New Developments

First big development is that we have named our little Roo!!!!!!! Our little girl's name is:

Natalie Jane

We both loved the name Natalie and Jane means, "God is gracious" and we believe that God is being VERY gracious to us by giving us the pregnancy and baby girl!

Today I start 19 weeks (4 1/2 months!) and still feel great. I have noticed in the last several days that I can feel the weight of my belly more. I definitely notice that I want to hold onto the bottom of my belly because it feels kind of tight. I caught myself in the mirror the other day and did a double take because for the first time I thought I actually looked pregnant and not fat! It was really cool for me to be able to tell the difference physically and mentally. Neil had been saying for about 2 weeks before that I looked pregnant to him even when others weren't sure.

Second, I also started wearing my first maternity shirt YESTERDAY & TODAY (same outfit, don't judge)!!!! I realized that some of the clothes I was given are spring/summer clothes and if I don't wear them now I won't be able to wear them! I can still wear all my regular shirts just fine but I bet I'm probably unknowingly stretching them out. Why am I doing that when I have good clothes that are designed to be worn when pregnant! I'm sure some of my avoidance was probably pride that I could still fit into my regular clothes pretty easily.
(Ah, sin, don't you love it...)

The third big development is that I started to feel Natalie move!!!!!! Last Thursday afternoon, start of 18 weeks, I was sitting on the couch when I felt this little, subtle 'pop' almost like a bubble gently popping inside me. I stopped and started talking to Natalie asking if that was her I felt, but I wasn't sure. I mentioned it to Neil later that night, but said I wasn't sure and it could have been nothing. He was so excited about the thought it! Then on Saturday his parents were in town at the house and his mom asked me if I had felt the baby move yet and I described to her what I felt and she confirmed that it was Natalie moving! There have been a few times where the movement has been just big enough for me to gently feel on the outside, but Neil hasn't been able to feel anything yet. I CAN'T WAIT until he can start feeling her! He is eagerly and patiently waiting also!

The fourth and final big development that we just decided on yesterday was to switch our doctor and therefore switch our hospital! I liked my previous doctor just fine and we would have delivered at 'THE HOSPITAL' in town. It seems like most people I know have delivered there and all I hear is how nice the labor and delivery wing is there. I been there and it is REALLY NICE. People have jokingly referred to it as 'The Hilton of Babies'. However, we are leaning towards having a natural labor and delivery and it didn't seem like the hospital and doctor I was with could really accommodate our preferences. I still want to be at a hospital with a doctor because I feel comfortable and safe with that route. There is a hospital in town that does have more experience and options for natural birth and a friend of my recommended her OB. Neil and I met with him yesterday and we were SO encouraged! He was very vocal with us about his faith in the Lord and seems to be a strong believer. He encouraged us several times with perspective on God's sovereignty over Natalie's life and the birth. Also in the 35+ years that he has practiced he has only missed 5 births! He has a very gentle and joyful presence and we are excited about him being our doctor! Even in the last week I have heard more and more people mention this hospital in passing and each person had RAVING things to say about this hospital! It seems like the Lord is leading us and confirming things for us! I think some people think we are crazy to switch doctors and hospitals in the middle of pregnancy, but the process and logistics of it don't bother me and I have more peace believing that I'm trusting and following the Lord than if I lean on my own understanding and a trend of what 'everyone i know is doing'. Sometimes leaning on that trend is a wise thing to do, but not for us in this case.


Lastly, I keep forgetting to share these few pictures of the first few 'outfits' for Natalie. The pack of sleepers I bought on the day we found out we were having a girl. The single, green sleeper was given to me by a friend at Hope, the crisis pregnancy center I volunteer at during the week. I love that is says in the corner, "mommy's little dear" and it has a deer on it. Play on words crack me up!

Preggo Update

Today is my last day of 17 weeks! I start month 5 tomorrow! The time seems to be flying by in so many ways! I wanted to include a few pictures of the last two weeks to see if there was any progression of a visible 'belly bump'. It seems to depend on the day and what I'm wearing as to if people can tell I'm pregnant or have a belly or not. Neil says that I definitely look pregnant to him while at church on Sunday everyone commented on where my 'baby bump' was and why wasn't I starting to show. I can still wear my regular clothes pretty well, but I just started last week buttoning my jeans- at least this one pair- with a pony tail holder because it is too uncomfortable to button without it!

I won't drag suspense on any longer -because I know you are on the edge of your seat- here are the pictures from the last tw0 weeks!!!

week 16
Don't worry I wore a white cardigan to go with my white shoes. I know you were concerned about my potential fashion mishap.

Beginning week 17
The day we found out we were having a GIRL!

17 1/2 weeks and counting!!!

90% sure...

We are 90% sure we are having a....


We went to the doctor yesterday for our big gender ultrasound. We had to have two ultrasounds because our little one was being very modest with her legs crossed and we couldn't get the necessary shot. The ultrasound woman was very kind to squeeze us in on her lunch break to try again. She gave me some apple juice and told me to meet her again after we met with our doctor. The second time around our lady was butt first so the ultrasound woman jiggled my belly some to move her around. The woman pointed out why she was thinking our lady was a lady and said she would bet money that we were having a girl, but couldn't say for 100% sure.

We are so very excited to have a little girl. I think both Neil and I were a little surprised. Neil was CONVINCED that we were having a boy! He said he would have a put money down that we were having a boy! He said that is why he is not a gambling man because he looses every time! Neither of us had a preference and neither of us had any 'feeling' of boy or girl until this past weekend. I started noticing that when Neil talked about the baby he really was talking and referring to the baby as a boy. I still really didn't have any 'feeling' or thought but liked the idea of having a boy. So when the ultrasound lady said girl I think we were both a little confused at first! Plus for me the small level of uncertainty seemed to make finding out a little anti-climatic. We go back for our anatomy ultrasound towards the end of August so then maybe they will be able to confirm the gender 100%. We are planning, thinking, and talking as if we are having a girl and we are very excited about our little lady!

I started on my 17th week yesterday and I have pictures to post of a bump, but I forgot my cord to download the pictures! I will post them soon!

I am most excited to see Neil be a daddy to our little girl and I start to tear up every time I think about it!

Neil is betting/hoping that our lady will have red curly hair, but we know how he is at gambling...

MAKE ME SICK

Yes, this is squash and zucchini and I absolutely hate it right now! I am splitting part of a CSA this summer where I get a half bushel of fruits and vegetables every other week and last week we got several pieces of squash and zucchini plus a friend gave us some from her garden this past weekend. I don't want any of it to go waste so I gave my first try and preserving vegetables! It was pretty simple and we will see if it works! I simple sliced up all the squash I had and then steamed it for 3-5 minutes till it was tender then put it in a ice bath in the kitchen sink. Then I laid it out on pans and let it dry and then bagged it up and put in the freezer!
Wish me luck because I don't want to have to eat any of it anytime soon!

1st trimester summary

Wednesday was the last day of the first trimester!!!!!!! This is the first 'preggy photo' I've taken. Sorry it isn't very good but it was taken at like 11:00 that night and we were extremely tired! Neil was gracious enough to take the picture even though he didn't really understand why I wanted it taken. I have no idea if it is actually a 'baby bump' or just a 'brownie bump'. I do have some sort of belly but it could be because I have definitely enjoyed my share of chocolate and ice cream! I've had several people pat my belly and call it a 'baby bump' but I'm just not sure if it is yet! I've actually been struggling this first trimester with how my body is changing and having self control with the foods that I do eat. I easily feel more fat than pregnant and so its been hard to embrace the belly and everyone's excitement over my 'baby bump' because I easily compare when other friends started 'showing' versus when I'm possibly starting to 'show' and I feel like its too early. I realized the other day that everyone's bodies are different and their pregnancies are different. I just need to let it go and be thankful for everyone's excitement! If I knew for sure that it was the baby or a 'baby bump' then I would gladly and eagerly embrace it and everyone's comments because I am so thankful for this baby and I do love this baby.

Neil and I are so excited to have this baby and it has been so fun for us to read and learn about his/her development. Here is a 3d picture from our 13 week ultrasound!!!

We have nicknamed our little one 'Roo' as in Kangaroo and how the mommas carry their babies in their pouch. We find out at the end of the month (20 days to be exact) if Roo is a boy or a girl! We are excited to find out but thankfully we haven't been wishing the days away because I think that would drive me crazy!

I still never had morning sickness and only occasional nausea. I've only had two episodes of random cravings: early in June when Neil and I were in Crossville for a wedding I was helping his mom pick up food at Subway for the bridal party. I saw the 'sub of the month' and instantly craved it for the next TWO weeks until I finally asked Neil if we could get it for dinner! It was FABULOUS! I RARELY eat at Subway!
Then this past Saturday I was at a coffee shop for accountability with some women and one of the workers came in with a Chik-fil-a chicken biscuit! Instantly I craved a Chik-fil-a chicken biscuit and I'm hoping to get one this weekend!
The only food aversion I've really had is so RANDOM! I feel so sick at the thought of eating squash or zucchini- SO RANDOM! I do usually love saute' squash and zucchini, but I can't stand the thought of it right now!

I look forward to see what is in store for the second trimester!!!!!!!!!

Charleston, S.C.

At the end of June we celebrated our two year wedding anniversary with a trip to Charleston, S.C. Before going we had only heard wonderful things from EVERYONE, seriously EVERYONE, about Charleston. We were excited to hear so many people enjoyed it and we would say that we too thoroughly enjoyed Charleston as well. I wouldn't say it is my favorite place to ever go, but I hope to go back again someday! Below are a few highlights from our trip:

Us in the car heading to Charleston!

The PERFECT place to stay! Right downtown in the middle of everything! We walked everyday to most of the stuff we wanted to do and see. Also one of the fanciest places I've ever stayed. Neil and I felt like we were accidentally living the 'high' life because this loft was in a resort hotel, but the loft is privately owned and we rented it from the owner.

Waterfront Park
We just missed a couple getting engaged, but we got to see the reenactment. It was really sweet!
The park also had a really cool sheltered area that had benches and huge porch swings. They were all taken when we were there. :(

The Battery
We brought our bikes alone and rode them along the battery. This was the only time we rode our bikes because we were so close to everything else! The battery is along the waterfront and it is really pretty to walk and ride bikes. I would suggest at least walking along the battery and alone the park next to it: Battery Park. The one souvenir we got from Charleston was an ornament of the old houses along the battery because we liked them so much!

Old House on the Battery
This house is my favorite house in all of downtown Charleston and there are a LOT of old Victorian houses in downtown Charleston!!!!!! I love the arches, the rod iron fence, and that fact that it blue and white. I love blue and white houses, very classic, clean look to me. Yes, pretty sure someone lives here.
There is one house we went by that is 24,000 square ft. UNBELIEVABLE! I think Neil said that 13 of our house could fit in that house!

EXHAUSTED.
I was TIRED of all the walking we did that day. Pretty sure we went back and I took a nap. I got pretty tired and nauseous several of the afternoons we were there because the of the heat and humidity! Usually once I got inside and could rest I would be fine for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Historic Carriage Ride
The carriage ride was DEFINITELY historic for us! We had heard that the carriage ride was a MUST DO in Charleston and we would agree-despite our trip. Here is the LONG STORY, short: We went on Monday which is also trash day in downtown Charleston. About half way through our tour, which is an hour long, we were in the Battery turning to go down a side street. Before we turned down the road a dump truck and street sweeper went ahead of us. So our tour guide stayed a long distance behind them and pulled over on the street and continued to tell us about the history of Charleston. All of a sudden the street sweeper backed all the way up down the street TOWARDS US with its horn blaring *BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP* and stopped about 15 ft. away from us. Well, the mules who were pulling our carriage FLIPPED OUT! They reared up and tried to back away backwards because they were scared. Well one mule got its leg caught over the rigging of the carriage and couldn't get free or walk/run very well. When it reared up its foot when through a car windshield!!!! Then the mules, trying to get away from the sweeper who has NO IDEA any of this is going on and still *beeping* away, jackknife the carriage trying to head away from the noise. The mules side swipe another car and then get stuck in front of a third car (the first picture). Neil had jumped off the carriage when the mules jackknifed and he thought I was right behind him, but I wasn't! I stayed on because the guide said to, so Neil came after me and was able to walk beside the carriage and help me off. Then everyone else, about 12 of us total, got off. The mules were stuck in front of this third car for a few minutes and when the one mule would try to get its leg over the rigging it would smash the hood of the car! The mules finally got free of the car and then tried to take off again and got themselves stuck over a residents 2 ft. privacy wall!!!!!!! (The second picture) Which was actually good because then they couldn't go anywhere and they preceded to eat the house owner's bushes. In the meantime some of our fellow riders were able to call the tour guides boss and the police. The boss and helpers came and took care of the mules, which they were both just fine and enjoying the bushes. The police took care of the scene and the carriage company provided us another carriage to take us back to the barn where we started. SSSHHHOOO!!!! PRETTY CRAZY! No one was hurt just shaken up from the experience. Neil and I still enjoyed the ride back to the barn, the second tour guide continued to tell us about the history of Charleston and point out interesting things. We got our money back, of course, and we got a REALLY CRAZY memory!

Anniversary Dinner
Our last night in Charleston was on our anniversary so we went out for a FANCY dinner! I love doing this for special occasions and Neil is always very sweet to plan a fancy dinner for us. This restaurant, Magnolia's, was fancy and very tasty, probably my second favorite of the ones we ate at there. Several people told us that we had to eat there and that is was a great place for special occasions. We split everything, which is usually the only way we eat out anyway, and it was perfect for us! We were able to get dessert there and it was AH-MAZING! The food in Charleston is SO good in general and the area is known for their Shrimp and Grits, which are SO GOOD!


So, there is a small glimpse of our Charleston trip. We did a TON of historic things there but I didn't include pictures of most of them because they were kind of random and would have been hard to explain. I really enjoyed learning the history of Charleston because SO much happened there!!!!! Pre Revolutionary War and everything! I would definitely suggest going to Charleston to learn all the history and they have nice beaches too, which we went to one afternoon, and we aren't 'beach people'!

Redeemed Day

Friday May 13, 2011
The Redeemed Day

For as long as I can remember people have talked about "Friday the 13th" as a day of horror, superstition, and bad luck. Many people may really be anxious about Friday the 13th if they have ever experienced anything bad happening to them on this day specifically or they may be anxious about the possibility of something bad happening to them because it is Friday the 13th.
Well, Neil and I don't believe in superstition or become anxious about Friday the 13th and we may not even notice it is Friday the 13th, but we might from now on...

Friday the 13th has become a redeemed day for us, a day of answered prayer that we don't deserve. On Friday the 13th we found out that we are PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, only I am pregnant, but you know what we mean. We were BEYOND SHOCKED when the two pregnancy tests came out positive. Yes, two, well o.k. actually three total because we took another one- a different brand- later. We didn't take the test thinking I was pregnant, but as a formality to say we weren't pregnant so we could schedule an appointment with a specialist. Well, no appointment necessary. We are amazed at God's faithfulness to us! I am especially amazed and humbled as I see how unfaithful I am to God. Not that being pregnant would have been a 'reward' for any great faith I had- if I had had it. When we were able to go to the doctor for an ultrasound, they confirmed I was 8 weeks along (well the baby was, but you know what I mean). We are amazed to look back and see how God was silently at work in my body and we had NO IDEA!!!! In fact we thought NOTHING was happening since my cycles never regulated and it never seemed like I was ovulating! I am so encouraged to know that I really can't lean on my own understanding and there will continue to be SO MUCH that I will never understand. We are so thankful and so humbled by this answered prayer.

I am now 11weeks and 5 days along and we just had an ultrasound. Everything was great and we got to see the baby move some and 'his' (general term so we don't call the baby 'it'.) heartbeat!!!!!!!! It has still been so humbling for me to see the heartbeat and hear the baby is healthy because I can so easily fear and expect the worse. I'm fighting for faith to believe I can trust the Lord for this baby's life, however long it is, because God has created this baby and placed him in my womb. God is knitting this baby together and God has numbered this baby's days. This baby is God's baby first and God has graciously given him to us thus far and we do not deserve it. We are so thankful and look forward to meeting our baby in early January!

p.s. I don't think that the 13th was a 'redeemed day' because I 'got what I wanted' or 'the wait is over', but that something great happened on a day when only bad things are suppose to happen.