THE TRAILER.

I present to you...The Grand Budapest Hotel Trailer

PUMPED.

The trailer comes out this weeeeeeek!!!

Toes up.

So it's been almost two months since I've blogged. I'm lame, I know.

Actually, my 6-year old laptop is lame. It's toes up for now. We'll see if we can come up with a miracle. Heck, it's happened before.

For now, here's a TED Talk my husband sent me yesterday that may or may not have made me tear up. As far as I know, I will never go to art school, but I never want to lose the art of seeing life through the unexpected. His email said this: "The themes Alexa hits on and her ultimate thesis are reasons why I fell in love with your art and writings so many years ago."

That made me want to cry.

Girl gotta get on it.

Meanwhile, here's the TED Talk and a picture of me from last night. 31 weeks, people.

Happy Friday, from me & Lincoln.

Quoted

I loved this quote about conversing...

"The power of preserving silence is the very first requisite for all who wish to shine, or even please in discourse; and those who can not preserve it, have really no business to speak. ... The silence that, without any deferential air, listens with polite attention, is more flattering than compliments, and more frequently broken for the purpose of encouraging others to speak, than to display the listener's own powers. This is the really eloquent silence. It requires great genius - more perhaps than speaking - and few are gifted with the talent."

A summer night at Green Lake - - one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken.

Quoted from here and found here.

Found these.

here.

The Sword

Lately I've been reading Sheldon Vanauken. In "A Severe Mercy" he references the story of a Hebrew woman named Veronica, who supposedly wiped Jesus' brow while he was carrying his cross to Golgotha. I'd never heard of that before. And I can't stop reading this sonnet he wrote...

The Sword

Yes, Mark was posted to the Tenth that year.

The day we got there priests contrived to bring

This 'god' to death, and mobs that made me cling

To Mark surged round us, all one mocking jeer.

No omen warned me when Mark led me near

The yelling street that I should be implored

By God to wear my girlhood like a sword

So edged with mercy men would freeze in fear.

Mark's armour made the crowd draw back a space.

Just there beneath his cross the god limped by.

I saw his eyes and rushed into the street

Through sudden stillness wiped his face.

"My child," he said and staggered on to die.

- My girlhood lay in fragments at my feet.

Baby Boy!

Well folks, it doesn't get much clearer than this...

Kline-worthy genitalia right above the text.

We had our 20 week ultrasound on Thursday. I woke up feeling more excited than a 6 year old at Christmas!! The plan was to see if he was healthy all-around and find out our little baby's gender, and find out if we were right. See, we thought it was a boy from the very beginning. Before we ever got pregnant, we referred to our first child as a "she"...but once we were actually expecting, without even trying or noticing, we started referring to him as a "he". Once we recognized this, we realized we both thought he was a boy, for reasons we don't really know. We just knew. Then I had a dream he was a boy. Either way, we would've been so happy, but we were soooo curious.

As you can see from the picture, he's definitely of the male gender. We could tell right away, and we all laughed and Jeff said "that's my boy." :) And my eyes may have filled with tears. I was in awe. I couldn't speak for the longest time.

The rest of the ultrasound was great. He has all 10 fingers and 10 toes. They measured his bones and checked out his kidneys and internal organs. He was doing this funny nose dive so the doc couldn't see his face, heart or brain for awhile. Kinda the most important parts. :) So they leaned me back really far on the bed, with my feet up in the air, hoping that gravity would make him change positions. He finally did, and everything looked great. He is a perfectly healthy baby boy, and we are so grateful.

Here's his sweet little face...

"As you know not what is the way of the wind, or how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb 

of a pregnant woman, even so you know not the work of God who does all." 

Ecclesiastes 11:5 

I can't tell you how much joy I have thinking of our little son. Every time I get to hear his heartbeat or see his little body on the screen I am full of joy in a way I've never been before. I can only imagine what it will be like to meet him for the first time. I hope he's like Jeff. :)

He's 21 weeks along now, and I can feel him more and more every day. Last night my stomach looked like waves. I think it's his feet. Then he will push his head or butt up really far so I have this huge round knot sometimes. It cracks me up. I love that I can picture him in there now.

20 weeks

His name is Lincoln. Lincoln Kline. It's been Jeff's top choice for years, and I really like it. We decided on it for our 1st son before we were even married. It means "from the settlement on the lake"....which is just perfect, since we live on a lake. But I also like that when I think of his name, I think of freedom, perseverance, joy, compassion and tenacity. I've never known another Lincoln, and the only other context I have is Abraham Lincoln. Not a bad namesake. We're still working on his middle name. For some reason, that's harder for me.

So things are progressing nicely and I have loved being pregnant, so far. I have lots more energy than before, except that I get really winded walking up hills. Phew. One other fun thing is that I've been having restless leg syndrome at night. My legs feel like they are waking up from being asleep, like there's ants in them. It. drives. me. nuts. That's my only minor complaint. Well, that and having only 1 pair of pants that fit. (Yes, we broke down and bought me a pair of maternity pants. They're actually really cute.)

What I really love is that so many of my friends are pregnant right now, or just having babies. I can't wait to be initiated into that crew of awesome women! I can't wait to hang out with my sister, letting the cousins play together.

Speaking of Ollie...here's my newest, most awesome photo of him...

What a guy! And I get to be with him tonight!!

On that note, thanks for reading this long catch-up post and coming along with me on this journey of becoming a mom to little Linc. I am truly in awe.

Adventure isn't missing.

xo!

Rose

Deep, deep post. Be warned.

I try so hard to like raisins.

I'm not sure what the problem is. They're just gross!

I even made a dish the other night that included plump, golden California frickin' raisins. I've endured them in this dish all week, and finally had to pick them out today. I just cannot handle the texture.

Guaranteed there are some still there, the little buggers.

Then I realized the only other food I really don't like are cooked green peas. I'm seeing a pattern here. Small, round, squishy foods don't make my mouth happy.

Just thought you all might want to know that fun little fact. Am I crazy?

xo! Happy Friday!

It's hard to beat a text like this.

This morning, in the middle of putting on my eye base color, my phone buzzes.

It's a text. A good friend is spontaneously inviting me to a weekend away at the beach.

Jeff is right there, as I tell him about it, he's saying GO!! "I see this as an investment into our marriage." I like the way he thinks.

So as soon as work is out, I'm off! I'm heading to Seattle to pick up another friend on the way. We will brave Friday rush hour traffic on I-5, then the rolling Black Hills on Highway 8, then pass through my hometown on Highway 12, then I'll follow the smell of salty marsh all the way up Highway 109 to Seabrook.

Ever been there? It's a lovely town. The homes all feel like nice, family cottages. There are fire pits and bikes to use and play fields and shops all right there. Not to mention the beach is right across the highway!

The summer is going by way too fast, and I want to squeeze the most out of it. I swear, Baby K has more adventures in my tummy than I ever did all growing up. He or she is bound to be a world traveler.

Here are some pictures of our last trip to Seabrook, two years ago, all taken by Jessie, who's coming again!

Here we come, Seabrook.

Me on Black Beauty

I'm so grateful for getaways like this, and for friends who are spontaneous. It keeps me on my toes, and keeps adventure in my heart. 

summertime baby

I just have to share these recent pictures of my nephew, Ollie. Isn't he a doll?!

Happy little guy!

Elbow dimple.

I wish I could sleep like this.

 Baby Profile:

3 months old

big blue eyes

long fingers

I'm jealous of his eyebrows [I know a good brow line when I see one]

squishy little body

he's addicted to his mom's breasts and gets a nice milk glaze in his eyes when he drinks a lot

he likes taking walks, it means he's strapped close to his mama and they help him relax and fall asleep

he coos and get big eyes when I sing to him

he likes Bob Marley & Jack Johnson

he was a total champ when he got his shots but it made Heather cry to see him cry

he's strong, really strong! [for a 3 month old] 

Kisses for Ollie! xoxo

I adore you, sweet boy!

I hope you're all enjoying summer and making the most of your days!

I'm going to post about my trip to Cabo soon. IT WAS WONDERFUL.

Love to you all. Adventure isn't missing, that's for sure.

xo, Rose

I passed on the bull kelp.

If you've ever wanted to go kayaking in the San Juan islands....DO IT. Call Angie at Crystal Seas...she and her husband Johannes have run the business for years and years, and know what's up. Their tour guides are super cool and fun. And seriously, who wants to miss out on possibly kayaking with the orcas, or snacking on bull kelp!? Ok, so I passed on the bull kelp, and we didn't see any orca whales this time. 

Jeff, our good friend Nikki and I went on Saturday and we were the only ones in our 3-hour tour group, so it was just really relaxed. I didn't take very many pictures, so I borrowed some from Nik's facebook.

by Nikki

by Nikki

bull kelp snack time

Nik's lovely locks

The ferry ride home was really entertaining. :) 

Guess what...

I'm headed to Cabo tomorrow!!!! I'm being treated to this unexpected trip by some of my favorite people in the whole!! wide!! world!!

Rod & Jewel!!! They are like family to me - more than family - they have walked with me through years of healing and hope, and made such an impact on me. I got to live with them for a while, and my life direction has been shaped over the years for the better by their care and love. Their generosity blows my mind. AND you will not find more fun people to go on vacation with.

This is actually the third vacation I've been on with them as a family. We went to Kauai a few years ago. Then Jeff and I met up with them in Cabo last year on our honeymoon. You might think it's crazy that we'd want to be with other people on our honeymoon, but we did. Not a second of awkwardness. :) We both walked away knowing it wouldn't have been as full and fun if we kept our time to ourselves. Not to mention they have a beautiful villa at Club Diamante and we felt like royalty. Anyway, that's where we're going tomorrow! Barry & Bonnie & Sharon are going too, and I don't know how I lucked out to get to spend my vacation with such fun, lovely people. It's going to be a party, that is for sure.

Here are some photos from last year!

Entrance

Back of the house and Jewel lookin hot.

This puppy keeps the heat bearable.

hot tub + view

Putting on the green....which is the front yard.

Clubhouse Lunchtime

Poolside, baby!

Jeff will be in Houston, sadly. I will miss that guy! I'm trying not to think about it. But my excitement for a real vacation with my favorite people definitely helps me overcome that.

Excited! Grateful! Ready to eat lots of chips & salsa & fish tacos!

Love those summer days...

It swung back and forth.

There's an old wives tale that says if you put your wedding ring on a string, and dangle it above your belly, it will tell you the gender of your baby.

Circular means girl. Back and forth means boy.

So Jeff did that the other day. It took me forever to get this shot...the camera kept wanting to focus on my pink toes.

God Wins by Christ Church United!

Last September, Christ Church United recorded its first live album at Butterfield Chapel here at Northwest University. I got to be apart of this project with some seriously solid friends + musicians. And the album is finally complete!!

I heard it for the first time yesterday and you guys, you should get it. (I may have even shed a tear or two when I first heard it. What? I'm pregnant.) I've heard these songs a billion times and they still sound so fresh and powerful to me. I will definitely be worshiping through this album.

God definitely wins.

Adventure isn't missing,

RK

Summer!

This is what they do in Poland to celebrate Summer Solstice. How dreamy is that? 

This is what I was doing a couple years ago on the first day of summer.

It reminds me that struggling isn't always a bad thing. 

And that it can actually lead to something really great.

Adventure isn't missing!
xo,
Rose K.

Daydream

I need to go here.

When I go, I may never come back. 

Almost more than anything, I love a good laugh. Love, love, love.

You can tell from the very beginning of this video that something good is going to happen. 

I mean, with an electrifying crowd like that, it's got to get better.

Things went from stoic to flippin' rad.

Except I have to say...had I been the mastermind behind this, nobody would've known at the end that it was an online stunt. I would've just walked away and they wouldn't have been able to associate me with some organized prank. In their memory, I would've been the girl with the crazy contagious laugh, that hopefully they would never forget, because I sure wouldn't. 

Happy Friday!

Baby Mania

I'm going to be a total mom here, and post a gazillion pictures of our kid.

He or she is only 13 weeks along but has had two photo-shoots under his/her belt already! What's a mom to do, but post it all?!

I had to go in and see our midwives unexpectedly on Friday, so we got some pictures then. And then once Jeff got home, we went again on Monday and got some more pictures and heard the heartbeat. 

You guys: our kid is flippin' awesome. As I was watching him on the ultrasound screen, I got this sense that he or she (I'm gonna say he to make it easy...if he ends up being a girl, sorry honey!) is the happiest little buddy. He is sooo joyful! He was having a great time, just hanging out, bouncing around, and was just so active and happy. How do I know he's so happy? I have no clue, I just do. I seriously think our kid is going to bring so much more joy into our lives, if that is even possible. We are completely thrilled and so grateful that he's healthy and doing wonderful. 

After seeing pictures and watching him for awhile, it makes this little life much more real. I've been feeling great (other than that dumb virus)...so great that sometimes I would even forget I was pregnant. But after seeing him, he's constantly on my mind, if not in the front, then in the back. He's a little 2.5" long human that I find myself talking to now, praying for and love already. 

So are you guys ready for some baby mania?! Here you go - enjoy!

This is his first picture. See that his ankles are crossed? 

I think that's super cute, but what makes it more cute is that Jeff crosses his ankles when he's laying down to go to sleep too. :) So sweet.

This is him getting measured. He did good - he stayed still for this part.

The rest of the time he was moving around quite a bit. 

I love this one because of his sweet face! Doesn't that look like a smile? 

Right after this picture he took his arm and put it back behind his head - chillin'. 

Here he's sucking his thumb!! (Can you see the individual fingers?) I did the same thing as a baby. 

Fist pump for being the fastest sperm!!!

And it looks like he's wearing the mask of Zorro. You go, little baby.

Hide and seek. I have no clue where he is here.

The rest of the pictures are from Monday, which is why he's changed positions. 

When the pictures came out the midwives were shocked at how clear everything showed up. 

 We just adore the little profile. 

We enter the 2nd trimester this week.

Thanks for reading!

Adventure isn't missing!

Recovery

I made it back from Costa Rica...barely. You should've seen me you guys. Ever seen The Walking Dead? I was like a zombie - but not angry or hungry - more like dead, just dead. But I had to actually move if I wanted to get home on that last travel day. Somehow I made it, one foot after the other, one airport after the other, with a fever and aches and all that. I've never been more glad to crawl into my own bed.

Sorry for the dramatics. It probably wasn't that bad. What happened is on the last day at the resort I contracted this nasty respiratory virus and have had trouble breathing and coughing. (Apparently when you're pregnant, your immune system is shot, and it takes much longer to recover from normal bugs.) I'm on this really expensive medication to make sure that the baby gets enough oxygen. No biggie. I just can't breathe. Again, sorry for the dramatics. I'm just in that kind of mood. Me & the babe will be just fine.

I finally felt more energy yesterday, so Nikki and I walked downtown and got some Mexican food and gelato. It was a beautiful night! And the duckies were out at the lake. :-) It's good to be home.

But I have to say this, Costa Rica is a beautiful place, and the people - the PEOPLE - that's what I really miss. If you're my Facebook friend or follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen all my photos, but I'll post my favorites here. They hopefully give a look into how wonderful this trip was. Despite my strong dramatics about getting sick, my gratefulness at being able to experience this completely exceeds all that. 

Yes, that's a volcano! Somewhere in Central America.

Baby Samuel - there are no words for how precious this boy is.

Ash in action.

fresh mangoes

rainy season

local schoolyard

Puentarenas, CR - where we stayed our last two days

Jeff's $6 haircut. No joke.

gosh I love this man

Adventure isn't missing,
Rose