Nic & Andy

Katelyn growing...

2010-06-14T19:34:00.001-07:00

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months!

Finding time to blog again...

2010-06-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Blogs.aren’t they great? I love reading the blogs of my friends and family and whenever I make time to update our blog, I always find it to be a meaningful way to reflect on the latest events in my life. It’s nearly been 4 months since I’ve sat down to update our blog. A lot has happened in the last 4 months…

Becoming a mom has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I don’t even have words to describe how incredible it has been to get to know little Katelyn Amare. During my pregnancy there were just so many nights I would lay awake in bed feeling her move around and I would repeatedly tell Andy that I just can’t wait to meet our little girl. Now, I just can’t stop looking at her sweet face and kissing her chubby cheeks. I thank God everyday for her.

Most of my girl friends became moms before I did. I have learned so much from each of them as I have watched them transition into the role and processed the experience of parenting with them. I’ve read a few parenting books and have done my fair share of babysitting…but nothing could have fully prepared me for the experience of having a child of my own. I’ve been surprised by the way it has consumed me and have been humbled by the difficulty I’ve had with aspects of caring for Katelyn. I’ve been blown away by the strong attachment I feel towards her and the deep love I instantly had for her. She is constantly on my mind…and I’ve had to pray against constantly worrying about her. I’ve been told many times, by other moms, to cherish each moment because it goes fast. I’ve been trying to soak it all in because I can hardly believe how much Katelyn has grown since her birth.

Prego pics!

2010-02-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

I just finished taking-what I hope to be- my last prego pics! Soon after I found out I was pregnant I decided to take a picture of what I looked like before 9 months of pregnancy...I'm sure glad I did. I've honestly forgotten what I looked like before...I've really loved carrying a baby for the last several months...it's a daily reminder of a miracle. At this point, though, I'm ready to done!

Getting Ready!

2010-02-13T23:41:00.000-08:00

The bags are packed, her nursery is ready, we have everything we need...and more! Now she just needs to come! 10 more days until her due date....

Andy and I made her mobile...it took much longer than we thought it would....but it was so fun!

Showers!

2010-02-13T23:15:00.000-08:00

We've been so blessed by family and friends! Here's a few pictures of our baby showers!

My C0-workers had a joint shower for my friend Miranda and I. She just recently had her little girl...now I'm just waiting for mine!

Miranda, Rachel and Faith threw an amazing shower! Thank you so much! I can't believe what incredible friends I have. Rachel drove up for Illionios for the shower! I just felt so loved!

My Aunts on my mom's side celebrated baby "lulu" a few weeks ago-my family gave our baby lulu as a nick name since we're not telling people the name until she's born!

My aunts on my dad's side threw a shower this past weekend...wow, my face is quite swollen!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

We just spent the last 3 days in northern MN with my family. Andy and Tim went snowboarding one day while the rest of us stayed warm inside! We had tons of fun cooking together, watching movies, swimming, playing games and shopping! Thank you mom and dad for a wonderful weekend away!

Homemade Pizza's!

Andy practicing his child care skills with our nephew Landon!

Staff Christmas Party!

Love em!

yep! It's about that time! Here's a couple pics of Andy and my dad putting together our daughters crib and dresser. The nursey is almost done and I'll post pictures soon!

Staff retreat! This took place almost a month ago now, but it was a fantastic weekend away with my team!

Getting Bigger!

2009-11-15T19:04:00.001-08:00

Yep, definitely getting bigger! She's moving around a ton lately. I love that! It's a constant reminder to me that she's growing! I just can't wait to meet this little one! 14 weeks to go!

Andy turned 30!!

2009-11-12T17:44:00.001-08:00

I've been giving Andy a hard time about turning 30! It seems so old! I threw him a big surprise party...and it actually turned out to be a surpise...I thought for sure he would find out about it. 30 is going to be a big year for Andy...becoming a father, graduating with his 2nd master's degree in May and in the next few weeks he will be wrapping up his IDP process and can begin taking his architecture exams. He has been working on getting these IDP hours for over 5 years now! Exciting days ahead. I couldn't be more proud of him. He is so dedicated to whatever God puts in front of him and he is such a person of integrity. Wow, I'm a lucky lady!

Pregnant!

2009-10-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

It's been far too long since I updated our blog! I'm now 23 weeks pregnant and feelin great! A couple weeks ago we found out we're having a baby girl and we couldn't be more thrilled. I need to post some belly pics soon because I have a huge bump! Andy and I are so very excited for this next season of life...parenting!!

summer has come to a close...

2009-08-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

That's right..summer as I've known it is over...back to work. We had an amazing weekend with my family. Tim and Michaela's wedding was an absolute blast. One of my favorite weddings of all time. We recently visited Andy's family in Ohio. We are both so thankful for the opportunity to catch up with everybody there. I also added pictures of my trip to Chicago...a summer highlight for sure!

Me and my cousin Heidi

Could she even be more beautiful?
My nephew is getting so big. He was lookin like a stud at the wedding with his little suit!

Andy and his sisters!

our niece and nephews!

Quality time with our twin nieces! It was our first time meeting them...and we were in love.

summer would not be complete without 500 weddings. Here we are at Andy's good friend Ross and Annetta's wedding.

hahaha we recently went out with some of my friends from high school and ordered the biggest dessert on the menu...we definitely indulged. The dessert practically took up the whole table.

What a gift it was to spend time with my college girls this summer. It had been 4 years since our last reunion.
Each of them have had a baby in the last year or so...wow. They are beautiful mothers...I left being so impressed and proud of them! I'm learning that motherhood is quite an undertaking! we had tons of fun chilling with kiddos!
Rach and I at my new favorite restaurant...what a perfect trip!
before heading to Chicago I met Emily and her son Jack in Lacross, WI...Emily lives in Hong Kong so there is always so much to catch up on during our summer visits.

Summer Time!

2009-06-15T08:16:00.001-07:00

We are lovin summer! In the last few days it actually started to feel like summer around here! It's been such a cold start to the season. Here's a few pics of some highlights so far!

Rachel and Maddie came to visit the first week in June! Rach and I did it again...forgot to take pics of the two of us, but I have plenty of her beautiful little girl! Look at those blue eyes!

Andy and Maddie havin fun!

Rach and I talked about life for hours! I couldn't be more thankful for their visit and for her friendship! Love ya Rachie.

One of the things I love most about having the summer off is having time to catch up with people. My friend Natalie studied abroad last semester and it was incredible to hear about her experience in Egypt.

Our dear friends Kaylee and Scott got married last weekend! Such a beautiful wedding! My hair started on fire during the reception...it was quite a sight to see!

Hanging out with high school friends and their babies!

Our church group is meeting each week at one of the members signficant places of ministry. Last week we met at Camp Friendship where our friend Brad works. We got to try out some of the team buidlers and ropes courses. It was a blast. It's amazing how seeing where someone spends their time gives you a different picture of what they do day in and day out. Last night we went to Abbott Hospital where my friend Faith works. What a gift it is to support, encourage and pray for one another in the places that God has us in. We're also studying Acts for the summer and both Andy and I are excited to journey with our friends in this way.

May 30th was our 6th year anniversary! I can hardly believe it! God has been so good! Andy and I spent the weekend together doing some of our favorite things. On Saturday we went hiking at Taylors Falls! Check out these pics!

GRADUATION! it feels soooooooo good to be done.

I could not have finished this program without the support of Andy and my friend Miranda! Thank you both. I don't have words to express my gratefulness to you.

Whew!

2009-05-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

These last couple weeks have been CRAZY! I finished my master's thesis and wow, that really is one of the more difficult things I've done. I defended it yesterday and I'm so proud to say I passed! This unbelieveably full year is coming to a close. I have 2 and a 1/2 weeks to go!

There it is. 57 pages.

Andy designed this elderly care facility. This is his first job as project manager. I got to tour it, and it's so cool inside!

Here's my new staff. We had spring training on Saturday.

Can't believe I'm going into my 5th year as an RD. Working with the RAs is my absolute favorite part.

My nephew is getting so big! Isn't he cute? I'm kinda obesssed with him!!

Sister-in-laws! Love em!

Me and my bros.

We recently had a wine and fondu night with some dear friends....good times.

At our home church this week, we wrote down...in stone...the stories of God's faithfulness over the year...what a powerful way to reflect on God's goodness. This group has meant the world to Andy and I. We've been challenged to live missionally...in our everyday, ordinary lives...

I've learned a ton about racism this year. I've been very ignorant to the reality of racism that people face on a daily basis. I've become aware of white privilege and realize that I still have a lot of learning and growing to do in this area. My staff and I put together a program for my residence hall...

Bethel's president, campus pastor, worship leader and a resident in East all shared their stories and experiences regarding racism/white privilege....very thought provoking....

A couple weeks ago Andy and I took my staff on a retreat. We had a blast hanging out!

These are pics from the RA appreciation banquet last night. I hate the thought of saying goodbye to this team. It's the hardest part of my RD job...I love them...and then they leave and I start over with another group. This team has blown me away with their passion and committment to this ministry...

Babies!!

2009-03-06T22:32:00.001-08:00

Wow, what a blessing it has been celebrating the births of many babies! Brian & Kristina had Landon Douglas Martell on Sunday. He came 6 weeks early, but is doing great. He's absolutely adorable! Then on Monday, Chris and Christa had twin girls, Mayah and Jayda...they are so beautiful! We couldn't be more excited about being an Aunt and Uncle to these dear ones. Also this week, my good friend Ann from high school delievered Mercy. She looks so precious...I just can't wait to meet her. Amanda, another good friend from high school was recently in town with her new baby Levi. I can't believe how much he smiled for being so young. It was just so fun to hold him. Then, this past weekend, Andy and I went to Chicago to visit Greg and Rachel, Josh, Tony and Mary! We got to spend time with baby Maddie! Just love her... Congratulations dear friends and family for God's good gifts!

Mayah Alise and JaydaChristine

2009-03-06T22:05:00.000-08:00

I still can't believe my brother is a dad!!
Landon was 4 lbs and 14 ounces....so tiny!!

Ann holding Mercy!

Chilin with Levi!

Maddie & Andy!

2009-03-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

2009-02-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

This picture sums up most of January for me. ..writing my philosophy of counseling paper. I've decided it's one of the harder things that I've done and I will be so proud when it's finished. This is a picture of Andy and other local architects who worked on the "search for shelter" series this past weekend. Andy worked on a ton of the behind the scenes pieces of this event for the last few months so it was exciting to see it all come together. Basically, architects in the community devote a weekend to volunteer work...it's awesome! Andy's group designed a space for homeless women to live in the basement of a church. Housing advocacy is definitely something he is super passionate about.

Speaking of things that Andy is super passionate about...SNOWBOARDING! Last night a bunch of his friends went snowboarding together. They all came home in one piece! yay.

Back to Bloggin...

2009-01-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile...but here's a few pics from over the holidays. We spent Christmas in Ohio with Andy's family. It was so wonderful to spend time with them! I had the next week off of work which was quickly filled with errands, homework and coffee dates! Andy and I spent new years with dear friends from high school. And the last few weeks I've been consumed with homework! I just keep reminding myself that I'm getting close to graduating! Andy has been getting ready for another "Search for Shelter" volunteer weekend with other local architects. He's been taking care of a lot of the behind the scenes pieces to get ready for the event. So there, you have it. A little update from the Centanni's!

My staff took 60 Bethel students downtown skating. It was freezing, but so fun!

We spent a night in Cincinnati with Chris and Christa! Christa is 7 months pregnant with twins and couldn't be more adorable!

Andy gave Rhema "cold hard cash" for Christmas....she's opening up a block ice in this picture.

We took a trip into Cleveland to check out the Christmas lights. We love spending time with your niece and nephews!

Christmas with the Martells!

We had a gingerbread making contest...pretty sure ours one.

Christmas is coming...

2008-12-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

CANDY BIRTHDAY CAKE!! MY FAVORITE!

The latest

2008-11-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

These last few weeks have been so FULL, but so FUN! We recently went to an AIDS awareness event. It was super powerful...and such a good reminder global issues. This is my breakfast club. Please meet Jessica, Kaylee & Heidi. We get together on Saturday mornings and it just couldn't be more perfect.

Greg and Rachel & Maddie came to visit! An absolute highlight of the fall! We had a blast catching up & hanging out. Andy and I are so thankful for such amazing friends.

Isn't she beautiful?!

Greg and Andy went a Vikings game...good times.

Celebrating Andy's birthday at the Wilde Roast Cafe...

Andy turned 29 on November 3rd! I can't imagine life without this incredible man. There is so much to celebrate about him.

Last night we had our friends Heidi and Brandon over for dinner...TV dinners that is.

This pic is in Lutsen, MN with my RA staff.

We decided it was necessary to wear flannels all weekend long. oh my goodness, I couldn't be more excited about this group of people. I've learned so much from doing life with them this year. so many good laughs, so many sweet memories.

finally an update...here's a few pictures of last couple weeks

2008-10-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

dinner with our dear friends faith and dennis!

recently our small group had a day out in the community together

This is a picture of the beautiful trees on campus

staff meeting this week at a coffee shop

Went on a training retreat...grew ton..here's a pic of some of my new friends :)

the weeks are flying by...

2008-10-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of my staff. Man, I love them!

Homecoming week here at Bethel...whew! It's a long crazy one!

such a great weekend

2008-09-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Andy and I had a ton of fun this weekend. We ran a 5K on Saturday morning, spent the day with my parents on an architecture tour of the cities and then spent the evening with friends in Still Water, MN.

After dinner we found a cute coffee shop and played chinese checkers.

Andy and Dad looking at the first home in our tour.

Running next to me is my friend Christine and her 2 kids!

a very full week.

2008-09-14T22:14:00.001-07:00

While I ate cotton candy with 19 year olds, went to a twins game and asked students to keep the noise down, Andy and a few other local architects hosted a fund raiser to build lockers for homeless people. Andy is involved and will soon be co-chair of architecture for humanity, MN.
It's one way he can combine his passion & skills for architecture and people! Below is more information about the event...and the organization. It was sweet to be apart of!

http://howwastheshow.blogspot.com/2008/08/architecture-for-humanity-minnesota-to.html
http://www.aia-mn.org/committees/pdf/SFS2008/Team1.pdf
http://www.afh-mn.org/

Eccelsia...the gathering of believers

2008-09-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

Andy and I have been apart of a home church of sorts for the last year.I don't completely have words to describe how significant this group has been.We have been challenged, inspired and encouraged in ways that we never have before.The focus of the group is on inward spiritual formation, but also on outward movement.I'm so thankful for this aspect of our lives. The picture below is our first group meeting of the year...excited for what is to come...

This is pic of us this summer....

I just really like it...

2008-09-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

Andy and I had the perfect weekend. We got to spend a ton of time together.
This morning we went to the farmers market. I absolutely love the farmers market. It's always super crowded and today it rained most of the time we were there, but it's still so great. There is just something to be said about being around tons of people and apart of the all commotion.
Umm...it's also definitely feeling like fall here.

Here we go...

2008-08-31T22:49:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is to look at my friends blogs...it helps me feel connected to friends living far away. I've decided that it's time to start one of our own. Andy and I have family and friends all over the place and this is such a sweet way to stay in touch with people...so I'm going to attempt to update this thing

!

Aunt Nicole & Uncle Andy!

2008-08-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

Andy & I very recently found out that Andy's sister Christa and her husband Chris are expecting twins! My brother Brian and his wife Kristina are also expecting! So exciting!!

This years staff!

2008-08-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

Meet my staff...Jess, Jenna, Hart, Erin, Alyssum, Lars and Chris.
They are incredible. I've learned so much from them already. I've
spent the last 2 weeks straight with them and have loved every minute
of it.

adfadf

An engagement!!

2008-08-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

My brother, Tim, proposed to his girl friend, Michaela, this weekend! Can't wait to have a new sister :)