an update... a month late

Does the last post really say the end of October?! That's sad. 

It's mid December now and there's been so much happening. I have to think back... 

Last weekend of October was LaTech's homecoming and it was fabulous. Kyle and I visited and caught up with so many friends we've missed. We spend the entire weekend hanging out with some of our best friends and laughed until our sides hurt. We missed our friends Hunter and Angie, but they were preoccupied welcoming their new baby girl, Arabella Jolie, to the world! We were so excited for them and can't wait to meet her! 

Thanksgiving came and went way too quickly! My sister, Randi, and I finished the baby's room and it is absolutely amazing. She is one talented gal and I'm lucky to have my own "personal interior designer"! (see the pictures below!!!) We spent a low-key Thanksgiving at home with my family and came back to Pineville to set up all the Christmas decorations.  

December has been absolutely crazy. We were getting ready for Kyle's brother's, Kody, and Jessica's wedding the first two weeks and it came and went beautifully this past weekend. (my latest "belly picture" below is from their wedding) Kyle and I enjoyed getting to be a part of it and are so happy for the couple. Between the wedding, finishing up a semester of online classes, and doing Christmas activities with my kiddos at school, the first 12 days of the month have flown by! 

I know many people want some baby updates, so here we go. Our baby boy is moving and grooving constantly inside this ever-growing belly of mine.  He's kicking my left rib constantly and getting into quite the routine of movement patterns.  Every night around 10:30 or 11 he puts on quite the show for me and Kyle.  Kyle can usually feel him and sometimes he even gets to see him move. We are loving this stage of the pregnancy!  I'm officially in the third trimester (28 weeks) and we are counting down to meeting our little man. Doctor's appointments have been going very smoothly - we've had all the glucose tests, etc, and everything is looking great!  Thankfully the indigestion has gone away and I still have a good bit of energy (even though I can tell that is starting to slack off).  We're looking forward to our last Christmas just the two of us. 

Here's to the next time  - Rachel 

super cute onesie from our friends Anna and Jeff

onesie from Anna and Jeff

the extra twin bed in the baby's room, with pillows made by me and my sister

baby bed! Randi did most of this work - well, all of it except the orange ties. 

another view of the bedding. I LOVE it!!! 

view from the bed. The green and yellow curtains were made by Randi and the brown panels we bought. 

cute changing table/dresser I bought in Canton over a year ago

another view of the room - I find myself just wandering in there often

28 weeks and a bridesmaid... big belly!!! 

I have a confession

I've been a terrible blogger. I don't even know where the time has gone or what I've really been doing. Apparently the "30 day challenge" beat me! So, here I am, more than a month later since my last post with no real excuse for not writing.... other than... working, doing grad school junk, fighting off colds, blah blah blah, the list could go on.

So, I'll give a little update and a commitment to do better with the previously mentioned "challenge".

Many people have asked for "belly pictures" and baby updates. So far, we're doing great. Over just the last couple of weeks or so this bump of mine has really decided to pop right out! It's an odd thing to experience but I'm enjoying it. I haven't had too many unwanted belly rubs or awkward questions and all the nausea is gone. I still can't eat much red meat (one night I completed an entire steak, but haven't been able to do it since!).  In more exciting news - I FINALLY felt it move! a week or so ago, I was coughing up a storm and he/she decided to roll right over in my belly. I tried and tried to make it do it again, and sure enough it did! It was an unmistakable roll - not a "flutter" like I've heard so much about.  I screamed for Kyle to come quick because I was so excited but when he got to the room and I told him, we both realized that with that excitement came somewhat of a let-down because he couldn't feel it yet!  Now we're waiting on that. There has started to be some consistent "flutters" but nothing big enough for him to feel. I've had my first experience with feet "puffiness" but was able to fix it real fast.

In Sasser news: Kyle and I are doing great. He's loving the idea of becoming a new daddy. He's on a "no-carb" diet and has amazingly lost 22lbs in four weeks! (The pictures below are before the diet began - wait until you see the "afters"!!! I'm so proud of him!) About the time he decided to diet, I decided it was time to start "grubbing down"! (But we won't tell what I'm gaining...) My dad is doing better (for those that don't know, he wrecked a fire truck and fractured a couple of vertebre). He's wearing his brace and being "good". Even better - he was re-elected to the Police Jury in DeSoto Parish!!! Whoo hoo! We're staying busy busy. We've been to a Saints game and an LSU game in the last month with a visit to the deer camp on Toledo Bend in between. This upcoming weekend we'll be heading to Ruston for Tech's Homecoming game and we are looking forward to a weekend full of great times with fabulous friends!

Tuesday is the big day!!! It's time to find out if Baby Sasser is a BOY or a GIRL!!!

here's the pics that people have requested:

15 weeks - September 11, 2011

16 weeks 1 day - September 19, 2011
My friend Melanie took this because "Oh my goodness, Rachel, you look so pregnant!"

17 weeks - with our friend Anna at the Saints vs Houston game
September 25, 2011

Me and my sisters at the "gala". (not a belly picture, but oh well)
October 1, 2011

Kyle and I at the gala - 17 weeks 6 days
October 1, 2011

18 weeks 2 days - October 4, 2011

Kyle and I at Toledo Bend. 18 weeks 6 days
October 8, 2011

And today! We're past the halfway point!!!
21 weeks - October 23, 2011

Day 8: Short term goals for this month

1.  Get started on the t-shirt quilt.
2.  Start interviewing pediatricians. (at least make a list)
3.  Fill out day care paperwork.
4.  Get a massage.

Day 7: A picture of someone that has had the biggest impact on you

       There are two couples that have had quite an impact on me. Living alongside of Murphy & Christine Crowson and Marty & Louise Koonce was one of the biggest blessings that God has given me. It was just 10 short months, but in those months I learned more about faith, family, and love than I have in my entire life. They showed me what faithful prayer is all about, always giving everything over to God and giving up all control to Him. I had never known how intimate and powerful prayer could be until hearing their prayers and seeing the power that they held. They also showed me how a family can be fully dependent on each other and exist to only make each other better. I was raised in an amazing family who loved each other fully, but I hadn't had an opportunity as an adult to see parenting like I did in these couples. They raise their boys to live fully for God and no one else. They love them unconditionally and teach them to be strong men of faith. Lastly, I learned from these two couples what true, Godly marriages look like. Being away from family, they have each other to lean on and their marriages are amazing for that. In the States, we have so much to depend on that often we don't realize how valuable our spouses truly are. We lose sight of the bond that God created marriage to be. Spending the time with them that I did before getting married has truly been a blessing to mine and Kyle's marriage. I saw how couples can pray, sing, and praise together in everything they do.

Thank you for taking a chance on me and teaching me more than you'll ever realize - love you all.

Murphy & Christine - they are such a sweet spirited couple. This week people around the world are rejoicing with them as they go to pick up their baby girl from China after years of prayer for their "Precious"! They'll go from a family of four with two boys to a family of five. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing them this December! 

Marty & Louise - this is my favorite picture of them! Marty's always thinking of something witty to say while someone else is talking and Louise always has her camera ready to take the next shot. They're parents of four, but act like to teenagers still oogely in love. 

       Next, I must tell you about my parents. The two couples listed above are amazing, but you can never beat a girl's parents.  My parents are great for a million reasons and I could go on and on about them. But I'll just give you the top five reasons why they've had the biggest impact on me.
1. They encouraged me to be me.  They always told me to stand up for who I was and encouraged me to always be true to who I am. They never held me back and always pushed me forward.
2.  My parents trusted me. Now, they may have questioned my whereabouts from time to time (which was warranted) but they always treated me like I could make my decisions. Whether it be wanting to leave the country (twice), friends I chose, or meeting my future hubby, they backed me. They took me at my word and were there to hear my side of the story.
3.  Mom - she's always wanted best for me.  She gets feisty on my behalf but never lets me throw myself a pity party. When I was upset with someone or got in a silly dramatic girl fight her first response was always, "Well, what could you have done different?" or "What did you do to them?" She never allowed me to take the stance of "they hurt me" but instead always wanted me to see how my actions could always change the outcome of a situation. She taught me to be respectful and as much of a lady as possible. In Terrie B's house there are no S words.
4. Dad - well, you can see a lot about him here, but here's the basics: he taught me what hard work is. He raised three girls (with mom's help of course) to be strong women. He took my side everytime I needed it most, whether it be a run-in with an adult or crappy boyfriend, he stood by me without getting too involved.
5. They together, have stuck it out. My parents have been married for over 30 years and for them that's just how it is. Along with every other couple in America - they could've ran at any point, but they didn't. To me, that's the best thing parents can give their children. To this day, I'm grateful they never gave up.

Dad in Mom in a village in Togo. To this day - still probably my favorite picture of them. 

Looking for a picture of the three of us was pretty hard! Apparently, I need to take one soon. :)  xoxo

Day 6: Favorite Superhero and why

When thinking about this, I realized how much I hate all the new comic book movies and the overabundance of remakes lately. Honestly, I don't have a favorite superhero - but I think Underdog is cute. 

                                     

Day 5

A picture of somewhere you've been to (like I'd really only put one - this is picture overload!)


1.  Honduras: San Pedro Sula and Roatan

At the orphanage in the town we were working in

Sunset on the beach in Roatan - beautiful!

Hunter and I at KFC in Honduras. Yep, KFC.

2. West Africa: Togo, Ghana, and Mali

Tabligbo, Togo - the village I lived

one of the border crossing gates - I think between Togo and Benin... I could be wrong.

The Tabligbo market. Emily, Lauren, and I went almost every Wednesday for fabrics, veggies, etc. 

The beach at Coconut Grove - a beach resort (with AC and Hot Water!!!) in Elmina, Ghana

the fishing village outside of the old slave castle in Elmina, Ghana

drinking a cold Coca-Cola on the Niger River on the way to Timbuktu!

proof that it we were REALLY going to make it!

heading out to stay in a tent in the edges of the Sahara Desert in Timbuktu

3. Trips lately

San Antonio, Texas: Our Honeymoon! It was the best, most laid-back week of our lives and we loved it!

Atlanta, Georgia: I had never been to a Braves game until the summer after I married Kyle (2009), but we've been every summer since.

Disney World!!! I finally went (on a work conference) in June of 2010 and I had a blast. I only saw EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, but it was just enough to make me want to go back. 

Day 4

A habit you wish you didn't have


Easy. I bite my fingernails. It's terrible and I get mad at myself thinking about it, so that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Day 3

A picture of you and your friend (there's more than one...)

I realized this is hard! I only included my "girls" (plus Kyle of course). I'll have to make a "guys" post later.

Me and Casey from... maybe fall 2006? Casey and I have known each other since we were little and were going to the library summer reading programs together. We didn't go to school together until high school, though. We've been through a lot together, but she's who I can be most honest with and she still loves me! 

 

Me and Megan at her wedding - April 2011. This was the day I was the most happy for my college roommate and friend. She went out on a limb one day when I approached her at the end of freshman year saying, "Hey, I hardly know you but you seem pretty sane and like you don't do a lot of drugs. I need a third roommate, wanna join?" She said yes! We made a lot of memories in college together and have ever since. Even though we're 5 hours apart now, she's still one of my favorites! 

Me, Melissa, and Angie at my wedding March 2009. These two girls were a godsend! I met Angie on a mission trip to Honduras (which I randomly signed up for) and we were placed as roommates. We've been inseparable ever since.  With Angie, I got Melissa as a bonus! The two of them had already become friends through the Christian Student Center and I just became one of them with much ease. They are my voices of reason when I need it most. And, best of all, we're all becoming mommas together for the first time. Melissa's Peyton will come September 21st, Angie's Arabella should arrive around Halloween, and the Sasser baby will be here beginning of March. 

Me, Courtney and Melanie - Christmas-ish 2010. (sidenote - least favorite picture of me, but its what I've got!) These two girls are my "Pineville" girls. I work with them both and they have made the past two years living away from family and friends much more enjoyable. We joke, fight, cry, and laugh like sisters and I have loved every crazy moment with them.  When my phone rings real late at night or early in the morning, Kyle says, "You better answer it, it's probably Melanie..." and if my text message sounds, he asks, "What are you and Courtney talking about?" 

Me, Robin, and Randi - Christmas 2008. My sisters are the best. They each hold something special that the other one doesn't, but they're both the best older siblings I could have. Being the youngest of us three, I've driven them nuts and they've given me my share of paybacks, but the older we get, the more I realize they're my friends just as much as they are my sisters. 

Me and my Kyle - Fall 2006. This was taken the first or second week we were together and he's been my best friend ever since. (he doesn't get a long caption... that pretty much sums it up)

(I need a picture of me and Wendi - she is one of the girls I've gotten close to here in Pineville. Our husbands work together and she is always making me laugh so hard! I know when she calls I'm going to hear a fabulous story about someone getting on her dang nerves and I love it! Note to self: must take a picture of us girls!)

Day 2

What is the meaning behind your blog name?
I had been wanting to start a blog and I wish I had some really good story behind it, but not really. While I was living overseas and dating Kyle, I knew we'd get married and that I'd take on his last name. Honestly, I like the idea of NOT posting our last name all over the place, so I was looking for an alternative. While I was away, the families would pick with me saying that the new name would be fitting because I was so sassy. So, when picking the blog name - sassy kept sticking out and the rest just came together.

an online dictionary site gives these meanings:
Sassy:  an adj meaning impertinent, saucy; pert, boldly smart
Utterance: vocal expression

I like when I come across funny things. So, here's a few "sassy utterances" for you: (from one of my boards on pinterest)

30 day blog challenge: Day 1

A dear friend of mine is starting this 30 day challenge, so I'm gonna join. I haven't been very good at keeping up with things, so this will make me sit and take time for me each day - writing. So, here it goes! 


Day 1: A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself. 

first "belly shot" 

1. I am currently 15 weeks pregnant!  Its hard to believe there's something happening. Today... its just plain weird! We will find out in October if it'll be a baby boy or girl.

2. I really like goldfish snack crackers. Lately it is truly an obsession... Like a bag every other day.

3. I don't like talking about politics, money, or world happenings. Sometimes I dream of being in the "old days" when we just traded chickens for stuff and didn't worry about all the stuff that goes on outside of our own little worlds. Naive? Yes, but I'm just speaking truth.

4. I miss college days. Louisiana Tech was a fabulous place to be and it was a great time in life. I met my hubster there and many good friends. I also made deeper connections with high school friends as we learned to communicate across the distance. It was the time in life that you have the most freedom with the least responsibility.

5. Current addiction online: pinning. Holy freaking moly. I'm building my dream home on there, finding new crafts, and stocking up on funny/true sayings that make me smile on bad days.

6. I like old stuff: my house is old (its cold in the winter and hot in the summer, there's no insulation underneath, some of the floors seem crooked and creak when you walk, the baseboards are wide and beautiful), my computer desk is an old antique typewriter desk that I stripped, the guestroom bed is an antique that I got as a birthday present, etc. I just like stuff with a story. I like the idea of refinishing things but don't get around to it much.

7. I lived in West Africa for 10 months. Most people know this, but sometimes I say it out loud just for myself to hear it. I try to remember the things that God taught me while I was there. The reasons I'm grateful for that experience outweigh anything else that I have ever done. The Timbuktu stamp in my passport is something I'm ready to show my kiddos one day.

8. I was very accident prone as a child. It started when I was two with a broken leg. From 4th grade through my sophomore year in college I either broke something, went to the ER, or had an EMT visit me every other year. (except for between 6th and 8th - I didn't skip 7th, I had an accident all three of those years!)

9. I love my husband and I believe in staying married to him forever. In a world where divorce is so simple and easy to come by, its not for me. Are there days when I could smack the crap out of him? Most definitely. But, those are the days that God teaches me just how much he really does mean to me. We have a deal: We never go to bed angry. It works.

10. I'm sentimental. Most wouldn't call me emotional, but I am sentimental. I keep things that hold memories. (I finally threw away the shaker seen here) I like to be surrounded by family. Reminiscing over pictures and stories are my favorite pastime.

11. I love to sleep.

12. I teach and I always said I'd never teach. I teach ECSE (special education class for 3-5 year olds) and I can honestly say I enjoy it. I work with an amazing group of people and have met lifelong friends there. There are days that I want to pull my hair out and days when I've never been happier but every morning I'm glad to go to see those crazy children. Could I teach a class of 20 kiddos? Probably not. I like the one on one with children who need a little extra lovin'.

13. I've recently learned to sew and I have a love/hate relationship with it. I have curtains in three rooms of my house that I made myself. Of course, I'm proud of them, but Kyle will tell funny stories of the makings of them. Something about plugging in that machine, turns me in to a sailor. I've decided I only need to sew when I have a friend to talk to while doing it.

14. My dream is to travel the world, but my heart keeps my feet planted.

15.  It's been the craziest emotional roller coaster of a year for me and Kyle. We've seen amazing exciting things happen along with some of the hardest.  This week alone we lost a very close family friend and are marking the year of losing a family member, we've experienced our own first highs and lows of "parenthood",  and we've witnessed engagements and weddings. It's amazing what can happen in a year, but you get through when you surround yourself with the right people.

Wordless Wednesday: The beginning of baby things...