We are finally done running around town from doctor to doctor. It is time to relax. The morning doctor's visit went fairly regularly; checked the baby's heart beat, discussed recent developments, and set up the next visit for two weeks from today.
That was Brittany's regular doctor. Our afternoon appointment was with an ultrasound specialist. During the last ultrasound visit, we discovered that the baby's kidneys were larger than they should be and they wanted to keep an eye on them as the baby developed. That was what today's checkup was for.
So, we arrived at the Rockledge Weustoff Women's Center slightly early for our appointment. The waiting room was practically empty, so we were in to see the specialist without an unbearable delay. Brittany was weighed (for the second time today) upon entering the room and then her blood pressure was taken...also for the second time. The technician started working taking measurements and screenshots of a baby that looked like it was posing for a photo shoot. Once all the measurements were in, she gave us the preliminary results. While it looked like the kidneys were doing much better, for the rest of the organs seem to be catching up in size, there were some other figures that were cause for alarm.
I believe at the last checkup the baby weighed somewhere around 3 pounds, 8 ounces. When the technician gave us the new weight, I was stunned. It seems that the baby now weighs 6 pounds, 2 ounces! To me, that seemed a little excessive, and Brittany had a look of utter dismay on her face. The specialist said that the baby is about two and a half weeks ahead of the average pace on weight, and also mentioned that he or she is three and a half weeks ahead on length. So apparently it is not an overly fat child...it is just really long. Understandably, Brittany did not like the sound of these new figures.
In my opinion, either the numbers for the weight were wildly inaccurate this time around, and were calculated incorrectly, or the original timeline for the pregnancy is wrong. Either way, the baby will most likely be born well before the projected due date of Feb. 13.
Now we will wait and see. We have another doctor's appointment in two weeks, and the ultrasound specialist wants to see us again in five weeks. That is, if the child isn't born before that...which is a possibility it seems.
Until next time,
Lorimer
12.28.2009
12.27.2009
Stardate 091227.4
Well, my last two posts summed up the pregnancy experience so far, so now I will be writing about the new things as they happen. We still have 7 weeks left, a few more doctor's visits, and a lot more to experience.
Tomorrow, we have another ultrasound and doctor's appointment. The ultrasound is to check on the status of the baby's kidneys up to this point. That is the primary focus, because the technician at the last ultrasound said the baby's kidneys were slightly larger than they should be at that point in time...well, more developed than the other organs. I think we have had five ultrasounds so far, and each time the baby is in a different position. The baby moves around a lot apparently, and it shows on the ultrasounds.
To answer everyone at once, no we do not know what the gender of our baby is, because we want it to be a surprise. Well...here's the real story...
I have wanted it to be a surprise the whole time. From the time we found out we were having a baby, I wanted to avoid finding out the gender. Brittany, however, was all about knowing ahead of time. She was shocked and dismayed that I did not want to know. Doctor's appointment after doctor's appointment, she would ask me if we could find out, and I kept asking if we could wait. Finally, she came around to my side and decided it would be fun to wait and see. I figured that we had clothes for both and the bedding and decorations for the room were light greens and yellows, so we didn't have to worry; one way or another, we were prepared.
Now that we have only seven weeks left, she is fine with the waiting idea. It seems we are the only ones in the church that decided to go this route. There are quite a few couples that are also expecting children, and all of them have found out or want to find out what they are having. Oh well. I enjoy waiting for the surprise.
Well, we will have to see what comes of the appointments tomorrow, so until then I'm signing off.
Later,
Lorimer
Tomorrow, we have another ultrasound and doctor's appointment. The ultrasound is to check on the status of the baby's kidneys up to this point. That is the primary focus, because the technician at the last ultrasound said the baby's kidneys were slightly larger than they should be at that point in time...well, more developed than the other organs. I think we have had five ultrasounds so far, and each time the baby is in a different position. The baby moves around a lot apparently, and it shows on the ultrasounds.
To answer everyone at once, no we do not know what the gender of our baby is, because we want it to be a surprise. Well...here's the real story...
I have wanted it to be a surprise the whole time. From the time we found out we were having a baby, I wanted to avoid finding out the gender. Brittany, however, was all about knowing ahead of time. She was shocked and dismayed that I did not want to know. Doctor's appointment after doctor's appointment, she would ask me if we could find out, and I kept asking if we could wait. Finally, she came around to my side and decided it would be fun to wait and see. I figured that we had clothes for both and the bedding and decorations for the room were light greens and yellows, so we didn't have to worry; one way or another, we were prepared.
Now that we have only seven weeks left, she is fine with the waiting idea. It seems we are the only ones in the church that decided to go this route. There are quite a few couples that are also expecting children, and all of them have found out or want to find out what they are having. Oh well. I enjoy waiting for the surprise.
Well, we will have to see what comes of the appointments tomorrow, so until then I'm signing off.
Later,
Lorimer
12.25.2009
Stardate 091225.9
First of all let me say, Merry Christmas to all! I hope everyone had a great holiday with family and friends. Also, I hope everyone remembered the reason we celebrate this holiday: the birth of Jesus.
Now, back to the child rearing story...
Change was the subject of my last post, so now I am going to move on to a different aspect of the pregnancy process: how prepared we are physically and mentally. We aren't there yet, but we have been steadily getting ready for this new Werner who is on the way.
Well, we have a nice crib with bedding, a few chairs and swings for rocking the baby to sleep, a pink rocking chair for Brittany, a changing table, a half-designated room...we're pretty much there...well, as far as the furniture is concerned. We still have some work to do on the room. The painting needs to be done, and a last few things need to be finished before the big day arrives. The clothes situation has just about taken care of itself. We have clothes for either gender since we don't know what the baby is yet. Of course, Brittany has yet to have had her baby shower, so we should be getting a few things to fill in the gaps.
So physically, I would say we are moving right along. Like I said, a few things left to take care of, but overall, we are getting there.
Emotionally, we get more and more ready every day. This whole process for us is brand new, so new emotions and feelings that go along with having a child are dawning on us almost daily. When I think about raising a child and having someone so small and helpless relying on me, it puts things into a new perspective.
When Brittany originally got pregnant, I was happy, of course, but as the male, I didn't necessarily have an intimate connection to the child like Brittany. However, as the pregnancy progressed, I became more connected, as it were. I guess it really hit me as reality the first time the doctor checked the baby's heart beat for us. That was actually very cool. I was fortunate enough to capture the sound on my iPhone and if I find a way to post it here, I will.
If the heart beat check was cool, it was nothing compared to the ultrasound. We got some awesome pictures of the kid, and I have them posted on facebook for your viewing pleasure.
Well, as time went on, and the baby grew, I was finally able to see and feel the child moving. It was rather strange at first. To see some one's stomach just rolling and moving of its own accord is quite a sight. It took a little getting used to, but now I can feel the kid move anytime I want, since the child moves all the time (much to Brittany's discomfort!).
So, as time progresses and we get closer to the due date, I become slightly more attached to the baby every day, though I don't think it will be emotionally real until I hold the child for the first time in the hospital. I don't mean that cold or emotionless way, and I don't know how many other first-time father's feel this way, but in my opinion, for the male member of the couple (the one not carrying the child) it is a little hard for it all to be completely real in a person's mind. I guess I will have to wait and see...and by extension...so will you. :) That story will have to wait until February.
Until next time,
Lorimer
Now, back to the child rearing story...
Change was the subject of my last post, so now I am going to move on to a different aspect of the pregnancy process: how prepared we are physically and mentally. We aren't there yet, but we have been steadily getting ready for this new Werner who is on the way.
Well, we have a nice crib with bedding, a few chairs and swings for rocking the baby to sleep, a pink rocking chair for Brittany, a changing table, a half-designated room...we're pretty much there...well, as far as the furniture is concerned. We still have some work to do on the room. The painting needs to be done, and a last few things need to be finished before the big day arrives. The clothes situation has just about taken care of itself. We have clothes for either gender since we don't know what the baby is yet. Of course, Brittany has yet to have had her baby shower, so we should be getting a few things to fill in the gaps.
So physically, I would say we are moving right along. Like I said, a few things left to take care of, but overall, we are getting there.
Emotionally, we get more and more ready every day. This whole process for us is brand new, so new emotions and feelings that go along with having a child are dawning on us almost daily. When I think about raising a child and having someone so small and helpless relying on me, it puts things into a new perspective.
When Brittany originally got pregnant, I was happy, of course, but as the male, I didn't necessarily have an intimate connection to the child like Brittany. However, as the pregnancy progressed, I became more connected, as it were. I guess it really hit me as reality the first time the doctor checked the baby's heart beat for us. That was actually very cool. I was fortunate enough to capture the sound on my iPhone and if I find a way to post it here, I will.
If the heart beat check was cool, it was nothing compared to the ultrasound. We got some awesome pictures of the kid, and I have them posted on facebook for your viewing pleasure.
Well, as time went on, and the baby grew, I was finally able to see and feel the child moving. It was rather strange at first. To see some one's stomach just rolling and moving of its own accord is quite a sight. It took a little getting used to, but now I can feel the kid move anytime I want, since the child moves all the time (much to Brittany's discomfort!).
So, as time progresses and we get closer to the due date, I become slightly more attached to the baby every day, though I don't think it will be emotionally real until I hold the child for the first time in the hospital. I don't mean that cold or emotionless way, and I don't know how many other first-time father's feel this way, but in my opinion, for the male member of the couple (the one not carrying the child) it is a little hard for it all to be completely real in a person's mind. I guess I will have to wait and see...and by extension...so will you. :) That story will have to wait until February.
Until next time,
Lorimer
12.18.2009
Stardate 091218.9
A lot has changed in the past year. I have gotten married, my new wife and I are soon to have a baby, and I am closer to finally graduating from college. I wrote some about getting married and that chapter of my life. While that chapter is awesome and still going strong, there is now a new addition that I must document. Since this is an entirely new thing for me, I thought it would be good (and somewhat amusing at times) to track the adventure as it unfolds.
I’m told a child changes so much in your life, but I don’t know that the thought of universal change has really sunken in yet. Before I got married, people told me the same thing about marriage; however, after I was married, while some things did change, adaptation wasn’t painful or trying at all. At least that I remember. Maybe I have a selective memory when it comes to the bad things in life, but the adjustment from bachelorhood to married life was a fairly easy switchover. I just have a feeling though that the change from two to three members in the household will be slightly more trying than the change from one to two, so I felt it would be a great idea to follow the progress of our first attempt at childrearing. Should be interesting reading.
I haven’t experienced too much change yet, though a few of the greater changes come to mind. I go to the doctor’s quite a bit more than I used to…once a month now. Half of my office has been converted into a nursery. I have to time my visits to and from the restroom well, because it is almost always occupied now…well, that’s a slight exaggeration…but only slight.
Of course, none of this is bad, it’s just different and I am doing my best to adjust. My adjustments are nothing compared to my wife’s, though. She is amazingly tough. Each day brings a new change to her body and a new pain or ache. Sleep is fleeting, and although the morning sickness stage has past, the baby kicking (and jumping, and stretching, and karate-ing, and circus performing) have increased drastically. We have 8 weeks left and she is ready to go now.
Well, that’s a good start to the story. Should be an interesting journey, and I am going to try to get a lot of it written down. Mostly for posterity’s sake, but for Brittany and me as well, so years from now when we look back at this, we can laugh at how young and inexperienced we were. So long for now.
Lorimer
I’m told a child changes so much in your life, but I don’t know that the thought of universal change has really sunken in yet. Before I got married, people told me the same thing about marriage; however, after I was married, while some things did change, adaptation wasn’t painful or trying at all. At least that I remember. Maybe I have a selective memory when it comes to the bad things in life, but the adjustment from bachelorhood to married life was a fairly easy switchover. I just have a feeling though that the change from two to three members in the household will be slightly more trying than the change from one to two, so I felt it would be a great idea to follow the progress of our first attempt at childrearing. Should be interesting reading.
I haven’t experienced too much change yet, though a few of the greater changes come to mind. I go to the doctor’s quite a bit more than I used to…once a month now. Half of my office has been converted into a nursery. I have to time my visits to and from the restroom well, because it is almost always occupied now…well, that’s a slight exaggeration…but only slight.
Of course, none of this is bad, it’s just different and I am doing my best to adjust. My adjustments are nothing compared to my wife’s, though. She is amazingly tough. Each day brings a new change to her body and a new pain or ache. Sleep is fleeting, and although the morning sickness stage has past, the baby kicking (and jumping, and stretching, and karate-ing, and circus performing) have increased drastically. We have 8 weeks left and she is ready to go now.
Well, that’s a good start to the story. Should be an interesting journey, and I am going to try to get a lot of it written down. Mostly for posterity’s sake, but for Brittany and me as well, so years from now when we look back at this, we can laugh at how young and inexperienced we were. So long for now.
Lorimer
10.21.2009
Stardate 091021.6
The Lockerbie Deal
There has been some confusion today over whether or not the Lockerbie bomber (terrorist) has died. The news pundits, namely Sky News and Reuters, have published reports of his death; however, the terrorist’s Scottish lawyer, Tony Kelly, denies the report stating, “He is alive and breathing”. Regardless of how this plays out today, whether the terrorist actually dies or not, it is of little consequence when one considers that this killer should never have been released from prison in the first place. In fact, if more countries had the fortitude that even our country is slowly losing, this fiend would have been put to death when he was convicted of killing 270 people. The fact that he was allowed to live was a poor decision to begin with for the country of Scotland, but to release him on grounds of compassion is just shameful.
Yes, he has prostate cancer and would experience more discomfort dying in prison than in his home in Libya. The question that should be posed to the Scottish government is, “So?” The man killed 270 people when he hijacked a plane back in 1988; 189 of which were Americans.
Reports are surfacing, and investigations are being launched to determine whether or not this decision was made in an effort to sweeten an oil deal between the UK and Libya. If that is true, and the UK government released this terrorist in the interest of business, there should be serious repercussions.
This terrorist, and others like him, have no regard for human life outside their own Islamic faith. For too long, the agencies and covert organizations that are designed to protect the American people from the damage and death these terrorists can inflict have been hampered and harnessed by rules of fair play established by global decisions, like those arrived at by the Geneva conventions. The terrorists and Islamic extremists do not play by the rules. They feel no remorse for the killing of innocents, because their religious leaders have indoctrinated them with hate for America and its allies. A contracted, trained strike force not attached to the US government would be a handy tool when a terrorist needs to be dealt with.
The third Geneva Convention, which deals with prisoners of war, is all well and good when an issue arises in a country that has actually signed the treaty and abides by it, but for those terrorist-run organizations that don’t care about this treaty or the one about harming civilians, special treatment should not be afforded. If a terrorist has information that will lead to the prevention of an attack on US soil and/or its citizens, then we should be able to employ the means necessary to gain that information. Even if those “means” entails some extreme methods that, regardless of how some may feel about them, produce results.
With the current direction of our country and its government, the possibility of these methods actually being employed seems highly unlikely.
Unfortunately, we are more concerned with peace talks than national security.
4.29.2009
Stardate 090429.6
Captain’s Log:
When last we met, I was expounding upon the injustices being performed at the highest levels of our incomparable government. This will be somewhat of a lighter post and a catching up, if you will, on the events of the past three months.
February saw the two of us pick up the pace on our wedding planning and preparation, since the big day was but a month and a half away.
March was even more hectic. The wedding took place on the 28th, and up to that point, everything was wild and hurried. My family flew and drove in just in time, and the ceremony went quite well. I will have to set up a server or an online photo album somewhere to post all of the pictures that were taken. All in all, the service went well, and everything looked great. We owe a big thanks to Mrs. Snyder for her work on the decorations, and her inestimable effort on the cake. Also, we owe Marc and Sara Rhodes who did an outstanding job singing and playing the piano (respectfully) for the service. We were honored to have the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and ushers that we had. Thank you Luke, Melodie, Brad, Anna, Seth, Shelbi, Nathan, Rachel, DJ, and Bryce. The Lord has truly blessed us with the greatest of friends and family.
April was a mixed bag, as the first half was the honeymoon in St. Augustine and the Bahamas and the second half was a return to the real world and the job. I love my job, but it is hard to come back to after spending so much time off.
I have finished 19 books since I posted last, and I will list them all quickly here for those who may have some interest in reading good books.
1. The 13 volumes of Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events
2. The Associate by John Grisham
3. Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell (This book was my favorite of the year so far)
4. Memorial Day by Vince Flynn
5. The Archer’s Tale by Bernard Cornwell
6. Vagabond by Bernard Cornwell
7. Luke’s Story by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins
Agincourt was an excellent book about the ancient battle that took place between the French and the British in 1415. Awesome book! I have been reading quite a bit of Bernard Cornwell, because I am trying to catch up with his writing. I have only two left and then I will be completely caught up and ready for the new King Alfred book this fall. Hooray!
Anyway, my wife’s birthday is this weekend, and we are going to see Wolverine. That is not the only gift for those of you who have a shocked look on your face that I would be so cheap. J
I have other things; however, to mention them here would ruin the surprise.
My brother’s birthday was yesterday, and he turned 20. He is away at college and he is touring this summer with the college’s singing group, so I will not get to see him until he returns here in August.
Now I am droning, so I need to wrap this up. Overall, the past three months have been hectic, but rather enjoyable.
I will be back someday…
Lorimer
When last we met, I was expounding upon the injustices being performed at the highest levels of our incomparable government. This will be somewhat of a lighter post and a catching up, if you will, on the events of the past three months.
February saw the two of us pick up the pace on our wedding planning and preparation, since the big day was but a month and a half away.
March was even more hectic. The wedding took place on the 28th, and up to that point, everything was wild and hurried. My family flew and drove in just in time, and the ceremony went quite well. I will have to set up a server or an online photo album somewhere to post all of the pictures that were taken. All in all, the service went well, and everything looked great. We owe a big thanks to Mrs. Snyder for her work on the decorations, and her inestimable effort on the cake. Also, we owe Marc and Sara Rhodes who did an outstanding job singing and playing the piano (respectfully) for the service. We were honored to have the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and ushers that we had. Thank you Luke, Melodie, Brad, Anna, Seth, Shelbi, Nathan, Rachel, DJ, and Bryce. The Lord has truly blessed us with the greatest of friends and family.
April was a mixed bag, as the first half was the honeymoon in St. Augustine and the Bahamas and the second half was a return to the real world and the job. I love my job, but it is hard to come back to after spending so much time off.
I have finished 19 books since I posted last, and I will list them all quickly here for those who may have some interest in reading good books.
1. The 13 volumes of Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events
2. The Associate by John Grisham
3. Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell (This book was my favorite of the year so far)
4. Memorial Day by Vince Flynn
5. The Archer’s Tale by Bernard Cornwell
6. Vagabond by Bernard Cornwell
7. Luke’s Story by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins
Agincourt was an excellent book about the ancient battle that took place between the French and the British in 1415. Awesome book! I have been reading quite a bit of Bernard Cornwell, because I am trying to catch up with his writing. I have only two left and then I will be completely caught up and ready for the new King Alfred book this fall. Hooray!
Anyway, my wife’s birthday is this weekend, and we are going to see Wolverine. That is not the only gift for those of you who have a shocked look on your face that I would be so cheap. J
I have other things; however, to mention them here would ruin the surprise.
My brother’s birthday was yesterday, and he turned 20. He is away at college and he is touring this summer with the college’s singing group, so I will not get to see him until he returns here in August.
Now I am droning, so I need to wrap this up. Overall, the past three months have been hectic, but rather enjoyable.
I will be back someday…
Lorimer
1.31.2009
Stardate 090131.9
Captain's Log:
Our country is facing many challenges today; not least of all, the growth of the federal government. Unless you dwell under a large piece of granite, or have only just arrived from your home on a celestial body in the far reaches of the galaxy, you must know that we, as a nation, have a new president.
Now, over the past few months (during the election), I made some factual comments about how things are going to be run in the United States when the new administration takes over. So far, things seem right on track. I got many comments to the effect of "get over it" or "find something good in the situation; don't always focus on the negative". Fine: our new president is tech-savvy. I found something good. Now let's focus on the factual events that have taken place over the past 11 days.
1. Pro-abortion memorandum has already been signed.
2. An economic stimulus package that will essentially hurt the economy in the long run, has been pushed through the house by a vote of 244-188 and is now in the senate.
3. The bi-partisanship that this administration claims to be striving for is non-existent. The evidence is in the vote for the stimulus package. All 244 'yes' votes were democrats...not one single republican voted for it. Why is that? The stimulus is a bad idea, and they know it. All but eleven democrats voted the party line.
4. A task force was started, to be headed by vice president, Joe Biden, that will create "green jobs". In other words, money from the stimulus package (which comes from our tax dollars...all $817 Billion dollars of the stimulus) will be used to create new jobs that help the environment and the country as a whole...right...another government program that increases the power of the central government.
I am sure in the weeks to come there will be more news and activity coming from the oval office, but for now, I think that is enough for the American people to stomach for one night. Oh, but I did find his comment the other day rather interesting; he said, when addressing Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) about the republican opposition to the stimulus, "I won. I will trump you on that." Hmmm...I don't know. To me, that doesn't sound like his campaign promise of "I will hear both sides equally, and then decide on the best course of action."
For now, I think that will be all. Until next time,
Lorimer
Our country is facing many challenges today; not least of all, the growth of the federal government. Unless you dwell under a large piece of granite, or have only just arrived from your home on a celestial body in the far reaches of the galaxy, you must know that we, as a nation, have a new president.
Now, over the past few months (during the election), I made some factual comments about how things are going to be run in the United States when the new administration takes over. So far, things seem right on track. I got many comments to the effect of "get over it" or "find something good in the situation; don't always focus on the negative". Fine: our new president is tech-savvy. I found something good. Now let's focus on the factual events that have taken place over the past 11 days.
1. Pro-abortion memorandum has already been signed.
2. An economic stimulus package that will essentially hurt the economy in the long run, has been pushed through the house by a vote of 244-188 and is now in the senate.
3. The bi-partisanship that this administration claims to be striving for is non-existent. The evidence is in the vote for the stimulus package. All 244 'yes' votes were democrats...not one single republican voted for it. Why is that? The stimulus is a bad idea, and they know it. All but eleven democrats voted the party line.
4. A task force was started, to be headed by vice president, Joe Biden, that will create "green jobs". In other words, money from the stimulus package (which comes from our tax dollars...all $817 Billion dollars of the stimulus) will be used to create new jobs that help the environment and the country as a whole...right...another government program that increases the power of the central government.
I am sure in the weeks to come there will be more news and activity coming from the oval office, but for now, I think that is enough for the American people to stomach for one night. Oh, but I did find his comment the other day rather interesting; he said, when addressing Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) about the republican opposition to the stimulus, "I won. I will trump you on that." Hmmm...I don't know. To me, that doesn't sound like his campaign promise of "I will hear both sides equally, and then decide on the best course of action."
For now, I think that will be all. Until next time,
Lorimer
1.22.2009
Stardate 090122.8
Captain's Log:
I had to return to work this morning after an awesome five-day weekend. Brittany and I went to South Carolina to visit my grandparents. As we were both off of work for a few days, we decided to take a break and tour Charleston.
We left Melbourne after church on Sunday morning and drove the six hours to Charleston. We made the obligatory stop at Cracker Barrel for lunch. After arriving at my grandparents around 2100HR, I made all of the introductions since this was the first time my grandparents had met Brittany, and then we ate dinner and went to bed.
Monday - 19 January
Brittany and I both woke much later than normal, and after eating a hearty breakfast, we left the house. As she had never visited a plantation before, we decided to go to Middleton Place Plantation and spend the afternoon. We spent hours wandering the grounds after riding a horse-drawn carriage around the old rice fields. As afternoon moved steadly onward into evening, the cold became to pervasive and we were forced to retreat to the house where dinner awaited us. My grandfather had made his famous macaroni and cheese which, I must say, I ate quite a lot of. After dinner, the four of us played a game of Hand and Foot before we all hit the sack.
Tuesday - 20 January
We awoke late, again, and ate our breakfast/lunch and set off once again to explore Charleston. This time the two of us went downtown to the historic district for a walk along the battery. We walked past block after block of ancient houses, many of which dated back two hundred years or more. Once we had seen our fill of multi-million dollar homes, and we were too cold to continue, we drove over to Waterfront Park. We spent very little time there, for the cold wind was growing stronger. We went home for dinner after only a brief tour of the park. My aunt and uncle came to dinner and met Brittany. After dinner, we played another game of cards and went to bed.
We drove home the next day, and took our time on the drive as it was a very nice day. And that was our Charleston trip; our first vacation together. All in all, it was a perfect weekend.
Until next time,
Lorimer
I had to return to work this morning after an awesome five-day weekend. Brittany and I went to South Carolina to visit my grandparents. As we were both off of work for a few days, we decided to take a break and tour Charleston.
We left Melbourne after church on Sunday morning and drove the six hours to Charleston. We made the obligatory stop at Cracker Barrel for lunch. After arriving at my grandparents around 2100HR, I made all of the introductions since this was the first time my grandparents had met Brittany, and then we ate dinner and went to bed.
Monday - 19 January
Brittany and I both woke much later than normal, and after eating a hearty breakfast, we left the house. As she had never visited a plantation before, we decided to go to Middleton Place Plantation and spend the afternoon. We spent hours wandering the grounds after riding a horse-drawn carriage around the old rice fields. As afternoon moved steadly onward into evening, the cold became to pervasive and we were forced to retreat to the house where dinner awaited us. My grandfather had made his famous macaroni and cheese which, I must say, I ate quite a lot of. After dinner, the four of us played a game of Hand and Foot before we all hit the sack.
Tuesday - 20 January
We awoke late, again, and ate our breakfast/lunch and set off once again to explore Charleston. This time the two of us went downtown to the historic district for a walk along the battery. We walked past block after block of ancient houses, many of which dated back two hundred years or more. Once we had seen our fill of multi-million dollar homes, and we were too cold to continue, we drove over to Waterfront Park. We spent very little time there, for the cold wind was growing stronger. We went home for dinner after only a brief tour of the park. My aunt and uncle came to dinner and met Brittany. After dinner, we played another game of cards and went to bed.
We drove home the next day, and took our time on the drive as it was a very nice day. And that was our Charleston trip; our first vacation together. All in all, it was a perfect weekend.
Until next time,
Lorimer
1.11.2009
Stardate 090111.6
Captain’s Log:
Once again, I take my time posting and life just flies by. So much has changed in the past few months, and it needs a proper telling. To start things off right though, Happy New Year to the readers of this marvelous weblog.
2008 ended with some excitement as I got engaged on New Year’s Eve. Brittany Clemensen and I are engaged and will be married on the 20th of June. Now, as most of you know, I am not normally one to give loads of details, but for
Brittany and I met in church on August 20th when Seth and I were discussing his latest cell phone. I sat down in their pew for a few minutes before the service and as there was no room next to Seth, we had to talk across the girls (Melodie and Brittany). Well, almost a month passed and we started casually seeing each other; however, we consider September 20th, the day Brayden was born, as the day we officially started dating.
By November the 10th I knew she was the one God wanted me to marry. I was out late walking—as I’m often prone to do—in my neighborhood, and the creative portion of my brain kicked into high gear. The words of a poem issued from my brain with a rapidity belying the mental and physical exhaustion my body was feeling at such an hour. Within just a short time I had the perfect poem written and edited. When I got back to the house I typed up the poem and erased the original copy from my phone so that it would not fall into the wrong hands. The version I had just typed up was placed in a virtual vault and locked with two separate passwords so as to keep the nature and content of the poem a secret until the day when it would be needed. I wanted
Another month went by and we continued to grow closer and more in love, but she started getting antsy. She couldn’t understand why I hadn’t asked her yet. Well, for the entire month of December I had been working toward that end, but there were a lot of things that needed to be done without her knowledge. I had to get her father’s permission, get the go ahead from the other parents, find out how all the siblings felt about it, buy the ring, decide when to do it, and then actually propose. So, all of those things were being planned and completed behind the scenes and she was wondering when I was going to get my act together and just ask her.
I got all the opinions I needed over the month of December, and while the two of us were up in
Now, through all of this I had been researching rings and the “four C’s” of diamonds, so that I could make an informed decision. We returned home from our trip on the 21st, and three days later I bought the ring.
When I ordered it I was told that it would ship on the 29th of December and be over-nighted to my house, so I wasn’t worried because I didn’t need it until the 31st. Well, Monday came and went sooner than I thought it would and the ring was not shipped. That was when I started worrying, but I need not have done so for God had things under control. All day Tuesday I was on the phone with the company walking them through the process of checking the diamond, setting the stone, and finally shipping it to me. I made sure they knew that I needed the ring within 24 hours. I must have called them six or seven times that afternoon to check on the status, and finally, right before close of business, they shipped it via Fed Ex for next day delivery. I tracked the package all morning on Wednesday, and as soon as it was placed on the truck here in
Well,
After lunch she went to work and I went to church. We were to meet at my house afterwards, because we were going over to Seth and Melodie’s for a New Year’s party. I removed the ring from the shipping box and placed it in my pocket before I got home. She hopped in the car and we drove away from the house, headed south on US-1. She looked at me and asked where we were going. I said that I wanted to do something special for her tonight, so I was taking her to see the fireworks over the river. She was very excited. I drove down to the Eau Gallie library, for behind the building there is a lighted pier that extends out over the river. We walked down the pier and looked to the north where fireworks were already going off. After a few minutes of casual conversation, I turned to her.
“I wrote you a poem a couple months ago,” I said as I turned my head to the north again to resume my fireworks viewing. She stared at me for minute.
“Do I get to hear it?” she asked.
“Oh, you want to hear it?” I pretended surprise as she rolled her eyes in feigned exasperation.
I turned to face her and launched into my poem. The poem is written to be nice and sweet and all that throughout; however, it builds on itself piece by piece and it was not until towards the end when she started to realize where the poem was going. After I said, “To you, my love, I’ll always be,” I reached into my pocket as I got down on one knee in front of her. As I was simultaneously reaching for the ring and dropping to my knee, her hands flew up to her mouth and tears sprang into her eyes. I finished the last refrain with, “Yours Alone,” (dramatic pause) “will you marry me?” and though she couldn’t speak immediately, the nodding of her head revealed the answer right away. She was eventually able to get the word out through what I hope were joyful tears and I slid the ring onto her finger.
After a few more minutes of fireworks, we left the pier for the party, happier than ever. Little did she know, but the New Year’s Eve party she thought she was attending was actually our engagement party that just happened to fall on New Year’s Eve. There were quite a few people there that we had invited from church.
I guess it’s a good thing she said yes…that probably would have killed the party otherwise. Of course, calls and texts flew from our phones all night to various family members and friends informing them of this drastic but wonderful change in our lives.
Now we are left with only 160 days until the big day, so the planning has kicked into high gear. Please pray for us as we move into this new chapter in our lives, and for those who have been praying throughout, thank you very much for your help and concern.
And so begins the story of Lance and Brittany. More to follow.
Lorimer
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