Thanksgiving.

apparently this never posted...here is one from 6 weeks ago...

As we had our first holiday with a baby girl I am taken back at how blessed I am and what an appropriate holiday to realize such a thing.
I have so much to be thankful for. Our baby girl who turned 6 weeks old this passed Saturday is so beautiful. She is changing and growing so fast and I can hardly believe how good she is. My husband who has provided and been a constant strength for me. Showing me what a man of God looks like and how a fathers love can be life changing. A great cozy little home where friends and family have come to visit. Good friends old and new supporting us through each new step and celebrating life and the holidays. Wow! I mean those are the simple things, the ones that come to forefront of my mind and not even the tip of the iceberg.

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

You and I...lyrics that show my gratitude.

Clean I call you clean
I came to clean you and it’s done
Here’s a call to all who’ve
Felt disqualified to run
Pleasures flowing here and there
From my right hand
What’s mine is yours
Come behold all of who I am

You and I will run
You and I will run forever
All is done
You and I will run


Come with what you do not have
And buy what’s undeserved
Feast and drink, the bounty’s great
I know you hear
But have you heard
Have you heard

Clean!
I’ve called you clean!
“I am dirty”
Clean!
“So unworthy”
Clean!
“Dirty”
That’s what I’m wanting

What HE gives.

Yesterday was pretty scary. I have been having some trouble breathing the last couple of days and called my OBGYN to make sure that everything was okay and just normal pregnancy stuff. They advised me to go see my family doctor as they didn't think it was normal that I would be having these sorts of issues at 31 weeks. I immediately went to the doctor and they did some basic tests. He suggested that I go to the lab and get a blood test to rule out any possibility of blood clots.
Well once I got there and did the blood test it came back positive and higher than it should be. They immediately admitted me into the ER. I was so nervous at this point. i had no real idea of what was going on accept that if I was being admitted this couldn't be a good thing. Ryan left work and came to the ER. We got sent to the back and waited on the doctor. They took a few more blood tests to rule out any other possibilities. The doctor then came in and said that it would be in our best interest to do at least an ultrasound of the legs and possibly a catscan. He explained that if I did in fact have a blood clot and it went to my lungs, I would die. He stated that the catscan would be the best way to determine if I had anything at this time but that it could possibly have some negative effects on the baby. He stated that she could be born with some mutations of cells but that is was less likely in the 3rd trimester than had this happened in the 1st trimester.
Ryan and I were left to think about it while they ordered the ultra sound for my legs. We weren't sure what was the best choice. I was terrified of hurting Lily but didn't want to risk both our lives by not doing the cat scan and possibly dying.
So we called our OB again and talked it over with them. They informed us that the risk of the cat scan was minimal in comparison to the risk of not doing it and possibly having a blood clot. So after that news we decided to do the scan.
7 hours of waiting and contemplating and praying (thank you all who prayed it meant the world to Ryan, Lily and I) the results came back negative!!!!
I was given a clean bill of health in regards to the blood clots and was able to go home. 7 hours is all it took but man that was intense. I was so thankful to the Lord that everything was ok and that we didn't have cause to worry. I know that it was the Lords hand over us and was so thankful that He was there every moment.
I came home with Ryan last night and was just resting on the couch being so thankful for another day of life and life abundantly. I have so much gratitude in my heart for the prayers of all our friends and family. For Ryan and the strength he showed in the ER. But most of all the Lords hand on me to keep me and Lily healthy and safe.

Thanks guys. I appreciate you all. Sorry if you didn't all receive the message to pray but it all happened so quickly. I know the lord heard the prayers of the people whether it was all or just one.

Loving and being loved.

So many thoughts come along with bringing a new life into this world. I am 28.5 weeks along and every moment that passes I grow more and more in love with my child and my husband.
Today my husband brought me flowers and a my favorite drink to work. He took me out to lunch and we just sat across from one another talking about life and where we were at. I sat there staring at this man who just amazes me more and more every day. I looked at him while he talked about things that normally may not cause someone to have butterflies in their stomach but I just thought wow I love this man and he loves me so much. We have baby Lily Sophia coming into this world and that is so perfect! She is going to be a perfect product of that love.
I know it may sound cheesy to some but to me Ryan is the man that the Lord created especially to love and care for me and our children. I cannot imagine my world without him. Daily he teaches me how to love myself, him and others in a more rich way. He shows me what it is to have happiness beyond what you can imagine and to know the greatness of God. I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord created this man for me and that together we are so much more than we ever were apart.
I cannot wait to have Lily with us and to share that love with her. I am confident that Ryan is going to be an amazing dad and going to show Lily (and the rest of our children to come) what a great man and father looks like.
ugh..just tearing up thinking about him.
I pray that our daughter can marry a man just like her daddy and experience the greatness her father has brought to her mothers life.
I love you babe.

Today

Well I was reminded by a dear friend that I have not written on this for some time now. I have actually forgot about its existence as I am consumed with life these days. Gone are the days of sitting in the coffee shop with hours of free time to write about my life and surroundings. Now I sit at a desk 8 hours a day helping students plan out their future. It isn't all that bad accept I can feel my butt getting bigger and I know its not the baby....well maybe it is partially the baby but still. I miss being on my feet and having the activity in my life. So in honor of spending time thinking about life, sharing it with you all, and hopefully getting some insight from you and the Lord, I am going to spew here for a few minutes.

So I was thinking when the baby comes and I am no longer working behind a computer 8 hours aday and I am taking care of our little one full time, what activities will I partake in? As of late Ryan and I have decided to learn sign language so that is one thing. I also think I am going to learn to sow. The wife of our new landlord is a stay at home and she has learned to sow and I am thinking I might want to join her. I am also going to learn how to make different flavor rice puddings. Random I know but when Ryan and I were on our honeymoon we went to this place in Sarasota called Miami Rice Pudding and they had 30 different flavors of rice pudding and they were UH-MAZING!!! So with that in mind I am thinking I might like to learn to do it myself and maybe open a little stand at the local market and sell it. Who knows it could be huge.
Now in memory of my fit and healthy days (since the baby and new job working out is seldom) I have decided to give in and save up to buy Tony Hortons 10 minute Trainer. I know its crazy but I don't think I have more then that right now and since the gym here is not my most fav place I think I'm going to take to the DVD world and do it at home. Obviously this will become a part of my normal routine (during nap time for the baby) once he/she is here. But until then Ryan and I are going to do it. And if the ads are right you all need to look out! haha.
OK OK so other then that lets talk about now. We find out what we are having on the 27th and I can hardly stand it. The last few weeks my belly has got bigger and bigger. I can't believe the growth. People keep asking to see photos and I will post some as soon as Ryan gets home from his conference as I am too big to take it of myself. Moving around is getting more and more interesting and believe it or not I don't really have much of an appetite. No more then before at least.
I do miss family and friends, it is hard to think of them in other places and us here but one thing Ry and I know is that this is where the Lord has us for at least the next two years. So here's to getting comfy.
When I sit back and think about having a baby inside my belly it is so crazy. I mean you hear people talk about it but it is something all together different when its happening to you. I mean I have life within me and that is gnarly. I mean it is truly amazing to see the baby grow and change and see how it works on my body. I can't wait to see Ry and I in this little one. Having our children is the one thing I am certain I was created to do and there is no better feeling than that.
Okok...so enough of that. I am almost off my lunch break and I need to walk the stairs and do some stretches before I am back on the phones.

Blessings...hopefully next time wont take me so long.

any guesses on what we are having?

Yep its true...as of an hour ago Ryan and I found out we have a little coming. WOW. More later as we continue to fill in family and friends!

Ryan & Nicci from Kimberlee West on Vimeo.

a loss

Today I found out that a patient that I was very fond of at my previous job passed away from cancer. This is a hard day. This is the time when I realize how much of an impact the people I come in contact with, even if it is for a short period of time, make on me. I will be praying.

The NEW new year

So its been months now since I have written and its not for lack of time but more lack of desire to sit in front of the computer and write out the details of my life. So here we go I am going to talk about it.
I am a married woman living in Lynchburg VA and live in a beautiful loft with the most amazing man.
I still have no "full-time" job.
I am finding out how to live a life not consumed with to do lists and an identity that was wrapped up in what I did.
I am seeking out my true passion, as slow as that may seem to be coming.
I started a company with my husband that is bringing in bits of work here and there.
(www.neacenetwork.com in case you wanna check out our latest project)
I have some suggestions about new music that you should listen to... Of course Ray Lamontagne who is always great. His new album is worth the purchase. Now we also have a new comer by the name of Cas Haley who was on some lame tv show and didn't win but does some great reggae. Both are on my myspace and worth checking out.
Spent the holidays with the hubsters and am very excited to see my family in CA in two weeks!!
I have been able to eat wheat and gluten for the first time in two years. No reactions and feeling good!! PRAISE THE LORD!!
Other then that there isn't much going on.
I will update again soon.