Zack + I went to the cutest breakfast place this morning to snag some grub + gabbing before I dropped him off at work. And now I’m sitting at a coffee shop, the same coffee shop we sat at together a couple of days ago when we first got to Santa Monica.I tell ya… God must have something really amazing planned for us because it has been non-stop NO, NO, NO to most places we’ve looked at. We have one application in but we’re not sure… ugh. It is so hard. We know California is the right place for us, getting here and preparing our family details + jobs was a breeze. It’s finding a home that has been a little too hard. For the first time we’ve been here it’s cloudy + rainy. But it still smells like sunscreen outside ;)
My baby appointment yesterday was adorable. I smiled the whole time AND, I’m pretty sure Zack did, too. He is going to be the best daddy, he already is. Every morning he kisses my tummy and says, “Good morning, baby. I love you!” This morning he said, “Good morning baby, I SAW YOU YESTERDAY.” Made my heart melt.
And, would you guess that baby is measuring big? I kept saying, “How is this possible??? Is something wrong?” and Zack just looked at me, gave me that big grin I fell in love with over eight years ago and said, “Big daddy, big baby” — I was like, “what about ME? Little momma, little baby?” Snort. We’ll have a super detailed ultrasound in four more weeks where they’ll measure all the organs and lil limbs and will hopefully give me a solid due-date. Right now it’s somewhere between February 24 and March 4. Also? Our baby is about 6″ long and weighs 4oz. So so so so so so so, forever so precious.
Gotta get back to the house hunt. I have another appointment at 12:30pm PST and we are starting to feel a little desperate.
Keep praying!
PS. Since I’ve been offline for like… 10 days now, what’s everyone been up to? Handmade stuff? House stuff? Heart stuff? Leave links below, I’d love to read through them and peek into your lives too :)
xoxo.
Hey Gussy!
I know how hard the home hunt can be. Me and my husband just relocated to Colorado Springs from Central Texas…after house hunting for 2 days we extended our original trip for another 2 days until we found a place…you will feel so at peace once all the papers are signed! Lifting up you and your little family!
-Shelby
I’m really enjoying reading about your road-trip adventure! Taking notes for me own! ;] I will probably be e-mailing you with questions. Anyways, what I wanted to say is that it took us time finding out house as well. There were a good amount of let downs before we found (and got!) the house we live in now. And I ended up being happy that those initial let downs happened because I love the place we got far more than the rest. It will work out!! xo JA
@Julie Ann, Keep sending the warm wishes our way — I am feeling SUPER discouraged! xoxo
Bwahaha. I LOVE the baby part. I am 5’2″ and my hubby is nearly 6’5.” I didn’t think through what this would look like in pregnancy when I said “I do” {and for the record that wouldn’t have changed anything :)}. However, I bore long babies and EVERY TIME someone CONFIDENTLY asked me when my twins were due. Mega SNORT! When we went for the 20 week ultrasound I always said I didn’t want to know gender but I wanted to know head circumference and approximate size….thereby reinforcing the GIFT my epiderals were :)
I can’t believe after our infertility issues you and I have discussed we sent #2 off to preschool today. Here is a little just for fun post http://melissanesdahl.blogspot.com/2012/09/and-shes-off.html
@Melissa Nesdahl, Oh my goodness, you asked about head circumference? I will not be asking that… ha! I watched a video on birth a couple weeks ago and almost died. LOL
Good luck with the house hunt. Where are you guys staying? My pe I have been busy at work after a fun vacation in MN. My little girl started PreK and baby #2 is due at the end of December. Is it too early to start nesting?
Girl, I am SO happy for you. Praying you find your new home soon! Who knows, maybe you are farther along than you think!! :)
XOXO!
@Franchesca, ::bug eyes::
Hi Gussy – I am gald you’re enjoying CA! Love the ultrasound pic, too! Baby is sooo cute!! I’ve been posting some great stuff to my blog lately – Scripture verses and some great rainbow pics! You’re more than welcome to look if you want! Have a great day! Heidi
I also am a smaller lady who married a tall/burly man. My baby was 10 pounds & 23.75 inches long. Honestly I don’t remember my labor (& it was recent).
Thanks for all the handmade biz advice! I’m hoping to open shop in October so I can be a semi stay at home mama :)
@Emily E, What kind of a shop will you have? xo
umm… sweetest baby pic ever!!!! Love that our little ones will be the same age!!!
Updates here: the usual;) lots of babies…husband gone with football… but life is good:)
love you and continuing to PRAY for just the right place!
Just whispered a prayer for your precious family!!! Remember, simply be still & listen…He WILL guide you in HIS direction & HIS timing. BTW, that sure is a sweet little life in that pic :)
I feel like I know you, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever left a comment. I hope all is well in Santa Monica. I used to live in Santa Clarita Valley, and I miss California so much. Now I’m Nebraskan! It’s alright, I’ve come to terms with it. I do have exciting news I’d like to share. God is also moving me as well. I’m about to head out on a new adventure: MISSIONS! I’m a single 25 year old who just wants to do whatever is on her Father’s heart: to love God, and love people. I’m joining the ranks of YWAM Charlotte in 18 days and I can’t be more thrilled. I love telling people that I’m going on an extended short term missions trip. Missions is something so close to my heart. Wow, I’m done writing my novel. Stop by my blog anytime. I’ll be sharing my heart, but more importantly His heart on my brand new journey.
I’ll be praying you find a place to lie your head!
~Lauren
@Lauren, Charlotte, like North Carolina?
I’m 5’4″ and my hubby is 6’2″. We were like Mutt and Jeff. Our 1st daughter was 9 lb. 6 oz. and my second daughter was 7 lb. 11 oz. So you never know…both were 20-1/2″ long. 1st was C-section, second was natural. That was in 1984 and they don’t do a natural birth after a C-section anymore I hear. Both were great! I know God has the perfect place for your growing family. California can be tough finding the right house and town to live in. We used to live in the San Gabriel Valley in San Dimas. Loved it there but moved to Oregon in 1979. I’m be praying that something wonderful falls in your lap this week! Hugs, Diana
We found out we are going to be making a move ourselves! My husband got a new job so we are moving from Florida to Little Rock, Arkansas. Really excited about moving closer to family, not so excited about moving in less than 3 weeks (we have two kids) eek!
@Erin @ Isaboo Designs, Girl, my advice is to start YESTERDAY! I wish I took the entire month of August off to prepare for our move. Ha! xoxo
OH MY!!! Congrats Gussy!!! I am so happy for you guys!
love your site and blog just wanted to say congrats on the baby !
Hey girl, you look like you are having a blast in CA! A bit of encouragement. I’m under 5’0 tall and had a 9lb1oz baby, no problem. Your body knows what it can handle. I’m also a birth doula and childbirth educator. If you need some encouragement (even from afar) during this transition (move, baby, etc..) check out my business site and hit.me.up. http://www.abidingsupport.com
Prays are on their way. We moved when I was 7 1/2 months pregnant. Not only was the move hard but the desperation my hormones had to nest nest nest when nesting was not an option. I feel for you.
How much have you looked in Culver City, Play Vista, or Marina Del Rey? The farther you get from Santa Monica, the cheaper. Don’t know what your budget is, but SM is super pricey and you don’t get a whole lot for the cost. But maybe you’ll find a steal! :) Oh…I actually just saw a house for rent near my neck of the woods in Culver. Don’t know how much, but it is a 3 bedroom and newly remodeled. On La Salle street I believe. Let me know if you guys need anything! Blessings, Ruth
@Ruth Clayton, Our budget doesn’t line up with renting a house, sadly. We are looking in West LA, Culver City, Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Mar Vista, Venice… and a couple more. Something will come up, something will come up, something will come up… ;D
Hi, Maggie! YES INDEED God has something hugely important and intricately positioned for you and Zack in Santa Monica. Keep walking in tenacious faith. He rewards it richly! God is intricately invested in His purposes for you. He sees how you are honoring Him. He knows how important finding a home is to you. He wants to bring you to the home where HIS presence resides for your family! It’s coming. Keep talking to Him, seeking His heart, and listening to Holy Spirit as He leads you to the home that God has prepared just for the Whitleys! My blog home is found at lec03b.blogspot.com.
Forever so precious is right. Will you find out the sex next time? We never found out with any of ours. I like the element of surprise like in the olden days. ;)
Trying to sift through and post all the beach pictures at my place. It’s time consuming, but I’m near the end!
@Southern Gal, That is a good question, not sure ;D
I’m a new commenter, but I’ve been reading for a little while :) Just wanted to say welcome to LA! I used to spend all of my weekends up in the Venice area, and one of my favorite stops up there (that you have to check out asap) is Abbot’s Pizza Co on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, order a slice of their salad pizza.. it’s my absolute favorite. And, if you haven’t been yet, we love love walking around 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, listening to the street musicians, and then watching the sunset at the beach just a few blocks over. We actually had our engagement pictures taken there.. Anyway. Have fun exploring, and nesting, and all of it :) Jen
Hi Gussy,
I have been following your fun blog for a while now, and have enjoyed learning about you! Welcome to the West Coast! Prayers up for finding a house, and congratulations on the journey to Mommyhood! My daughter just turned one, and I swoon just looking at her!
My blogs should you need some new reading material:
http://www.bellavitaplanning.com
http://www.brifindsherway.blogspot.com
Best Wishes,
Brie’n
U can stop and see what I made for my sons teacher that held some classroom supplies. I’m also working on a page on my blog for Gussys Holiday Gift Guide Shoppers.
I ran into your site through A Pumpkin and A Princess and fell in love with your bags! So cute! Good luck with your babe and your moving adventures!
Seems all is falling into place…slowly. I have a feeling something awesome is in store for you. Happy to hear the hubby is starting work. It will all fall into place. You’re in a good area. I’m not sure if you’re looking for a house or an apartment. If you’re not really finding a house maybe consider renting an apartment, townhome, or condo? That could be a good start too. Just make sure there’s a way to do laundry! :)
@Tawny Marie, We’re looking at apartments mostly…
Such an exciting time. Enjoy each moment!!!
precious baby story ever. i can just hear the love and joy outpouring from both of you! good luck on the continuous house hunt! this soooo makes me want to move to cali. my sister lives there and every time i go, i want to stay! blessings to all of you! xoxo
oh in regards to what i am up to: i gave my two week notice at my current job and will be starting a new one sept. 17th. uber excited about all of the opportunities flowing to me! my daughter and i just finalized our pink party planning business website and facebook site. blog is forth coming!
xoxo
Such fun and exciting changes! I’ve also been getting ready for baby: http://ninthstreetnotions.com/2012/09/yard-sale-find-baby-update.html
And sounds like we’ll be having our babies about the same time. The doctor has set my due date at March 6, but I actually think my baby is on the small side, and I would move it closer to February 24 myself. :)
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and been in and out of the blog world myself! Hoping to be back in it soon as we have some baby news of our own! So so so exciting, we’re over the top excited and anxious! I have my first doctor’s appt. tomorrow, kind of hard to believe we’re at this point already, ha! Also, I’m from Southern CA originally (Orange County area) so I’m probably not a huge help with housing references but if you haven’t found a church yet I can help you there! Good luck today!
I’ve been sharing my pregnancy and writing notes to our little man- 32 weeks! http://iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/2012/09/3132-weeks.html
Keep on the hunt…you will find something!!! We actually live just North of Los Angeles and moved here from NorCal 7 years ago. I looked for a house forEVER! Expand your boundaires if you can a little. Santa monica is tough…try Silver Lake. It’s fabulous! Not sure where your hubby will be working or how he feels about commuting…I’m sure you’ve had a dose of Lala land traffic! Pasadena is beautiful…..The Magnolia Park area in Burbank might be good to look at as well. Good luck! Oh and cute baby! ;)
Hello,
so glad to hear you are doing well. Here is my latest blog about beauty.
My opinion on true beauty in poetic form: http://mybeautifulli.blogspot.com/2012/09/beauty.html
Hey Gussy, take heart….in my 2nd pregnancy the dr told me my baby was little..too little…she came one week later at 8lb 7oz. My third pregnancy the dr said the baby was toooo big..way too big, he was 7lbs, a perfect size. At that point I figured if I had a fourth I wasn’t listening to the dr anymore. lol Don’t worry, all is well and your little guy/girl will be what they are…just perfect the way God made him/her!!!!
What happy news about baby! So so sweet, our detailed ultrasound is in 9 days (EEK!) Can’t wait to hear about the awesome place (with a laundry room and a sun-lit studio and a super-cool kitchen and and and…) God has got planned for you!
@Mariah, aww — thanks Mariah ♥!
Hi! I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now but have never commented…anyways, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to your page and CONGRATULATIONS on your baby!!!! I cried when I saw that photo! You and your husband are going to be incredible parents to that precious baby. It’s funny, when I was pregnant (had our first girl in May) people kept telling me to go on dates now with my husband and really enjoy it being “just the two of us.” Honestly? Our life is one million times better now that we have Camdyn. We’re a family of three, and we couldn’t be happier. Congrats to you and Zach!! I’ll be praying for you and your baby’s health and development!
So sweet – nothing like that picture of the baby :) You make me wanna do it again!!!
We just moved from Oklahoma to Oregon a couple of months ago. I know finding a new place can be so hard! We ended up choosing an apartment that meets our current needs, with hopes that the perfect home is preparing itself for us! I know we will find it when the time is right. :)
Today I blogged about finding the ordinary moments in each day that bring you joy!
http://heynormalday.blogspot.com/2012/09/an-exercise-in-joy-list-of-simple.html
Good luck in the apartment hunt and blessings for your precious baby!
I spent last week sewing my socks off. Lots of baby dress orders for my Etsy shop!
http://www.cheeryhomemaker.etsy.com
Congrats on the baby and the move! We are in SoCal, but considering a move to Oregon. Such a scary transition, so kudos to you for doing it!
Just wanted to say don’t worry about measuring one week big. With my first I was told the baby would be similar to the size I was (7lbs 9 oz), not my husband (10 lbs). I measured 4 weeks big for months, but was sure of my due date. When my daughter arrived she was 10 lbs! I’m 5′ 4″ so I was shocked that she was so big, but as a previous poster said, God knows what he is doing. If you’re looking for some support in the Santa Monica area, there is a wonderful place called The Sanctuary that combines midwifery, childbirth classes, parenting classes and more. Aleks was part of the birth experience with three of my children and she is amazing!