can't help but keep thinking of how close I was to serious or fatal injury. I definitely know that 'someone' was looking after me and my baby. I know some people don't believe in that sort of thing (God, angels, voices... whatever) but I really did hear a tiny voice before it all happened, and somehow I kept cool and had the reflexes to avoid those trees. I am again so grateful it wasn't worse, and am thanking my lucky stars the baby and I are okay.

So most people I am friends with know that it is the LAW in Washington to secure your loads... even if you aren't going far and don't have that much in your truckbed. Regardless of that, it is the LAW people! So if someone we don't know is reading this blog, know that if you do not secure your loads your life could seriously be altered for the worst. You may have to live with the guilt of hurting or killing someone the rest of your life. So be thoughtful and considerate for your fellow human beings and SECURE YOUR LOAD.

Many Blessings to Everyone... and make sure you are counting them everyday! -Lisa

We Heart the SEAHAWKS!

Needless to say last Saturday's (Seahawks vs. Redskins) play-off game was amazing! Trufant's touchdown was definitely a sight to be seen. Lisa actually cried a little bit after that TD. She also thinks she still has Ben's finger marks in her shoulders! The next TD after Trufant's had people in our section literally falling out of their seats! We have never seen a whole section group hug at the same time before. It was for sure, quite an experience for all of us. I think we are still floating on the victory cloud. The 12th Man was represented and then some... the noise was deafening. It was so crazy... so we only got a few pics, but we are praying we will be able to take more on the 20th! GO HAWKS!

Hawks Getting it GOING!

Serious Plays... It was INTENSE!

Matthai's AKA Seahawks 12th Man

Snowshoeing Adventures!

So sorry we haven't posted lately. We both have been pretty busy... to say the least! If you haven't been in Washington this winter... you might not know about all the snow we keep getting. Well, we weren't about to waste all the SNOW we had. We went up snowshoeing on Snoqualmie Pass with some close friends. It was a BLAST. We 'shoed up to Franklin Falls with the pups too. Let's just say Kaiya and Brodee had the times of their lives! We ended up snowshoeing 5 miles before we knew it. We got out just in time too, as a big snow storm started falling on us on our way out. Below are some pics from our Grand Winter Adventure:

Lisa, Kaiya & Jerad... One Very Happy Family

Pretty, pretty Caya and Lisa (Lisa just adores Caya, she is the sweetest girl!)

Ben & Chris after we stopped for lunch. (Kaiya and Brodee in the background.)

Ben giving Brodee the HEAVE into about 4' of POW! (Brodee LOVES it too!)
Kaiya is such a SNOW PUP!

Denny Creek in Winter 2007...

OF COURSE we had to SLED!

Over all it was a wonderful experience in the snow. We are going up again this weekend on Sunday. We can't wait! This time both the Thomas' and the Kerlee's will be with us. We will be sure to post pics from that adventure too! Until then... take care and bless you and yours!!