Sleepless in Plano

Wednesday already?

Wow... I'm telling you... these days go by so fast. Last night was probably the worst night sleep I have ever had. My hips are killing me. I have to sleep on my side, but it starts to hurt around 2 a.m. Anyone have any remedies for this? I put a pillow in between my legs, but it didn't seem to do anything. I really want to get some rest these next four woops I mean 3 weeks. YIKES. 

Last night I took a breastfeeding/ pumping class and got to talk with another 36 weeker. She is also in my prenatal yoga class. It's funny when you move somewhere and don't have a job because you have to find friends through other ways. It's like dating but for friends. You have to connect with someone and feel comfortable around them before you want to offer your number. I have gotten 3 numbers since I moved here. Doesn't seem like a lot. One girl was at the dog park, but it didn't work out because she's single and owns a home and we had good convo's but I knew it wouldn't last. No one wants to be friends with a prego if their not. Thank goodness I got involved in these hospital classes. I'm surrounded by prego's in every class. Most of them you can tell have their set of friends and don't need me. I have to really feel out the room to figure out if I should talk with someone. HA. I might become a pro at making friends. Also, this other girl didn't bring her husband to the class and neither did I. I'm all up for having Craig come to classes and be supportive, but BREASTPUMPING??? C'mon ladies. Lets not make our husbands go through these things. Those guys def. did NOT need to be there. I think that's why I like this girl because she left her husband at home. I think when I breastfeed/breastpump I will not need Craig's input on how I'm doing or how to position my boobs. haha Sorry if this is a little too personal today. As a woman I feel it's my job to breastfeed and all I need from Craig is a "good job hunny" every now and then.

Look at these cute photo's Erin edited last night.

 Lotte says.. What's going on??

 At least Lotte makes me look a bit taller

The Sky looks so pretty

I just read a blog about the last 10 things you need to due before your due. I have done 8 out of 10. I still need to preregister at the hospital and one last date night with the hubs. Even though we will prolly have several more date nights because...that's just what we do. I am hoping a good  movie comes out... I would love to go see a movie without Craig falling asleep..hah

God has been so good to us. Craig is so happy with his job and I am so excited about having this little man in my life. I can't wait to hold him : ) 

LOVEE YOU GUYS!!!

36 Wks

Hey there,

Had my 36 wk appointment today. Nothing to report except Micah is getting bigger. We are getting antsy, but still having fun just being the three of us for now (meaning Lotte)

I got some snacks today to take with us to the hospital including Twizzlers, Pringles, and cereal bars. This week we are taking our last Childbirth class and will get the tour of the hospital at the end. I think we will finally feel at ease once we do the tour. 

The weather has been beautiful these last few weeks. I am enjoying being outside while I can. I still haven't gone swimming, but that's on my list before he gets here. 

Yesterday my friend Omar Lewis came to visit from Austin. I picked him up in Downtown Dallas and we headed to a coffee shop. Then we went to the Galleria mall and out to lunch at the shops at Legacy. I think I found all the shops and cute places to go around here. We worked together at ABC40 as reporters together in Bryan, TX. He is a reporter in Austin right now at KXAN. It was so nice to see him and catch up. I really have met some great people during all my stops through this lifetime so far. Not many of my friends live by me, but we always manage to stay close and keep in touch.

And we had to take another one....

This momma needs to take a nap. I had a long day yesterday and I need to re-energize.  I hope you are all having a fabulous Tuesday. 

LOVEY 

24 Days To Go

MONDAY FUNDAY-

Hello All,

24 more days to go...Can you believe it? Craig and I are as ready as we can be. Yesterday as we were laying in bed Craig said, "Can you just have him already because I want to hold him." I feel the same way. Except my response was OK, but you realize it's for the rest of your life. Not just one day or a week. It's forever!
Saturday we go to go out on Ashley & Cory's boat on Grapevine Lake. It was such a great day to spend time with them and then we went to their apartment and grilled some bbq chicken. They are such sweet people and I am so happy they live close by.

Craig even got to fish, but didn't catch anything cuz it was the middle of the day. 

On Sunday night we went to a Life Group at a house in Allen. We met some very nice people. One couple was in the exact same position as us last year. They moved here for a job and the wife was 6 months pregnant. Her son's name is Charlie and he turns one this week. It's refreshing to know someone else went through the same thing as us. She is a stay at home mom with a dog. I hope we can really connect and hang out more often. 

On our way home from Life Group I was definitely missing my friends back at The Bridge and wishing I could just go see them. We all got along so well and it would be so nice to have those connections out here. It will take us awhile to get close to these new people... but it will be so worth it in the end. 

Gonna see my good friend OMAR LEWIS today. Got to go pick him up in Dallas!

Hope you all have a fantastic Monday!!

LOVE YOU ALL

Hub Lub

Happy Friday!!!

Craig came home yesterday from his conference in Dallas. It's so nice to have him back. It sounded like he had a good time. They fed them and took them out at night. One night they went to House Of Blues and sang karaoke. Craig sang "Summer Lovin' with another guy!! HAHA He said they chose the song for them and he really lucked out because that is the song we always sang together. Before he fell asleep around 7 p.m. last night (they must have wore him out) he told me they got into groups and had to tell everyone the most interesting thing about yourself. I made him tell me what he said. He told everyone that he was going to be a Dad in 4 weeks. My heart sank and I thought how sweet. I was trying to think of all the things he's good at and everything he has accomplished and when he said being a "Daddy" was the most interesting thing about him I again know why I married the man! He is so selfless and loving and always thinking of me and now always thinking about Micah. I just love him : )
I have a few more pictures that were edited by Erin that I adore.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

LOVE YOU

God-fidence

Good Thursday afternoon.

As I was reading my book yesterday "No More Perfect Moms," by Jill Savage she was talking about post baby bodies. I am preparing myself to realize I will never look like I did when I was 20, but that's OK. We can move from insecurity to confidence when we see our bodies from God's perspective. Growing your confidence through God's truth she calls God-fidence. We need to stop comparing ourselves to the magazines and women in the media. Thank God for making us designed to carry our babies and selflessly give our bodies to them. While we focus on the outside, God looks at the heart. It is the core of who we are. That's where we need to start. Tending to our souls before we can change our outward appearance. This is something I will need to remind myself of in about 4 weeks!!

There are so many cute pictures that Erin has edited in the last few days. Here are some pics and I hope you all enjoy as much as I do.

You will have to tell me your favorites!! I just love all of them. Still more to come!!

Have a Terrific Thursday.

LOOOOVVEEE

#ILoveMyBump

HUMP DAY-or BUMP DAY

After talking with my sister yesterday I realize not everyone wants to remember their PREGO days with pictures. I guess I have been extremely lucky because I am in love with my bump and want to show everyone. I have never felt that great about how my body looks...but these days I see myself differently. I am amazed how God made women and the way our bodies can take care of such a small human without doing anything. How strange to not be able to control something inside of you. All our lives we want to direct our own paths, choose the right school. get the right job, choose our life partners, and then all the sudden you have a little person growing inside of you and God is the only one in control. Makes me think that I should give him more control over the little things in life. He knows what he's doing. 

Baby Micah is moving a lot more these days. He likes to push out on the sides of the belly and I'm not going to lie it hurts a little bit. I can't be mad though because I'm sure he's got some long legs like his daddy and there's not much room in there. I had my 35 week doctor appointment yesterday and Doc says I am not dilated yet. I asked him if there is no change and it's the week of induction, if it's safe to go through with the process still. He says it's perfectly fine. I am having a few doubts about inducing before my body is ready, but my friend Katie told me about her girlfriend who made the same decision and still had a 9 pound baby!! So, if Micah is a little smaller than he would be a week later, I'm good with that!! 

I'm ready for a pool party... I am loving this weather and am in need of some swimming. I think it would be so fun to swim at 8 months prego. I hope to find a pool soon and hopefully have a bathing suit that can still cover my buttocks. LOL  What do you all think about pregnant women wearing a two piece? I'm not going to buy a new bathing suit for only a month...so I hope people don't mind. 

Have a great Wednesday everyone!!

LOVE YOU ALL!! 

One Happy Momma

Good Tuesday to YOU.

I'm so happy today. Just relishing in our family pictures. It makes me so happy to have a husband that understands how important pictures are to me. I know he doesn't enjoy taking them, but oh he's so good at faking it! I want to post all the pictures, but I'm going to wait till Erin edits a few of them. Here is one she edited today:

Craig is in Dallas until Thursday at a conference staying in a Hotel. I would have stayed with him, but Lotte isn't allowed. It's more work to find a dog sitter. So since I'm a loner, I had a prenatal massage yesterday and it was very relaxing. It was a gift to myself. She couldn't massage my lower back because I guess it could put me into labor and I definitely don't want that. Afterwards I went grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. I'm not too familiar with the store so I felt a little overwhelmed on where to go. It was fun to pick up some things just for me. No cooking this week. I spent around 65  dollars, which isn't too bad. I usually spend around 80 at Aldi for dinners for both Craig and I.
I tried a new type of smoothie today. Orange Julius with frozen bananas, oranges, almond milk, and vanilla extract, I also added my spinach and kale.
It's official I'm a waddle-er. I am waddling around everywhere and feeling the pressure. I tried to vacuum out my car today and it took everything I had and my back was killing me. I guess I have a month to waddle around and take advantage of people helping me do things.
Today is my TWIN SISTERS bday!!! I can't believe how time flies. I remember being in Myrtle Beach the other day celebrating their 30th. Now cheers to 31. Wow that seems impossible. I keep having to remember how old I am. I keep thinking I'm already 28...but still 27. Once you get past 25 it's hard to keep track. I wish I could celebrate with them, it's times like these when it's hard to be so far away.
Shout out to my sisters who are more like best friends HANNAH AND RACHEL- I love you!

Smile- it will make someones day : )
BUMP LOVE!

A Month Away

Good Monday Morning to YOU.

Busy, Busy, Busy. This weekend was one of the most busiest and fun weekends we have had since we moved here. Let's start with Friday. Craig got home early so we could go to the White Sox/Rangers game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Sox lost big time, but it was a lot of fun.

We had really good seats and this ballpark had the most variety of food that looked amazing. We want to go back just to try some more of the food. They are known for a hotdog called BOOMstick. Here it is.... (this might be hard for my mom to see)

BOOMSHAKALAKA- We had to eat it with a fork and knife obviously, but it was surprisingly tasty and hot. Don't worry, we didn't finish the whole thing. After the game the park had a firework show. It was a great night to be together and enjoy a ballgame.
The next morning we got up and got ready to drive to Houston for maternity pics. I cannot wait to show you all the pictures. They are absolutely amazing, however, I will start going through them today and try to pick some out to show you all. There are over 700 photos. haha. It was so nice to see my friend Erin and have her take pics for us. We got to walk around this place called Old Town Springs. A little town of antique stores and diners with some awesome old houses. Lotte was great, even though Petsmart chopped her up pretty bad, she still looked very cute in the photos.
On Easter Sunday we went to Ryan and Emily's church in Houston. Ryan or (Pastor Ryan) is the music minister/youth group leader there. It was so great to see Ryan in action and leading a congregation in music. Emily is about 26 weeks pregnant with her son and everyone at the church thought we were related. I don't know if it was because we were both pregnant or what. It was so nice to be with another prego for a day. Seriously all we talk about is prego stuff.. and babies. It's just a great time in life to be excited with someone who is going through the same things.
We went out to Red Robin for lunch. Here is a pic of all four of us.

And of course we had to take a bump picture before I left, because the next time I see them I will no longer have my baby bump.

We have exactly one month to go. May 22 everyone.. woohooo!!!  Stay tuned for some Hooker Maternity Photos to be posted soon!!!!

Have a great MONDAY!!

LOVE

GOOD Friday

Happy Good Friday.

It's so good to be alive today and remember Jesus was "Pierced for our transgressions: he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5  I feel so lucky to be living this life because I don't deserve any of it. God sent his one and only son to save the world. I can't imagine watching my newborn suffer and die to save the rest of the world. As a parent that hasn't even seen my child yet, I am emotional just thinking about it. I am so thankful that God forgives and gives each and every one of us grace that we don't deserve.
Yesterday I was talking to a friend about labor and how painful it looks. I said, "God really wanted us women to go through real pain to feel joy." God works in mysterious ways, and it made me think of many times in our lives we have to struggle and go through so much pain to find the joy on the other side. I'm sure every woman going through labor is thinking how they will never get through it. Afterwards when it's all over and they hold their little one, every single tear was worth it.
What if we looked at every struggle in life like labor. At first thinking this is going to feel never ending and that there's no way through it. As long as you hold on to God and the ones who love you there is JOY in the morning. Jesus had to endure so much pain to give us all eternal life and he knew the struggle was worth it. I have so many in my life who are struggling with emotional and mental pain. I want them to know that there is JOY on the other side. As humans we make mistakes and we don't deserve a perfect life. But if we go through these struggles with God by our side, he will give us immeasurable strength. He knows how we feel, and also has great plans in store for our lives as long as we keep him INVOLVED in our lives.
I have to remember who I am living for, because many days I live for myself and my husband and of course my little one. Thank goodness for GOOD FRIDAY to remind us of the one who we need to live for. I thank God for sending his son so that I could have my son and teach him about Good Friday .. and the grace of God our Father.

Love Love Love

It's a BOY

Good Thursday to YOU.

I'm sure if your reading this you already know Craig and I are having a boy, but how does everyone else know? Today while I was dropping off Lotte at Petsmart for her grooming appointment one of the ladies said to me,"Are you excited to have a boy?" I'm thinking...um do I know you? But this is not the first time this has happened. At the March Madness Music Festival while I was ordering food the lady at the counter said to me, "I know it's a boy, right?" So these are two incidents that I can remember specifics, but several times people have told me this. How do they know? I mean seriously. These people are so sure when they talk to me. I'm short and to me I look pretty big. I guess once I have more babies I will become a confident belly reader one day. I just don't know how these women can tell.  I guess I give off that boy glow : ) hah

Today I met up with a friend for lunch at Panera. I don't know why that place is always so popular. I mean I could go there everyday...but why? Are they putting something in the soup? When you really think about it, it's super expensive, you don't get that much food, and it's not like you couldn't make the same thing at home. It's almost like a Starbucks, you just have to go to Panera because well, its PANERA!! We headed over to T.J. Max afterwards and I found an exercise ball for $12.99. The childbirth class says these balls help during delivery, so of course I bought one. Also, the nurse said she used it to rock her baby and work out her abs at the same time. Sounds good to me.

This week Craig said he wanted salad so we have been trying different kinds. This one was delish:

Here is the recipe. But it's pretty much Mexican style salad .http://damndelicious.net/2014/01/03/bbq-chicken-salad/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bbq-chicken-salad
Also I made Chicken Salad and bought fresh croissants for lunch all week. YUM!!!

Tonight I'm going to make us a salad with ham and cheese like a Julienne Salad. Looks like tonight will be the last night of salads for the week. Craig got tickets to go to a White Sox game tomorrow night and I'm thinking we will probably not get salads at the game. HA I really hope they don't disappoint with the stadium food. 

Tomorrow is Friday ... woohoooo!! Get excited

LOVE YOU >..MUAH

Spring into it

HUMP DAY!!!

Spring is here...and we have decided to decorate our backyard with a little color. Red, Orange, Yellow... reminds me of my wedding colors. We also planted herbs, fruits, and veggies including green pepper, onions, corn, cucumbers, sugar baby watermelon's, and melons. Hopefully we might see a veggie or two before the bugs and animals get to them. 

For not wanting to take care of the lawn, Craig has really stepped up his game. He seems to love mowing the lawn, trimming, sawing and raking. He really likes the responsibility to keep up what's his. Even though we are renting it's good to know he will probably try even harder once we buy. This week has been a little chilly and got down to below freezing on Monday night. Hopefully these guys can pull through. I have to say today the high is 68 degrees and that sounds perfect to me. I don't mind it staying in the 60's because hopefully that means summer will be postponed for a little while. I want my family to be comfortable when they visit and I am really praying for 80 degrees and not 100!!

Well.. last night was our relaxation/meditation class and it was a lot of fun. Too bad many of the moves to help pain management during labor were not working for us since Craig is way taller than me. One move is like slow dancing and instead of draping my arms around his shoulders I was around his waist... which was not that comfy. 

Yesterday I started washing the bottles. I boiled the nipples and pacifiers and now trying to figure out where to put everything. Does anyone have any date suggestions before this little one comes? I don't want to regret not taking advantage of this time. 

We are going to Houston this weekend to take Prego pics and visit Ryan and Emily Morris on Easter. It really worked out well because Ryan is the Music Minister at his church and we get to be with family on Easter! Ry and Em are having a little boy in July, so we are all in the same boat. I also picked out a cute outfit for their little guy to give them : ) I can't help it, it's my job to shop right now. Let me say Target has really stepped up there game with baby boy clothes. Still the girl options are way better and cuter, but I will dress my man as best as I can. I will put him in sleepers and onsesies when we are home but I want to dress him like a little man..almost like a small old man. haha Here is some of his nice clothes:

The outfit on the left is either Craig's or his dad Gary's outfit when he was a baby. Can you believe it? It's so preppy and cute!! I can't believe Micah will be wearing something his dad and grandpa wore. Oh and yes the Guess overalls is seriously one of my FAV's. For this reason I hope God gives me a girl one day because I'm sure Craig will only let me dress Micah for so long. 

Anyways, today I will be looking for a pediatrician. I was given a recommendation and I hope he's in my insurance. 

Happpy HUMP DAY .. enjoy it!!

LOVE ALL OF YOU!!

KaChing

Good Tuesday Ya'll!

Yesterday I received confirmation that I won some MOOLAH!! This picture is from when we went to the March Madness Music Festival in downtown Dallas for the Final Four. Capital One was one of the sponsors at the free concert and they were giving away prizes if you tweeted a picture of yourself using the #hashtag KaChing. So both Craig and I tweeted pictures to enter (c'mon I would have tweeted it anyways) We waited for awhile to see if they would call us back to the booth, but nothing. 

A week later I got a tweet from Capital One saying I was a prize winner and to Direct Message them with my e-mail to find out what I won. I thought .. OK might as well. Then they messaged me back and said I won $1500 bucks. I guess I was more in disbelief than actual excitement. I followed their directions and they got my mailing address. Yesterday I got a package delivered needing me to fill out a W9 Form and a release form that had to be notarized by the bank. I couldn't believe it. I have never won anything, but if the next thing I see is a check in the mail WWOOHOOO. 

I think this baby is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me and I haven't even met him yet. Needless to say I have been entering a whole lot more sweepstakes lately. Mostly with Fit Pregnancy. I am feeling a little bit more heavy these days. Can't seem to do normal things like sit up, get out of bed, bend over. These things seem to take more out of me and it's definitely a weird feeling. I had my 34 week appointment today. Here is my current bump picture:

I think Craig finally believes it's his baby since I am getting so big!! Doctor said Micah's head is down and everything looks good. My induction date is still scheduled for May 22nd and I'm so excited that Kim Mom and Gary Dad will be here for my delivery. I packed Micah several outfits just like I pack my own suitcase with several Pajama gowns. Is it weird that I'm thinking what I'm going to wear when we bring him home? I mean what will I fit in? 

We have a relaxation/meditation class tonight at the hospital and I'm looking forward to it. I hope Craig can focus on relaxation... he's not really the type to close his eyes and focus on his breathing. haha We will prolly be laughing most of the night.. but to me that's relaxing.

Anyways, this week is all about salads. Craig is on his diet kick, so that means I AM TOO!! Got a ton of stuff for salads and made Chicken Salad last night for lunches. Got to start the habit now before Micah is born so it's an easier transition once he's here. 

Have a great day!!

Love you all

Pinterest Inspired

Good morning!

 

I am so excited that half of Micah's room is decorated and so cute. Pinterest inspired with trees and owls and a hand painted dresser and name decor. It feels good when you put so much work into something and work together. Here is half of his room completed.

First off, let me say, my husband is a perfectionist. When everything is said and done, it's always perfect and I love it. But getting through the process can be a struggle. Whenever we work on something together I just have to remember to not get too uptight about it. In the end, we always are happy with the outcome. But we know for sure in the future we will never DIY home improvements on our house. We will just pay someone to do it. LOL

Yesterday we went to Explore at Chase Oaks church and met some really nice people. We have a life group that already invited us to come join them next weekend. As we were sitting in a room listening to all the different pastors and group leaders talk about the church there was a lady that was introduced who was the Director of kids zone. Guess what her name was???? Peggy HOOKER. Craig and I looked at each other and smiled so big. We were not the only Hooker's at this church. woohooo!! hahah

Afterwards we told the leaders at our table how happy it made us to have more Hooker's at the church and they laughed so hard. 

On Saturday we helped Craig's friend at work move into a house in McKinney. It was actually a lot of fun. I didn't do much but got to know Callie and her husband Kevin and their friends Blake and Ashley. I hope we can all hang out again. Afterwards Craig and I went to this place called Garden Ridge for a rug in the living room. We are trying to pop a new color (instead of Teal and Brown) Red and Orange this Spring!!

Now I just need a center piece for the table and by the fireplace.  Craig is actually a fabulous decorator. I think he gets it from his Mom : )

Have a great Monday everyone!!

Love you all

Just keep swimming..

Hey Hey Hey...

It's Friday!! I swear the days goes by so slow, but the weeks fly by. Is that possible? That's how I feel. Anyways, I've been trying to keep busy these days and it's getting tough. I washed all Micah's clothes and blankets, and burp cloths. Now we just have to hang the decorations in his room and organize. I don't want to wash all the bottles just yet. I have started to pack my hospital bag though. I feel like I'm 38 weeks and he is getting real big---Here's my latest selfie at 33 wks

Craig and I are taking childbirth classes right now and we are not sure if learning all this stuff is preparing us or scaring us. We watched someone in class give birth naturally without any drugs and it looked awful. I mean seriously was so draining to watch. I like watching "Teen Mom" better when they skip all the hard stuff and then you see the baby. We learned what Craig can do to help me through the contractions and pain management. Afterwards I scheduled a prenatal massage because I decided I deserved one since Craig only can last for about 5 minutes. I think the best part about going to these classes is being together. Craig likes to crack jokes and made the teacher laugh several times...(you all know Craig)
This weekend we are going to help someone at Craig's work move. Her name is Callie and she is really sweet. I wanted to go out with her and her husband and she said they were moving this weekend, so I offered up Craig to help them. You gotta get friends and this is the best way. Then on Sunday we are going to a luncheon at the new church were attending called Chase Oaks. Hopefully we can get plugged in with a life group and meet the staff.
One thing that always helps me when we first move is COOKING. I love looking up recipes on Pinterest and making easy dinner dishes that look hard. This past month I have been so proud of myself. I want to prepare as many meals while I can. Here are a couple of my favorites so far: Chicken Roll Ups were amazing and so juicy.

This recipe can be found here: http://pinchofyum.com/baked-mozzarella-chicken-rolls?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+pinch-of-yum+(Pinch+of+Yum)

I should have taken a picture myself. That's something I need to be better at. Also, I've made Pesto Shrimp Linguine, Craig's Fav  Parmesan Chicken, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, Breaded Parm Pork Chops (best pork chops I've ever made) Chx Enchiladas, and this one was interesting Meatball Sub Casserole--I actually took a picture of this one:

But I have to say my staple is the Crock pot Chx Tacos that I will be able to make even when Micah gets here.  Seriously, everyone needs to do this. And trust me is feeds a family of AT LEAST five. Lay chicken breasts in crockpot, then put taco seasoning on the chx, then add a can of your favorite salsa. That's IT! I put in a can or whole kernel corn and black beans so give it more veggies. Cook on low for 6 hours and shred the chicken and mix together in the pot once time is up. 

Also, something I've been trying to do everyday is healthy smoothies. I got a super nice blender for a wedding present and NEVER used it. Now it's getting beaten down. haha. I found an easy recipe that never gets old. Greek Vanilla Yogurt, Vanilla Soy Milk, Frozen Banana, (any other fruit I want to add that day like strawberries, or kiwi, blueberries) then add Spinach and Kale. It's so good and you can never taste the spinach or kale. I used to put some peanut butter in there too, makes it more like dessert. I don't get a lot of veggies in my diet each day, so this makes me feel a whole lot better. 

Lots of Love!!! Have a great day everyone.

Touched the stars and now ready to reach for the moon

Ok, So I'm not good and sticking to something. I'm actually really bad at it. I started a blog almost four years ago now and only wrote in it a few times. That's really sad. But.. HEY I'm Back. This time I'm writing for my family and friends. Let me first go back and tell you in a nutshell the past four years.

My first job was in Kentucky at WPSD for about 11 months(2010). I was a producer/editor there (which they liked to call us Preditor's) and was able to learn a lot. The executive producer started to let me report on stories on the weekend during my own time. They would even air my stories on the weekend shows. It was so awesome to have that opportunity. All I ever wanted was to be on TV.  I spruced up my resume reel with those stories and landed a job in Bryan, TX as a Anchor/Producer.

Now the reason I wanted to go to Texas was because of my husband. He decided he wanted to get his Master's in business. I'm going to cut out all the tough situations and problems we went through to actually move in together, but once it happened it was amazing. I was working at KRHD-TV and he was going to school at Texas A&M.
After about 8 months of Anchoring I switched over to a one man band reporter. I know this sounds like a worse position, but it's actually what I wanted. I was out and about covering stories from City Council to shootings. Some days were very hard and some days were exciting. I loved my job. Telling other people's stories whether it was helping a cause or remembering a loved one. I got to know the BCS (Bryan/College Station) area very well.

Craig and I were still living very far from both our families in the Chicago area. In December of 2012 Craig graduated from Texas A&M and got a job with AT&T in the Leadership Development Program. This new job would require him to move around for the next 2 years doing different jobs in the company. We got to choose our first location and went back home to Chicago.
At this time I knew I couldn't get another job in the news business, since we were going to leave in less than a year, but I still had aspirations of doing what I love. We found a church in Des Plaines called The Bridge Community Church. At first I started volunteering to help with their video production and after many hours of volunteering they finally decided to put me on staff. It was awesome. Probably the best job I've ever had. Surrounded by Godly people who appreciate everything you do. Every work place should be that nice. My job was to record the "What's Happening" video every week and shoot and edit testimonies. I also was the Worship Assistant and sang in the band on the weekends. It was a busy year. I had a blast. The best part about 2013 was Craig and I found out we were about to embark on a whole new journey... A BABY.

We found out in October of 2013 that we were pregnant and new we would only be in Chicago until February of 2014. It was exciting, but a tough situation to leave our family in the midst of my pregnancy.
Craig got transferred to Plano, TX to work at ATT's Emerging Marketing Business. At 29 weeks pregnant we moved away from our family, our friends and our new church home The Bridge. It was very sad and I'm still trying to cope with all that has happened. Now it's almost Easter and I am due on May 25th.
So now I am going to be a full-time mom. I'm so excited about my new position, and nervous. Since I am so far away from my family I thought I would start this blog and make it all about our new addition - Micah Neal Hooker. He will be here soon and we will both be learning new things about each other everyday.
So this blog will now be about my career as a mother. I hope to post videos and pictures of lil Micah and our family adventures. This way we can all feel connected in a different way. And don't hesitate to post a comment here or there and tell me what's on your mind.
It will be very quiet around here for the next few weeks, but soon I might be posting blogs at 3 a.m. in the morning! Micah is moving a lot these days and pushing me in all different directions (signs of things to come I think). He looks a lot like me from the ultrasound photo's so hopefully he's a cutie :)
Here's to a new journey to have fun and enjoy my new job as a mommy.

Love you all!!