Sarah's Birth Story

I debated whether or not I wanted to publicly post Sarah's birth story. It is such a personal and special time for us and is so full of emotion. I know I will never forget the day our beautiful girl joined our family but I decided that, if for no other reason, I wanted to write it down while it is all so new so I will always remember the details. Just to let you know - this is a long story with a lot of details, some more personal than others. If you make it to the end, you're fantastic!

Early in my pregnancy, my doctor gave us the due date of August 29th. This date was so special because it's also my dad's birthday. We kept saying how neat it would be if our baby and her grandpa got to be birthday buddies! As we got further in the pregnancy, though, we started to wonder if this date would pose a problem. I know, I know - how could any particular day be a problem? Well, it turns out that my insurance renewed on September 1st, just three days after our due date. I had already paid off my deductible from the previous year and any hospital time after August 31st would count toward the new deductible (meaning insurance would cover less...) After talking to my doctor, she suggested inducing on my due date if I hadn't already gone into labor. I hoped to start labor on my own and not use any medication, but we agreed that an induction would be best to save money for our new family.

Skip forward to the end of August. Wednesday the 22nd we had our 39 week prenatal appointment. Dr. Manning checked me and it looked like our baby was just as comfy as she could be inside me. I wasn't dilated very far and she was not engaged at all. We decided to go ahead and plan for the induction the following Monday night.

On Monday, I had an appointment at 3:45 pm to have a balloon catheter inserted into my cervix to stretch it and prep for labor. Trust me when I say, this was not a comfortable procedure! I will spare you the details, but I hope that was a one-time thing and doesn't have to happen again! In some cases, this is all that is needed to start labor and the mother's body takes over and does the rest. Not my body. The catheter did what it was supposed to, but nothing more. We checked into the hospital, catheter and all, and spent our first of many nights there. Every time I had thought about giving birth, I never imagined we would have plenty of time to pack our hospital bag, just stroll into the hospital, and casually change into a hospital gown. No, this was not anything like I had planned. However, it was nice to go at a relaxed pace. Just not like I thought it would be.

Tuesday morning at 5:00, our nurse Sally came in, woke me up and said we would be starting the pitocin soon. I'm not going to lie. I was really nervous about the pitocin. I had hear that it would increase the contractions and make them closer together. On one hand, I was optimistic because this might kick it in gear and we'd get to meet our daughter sooner. I was also scared, though, because this was it. No turning back! We went ahead and started the pitocin and waited to see what happened.

At 8:30 am, Dr. Manning came in and checked me. I had only progressed to 4 cm so she broke my water to help me along. Around this time, Eli's mom and my mom showed up to the hospital. Little did they know they were in for a LONG day!

For the next several hours we played a long, drawn out waiting game. The pitocin had kicked in and contractions were pretty strong already. Going into it, I knew contractions would be painful, but it's not something you can really describe until you have gone through it.

Right before noon both of our dads came and joined our moms in the waiting room. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family to support and love us. They stayed with us and continued to encourage us throughout the day. Eli was my constant supporter all day, holding my hand when contractions became very painful, encouraging me when I thought I couldn't do it, and reminding me that our baby girl would be with us soon. Looking back now the pain was all worth it to have our daughter here and healthy, but this was by far the worst pain I have been in in my life. I tried laying in bed to fight through the contractions, but the pain in my back was too much. We brought an exercise ball with us, which helped. I sat and rocked on the ball for several hours, standing up every now and then when I could. But most of the time I rocked on the ball and held (squeezed the life out of) Eli's hands. My mom came in a few times to relieve Eli and comfort me. I needed her there and was so thankful for her. Other than those times, Eli stayed right by my side all day. He was my constant, my anchor. I could not imagine going through this without his encouragement and support.

Sally, our nurse, continued to check on me all afternoon, showing very little progress at all. My contractions were right on top of each other, coming about every two minutes and growing stronger and stronger. I was still only dilated to a 5 by 4 pm. I did not want to use an epidural, trying to keep everything as natural as I could. I knew my body was made for this and I wanted to be able to go through the process without interventions. But since I didn't start contractions on my own, and my body wasn't completely ready for labor, the contractions were stronger than they would have been without pitocin. Sally took me off the pitocin for a little bit to see if my body would take over, but the contractions only got further apart and slightly less intense. The opposite of what we needed to happen.

At 5 pm, Sally checked and I was dilated 5 cm, 90% effaced, and Sarah was at +1 station (she would need to be -4 to be born). At this point, I had been laboring very intensely for almost 12 hours and so discouraged that my body wasn't cooperating. It was starting to sink in that we might have to try more intervention to have this baby. My other nurse told me at this point I could expect to progress one centimeter for each hour of labor. But only if my body cooperated. I was so exhausted, physically and mentally, and I wasn't sure I could make it 5 more hours with this much pain. Eli and I prayed about it and decided around 6 that it was the right time to get an epidural.  At 6:30 the anesthesiologist came in and gave me the best relief I could ask for. As much as I didn't want an epidural, I could finally rest and hope that while my body relaxed, it would make more progress.

Unfortunately, when my doctor came back to check on me, my body was still not working like we had hoped. By 10 o'clock that night, I had topped out at 7.5 cm and Sarah was still not ready to come out. Her heart rate was fine, but her activity level had dropped. The nurses didn't show worry, but the pace and emotion in the room quickened a little and I was put on oxygen to wake Sarah up and get her moving. Dr. Manning mentioned a c-section for the first time at this point, but said we would up the pitocin quite a bit and watch for a couple more hours. I wasn't feeling any pain due to the epidural, but Eli and I were both scared at our next steps to have Sarah. I began to worry. What if something happens? What if she's not okay? What if I have to have a c-section? We literally poured our hearts out to the Lord, praying for strength and peace. We didn't understand what was going on, but we had to trust that God was in control.

I'm sitting here right now, tearing up as I remember how hard those few hours were. The emotions and anxiety I felt then were stronger than the pain I had felt earlier. I did not want to have a c-section, but more than that I just wanted my baby to be healthy and safe. I was reminded of the story in the Bible of the boy who was demon possessed. His father begged Jesus to heal his son. He spoke a powerful line, "I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief." I felt his pain at that point. I knew Father could protect Sarah, but I struggled to fully grasp it. I don't think I have prayed as hard as I did that night. But we are told to cast ALL our cares on him because he cares for us. And he did protect us.

My plans for this birth were simple: go into labor on my own, push through contractions without an epidural, and have a natural birth. The funny thing is, nothing happened like we planned.

But God's plans are bigger.

At 1:00 Wednesday morning, Dr. Manning came in my room one last time to check me. My mom and mother-in-law had come in to relieve Eli and keep me company. I asked them to step in the hallway while I was checked. I was still at a 7.5 and had not made any progress since 10 pm. She looked at me and said very calmly, "I think it's time to have a birthday party for this girl. We need to do a c-section." I just remember feeling alone and a little helpless. I asked for Eli to come back and when he did, the nurses threw a gown, hair net, and foot covers at him. He was just as shocked as I was and had no idea what was going on, but we knew this was the best thing for Sarah.

I was wheeled down the hallway to the OR and prepped for my surgery. Every emotion rushed through me as I realized what was about to happen. But God was in control. Eli had to wait outside while they made the first incision to make sure I was completely numbed. When Eli was allowed to come back in, my emotions switched from anxiety and worry to excitement and anticipation. My whole body was shaking from the adrenaline and pitocin running through my body, but I trusted my doctors and nurses. I knew everything would be okay. It also helped a lot that the whole operating team was singing to Bon Jovi on the radio and talking about their weekend plans!

After what seemed like hours but was actually only a few minutes, Dr. Manning said, "Alright, you're going to feel a lot of pressure..." The next thing I heard was the most beautiful, loud cry from Sarah as they pulled her out. She was here! At 1:59 am on August 29th, Sarah Elizabeth Jackson entered the world. My heart swelled with more love than I knew I was capable of. I was now a mom.

As they were cleaning me and stitching me up, one nurse asked Eli if he wanted to go see her and take pictures while they cleaned her up. I'm so glad he got these!

She had some great lungs right from the start!

I could hear everything going on, but I hadn't gotten to see Sarah yet because of the silly curtain in my face. Finally, Eli was allowed to bring her over by my head. I was so in love. In love with our beautiful daughter and in love with Eli, seeing him as a Daddy for the first time.

Our first time as a family of three. 

Our sweet baby girl

Eli, Sarah, and the nurses went to the recovery room while the doctors finished working on me. Around 2:30, I got to see Sarah and hold her finally. This was such a precious time that I will never forget. My mom told me earlier that I would forget all the pain as soon as I got to hold her. While I still remember the pain, it was definitely all worth it for her!

I was worried about having a c-section, but I am reminded every time I see my incision scar of the fight I fought for my child. I guess you could say it is my little battle scar. It is something that is very important to me and it reminds me that we belong together and God is always in control, whether we see it or not. 

After it was all finished, nothing went the way we planned, but like I've said and I'll keep saying it, God's plan is so much bigger.

My precious Sarah, 

I cannot explain how blessed your Daddy and I are to have you here with us finally. Your birth day was one of the most challenging, yet absolutely wonderful days in our life so far. Our love for you is something we will never be able to explain or comprehend. And it will only grow stronger. We have been praying for you for over two years and will continue to pray as you grow into the beautiful, smart, godly woman God designed you to be. Thank you for making us parents and for being patient as we learn how to raise you. I am excited to watch you grow and spend life in awe of our God who created you so perfectly for our little family. We love you more than you know.

Love always, Momma

maternity pictures

About a month ago, we made the trip up to Stephenville and, in between a baby shower, buying a new car, a wedding, and seeing family, we managed to squeeze in a quick maternity photo session with Mikka Hill. She posted some of the pictures on her website shortly after, and sent the rest on a disc to us.

I am so in love with these pictures! Mikka was amazing and really knows how to connect and take awesome pictures!

Here are a few of our favorites (but I have to admit, it was really hard to narrow it down. She did such a good job!)

** Spoiler alert... If you haven't read this post yet, read it first so you know her name before you see these pictures!

I think this is my absolute favorite!

Our next family pictures will include a sweet little cuddly baby. I really cannot wait! 

36 weeks

I know the title of this post says 36 weeks. However, Wednesdays are my weekly turnover days, meaning yesterday was the beginning of my 37th week of being pregnant. You know what that means? That means our little girl is now considered full term! If she were to come right now, she would most likely do very well. That makes me so happy to know that she is ready, developmentally to be here. I know Eli and I are ready!

This past week, I worked really hard to finish the nursery. The only thing I have left is to finish a few decorations and get them up on the wall! Be on the lookout later this week for the nursery reveal! Today I spent the day washing all her tiny, precious clothes. Can I just say, there is no sweeter smell in the world than baby clothes washed in Dreft! Love it!

I've noticed my energy level going down lately. I'm sure this has a lot to do with frequent bathroom trips during the night and the bowling ball in my belly weighing me down. My Braxton Hicks contractions are in full swing now as well. Sometimes they are so strong that I just have to sit for a minute until they go away. I know this is just my body preparing for the real thing soon. We have a doctor's appointment on Friday where my doctor will check for dilation, effacement, and position of our baby. Hopefully we'll hear that she is moving down and getting ready to come out!

My belly hasn't changed too much, still big and about to pop!

Now for the reality check:

Sad, but true!

* * * * * * * 

Dear Little One, 

You Daddy and I are so ready to meet you. Daddy kisses my tummy every day and tells you how much he loves you. Trust me, that love is only growing stronger the closer we get! I washed and folded all your tiny clothes today. I can't believe you're going to be so little, but you'll grow faster than I want, I'm sure! We are so, so ready to meet you soon Baby Girl. Whenever you are ready, we are here with our arms open. 

We love you more than you know. 

Always, Momma

32 - 35 weeks

I'm back!! Last time I posted a maternity/pregnancy related post, we were about 9 weeks away from meeting our little girl. Now we are less than a month away! Four weeks from tomorrow, we can expect to have a new baby in our house, along with a whole new life to adjust to. To say that we are excited is very accurate. But with that excitement comes a level of nervousness, uncertainty, and anxiety. I am so ready, physically, to have this baby out of me and in my arms. I'm just not sure we are ready for the immense responsibility. Our life is about to completely change! We trust that God will guide us and prepare us to be the best parents we can be. So thankful we don't have to do this alone!

Like I said, I'm physically ready for our girl to be here. I don't know how much bigger she or my belly can get. I feel like I'm just about to pop. I do get pretty uncomfortable most days. I get tired pretty easily, my feet and hands are pretty much swollen all the time, and I have trouble sleeping at night. This will all be worth it in the end, though. Soon, we will have a beautiful, healthy little girl to call our own. I'd do this all over again just to have her here! At this point, she has grown to her maximum lengthwise. All she has to do now is finish packing on the weight. And believe me, I can't wait to snuggle with her cute, chubby little self! Is there anything cuter than baby fat and chunky leg rolls?!

The nursery is slowly coming together. We have had so many people love on us through our baby showers. It's unbelievable how much this girl already has. Now I just have to figure out where to put everything! I can't wait to have it done and show off pictures of her sweet little room. Ah, I get so giddy just thinking about rocking her and playing in there! I have a feeling it will be my very favorite room in our house soon!

Ok, here are all the pictures you've missed out on over the past several weeks, just in case you were panicking when they didn't show up! (ahem...Mom and Renee!)

 Week 33- right after our anniversary dinner. Bonus points if you know where we are!

 Week 35- in case you can't tell, I no longer fit into my old shirts (check out the bottom of my shirt in the second picture! Haha!)

Week 34 is missing, but I'm so excited to share our maternity pictures in its place!! Mikka Hill took our wedding pictures two years ago, and she was so wonderful to take our maternity pictures two weekends ago!! Here they are if you want to see them! And leave her some love in the comments. She is really awesome! (p.s. if you need photos done, email her. You won't regret it!)

* * * * *

Sweet Baby Girl, 

Can I just tell you how ready your Daddy and I for you to get here? In less than a month, you'll be in our arms forever. We have worked hard on your room and it's almost done! We also bought a stroller and car seat for you today. That means we can bring you home whenever you're ready! Your Daddy sure had fun racing your stroller around the store to "test it out." It also apparently has good Transformer qualities. You're in good hands with this stroller, Baby Girl.

I'm sorry I haven't written you a letter in a few weeks, but we have not missed one night of praying for you. We love you so much already and are patiently waiting for you to join our little family. We can't promise we'll always know what to do, but we can promise to always love you as much as humanly possible.

Love always, Momma

31 weeks

This week has been a long, tiring, but good week. I was in Austin from Wednesday to Friday at a state educator conference. To be perfectly honest, this was an odd thing for me. I felt so grown up and out of my element. But at the same time, I felt more confident as a teacher, learning new things and meeting new people. This was actually the longest time Eli and I have spent apart since we've been married (crazy, I know!) and I missed him quite a bit. I'm so grateful for him and his love. I couldn't be brave and do things like this without his encouragement.

When I got home, I immediately got to work helping out with our youth and children's garage sale at church. Overwhelming to say the least! It was a great success, though, and money is still coming in that will go toward the kids going to camp this summer. Thankful for God's blessing in a loving, giving church family.

Now we are back home, but not back in a summer routine just yet. Eli's mom does something called "nephew week," where her 6 nephews (only 5 this year) spend a week doing fun things with Aunt Dana. It's just getting started this week, but so much fun already! Maybe once the nephews get too old, she will continue this summer tradition with grandkids! How fun would that be?

Tomorrow is actually 8 weeks from our due date. Wow! This is really happening! We will have our daughter with us in no time at all. That is such a fantastic and overwhelming feeling at the same time. We've spent 7 months preparing for her and now it's almost here. I am ready, but also not ready, if that makes any sense. The good thing is, God is still preparing us as we prepare for her. I'll leave it up to him. His plan is much better than my own.

I've been very tired lately, but trying to keep my energy up and stay on top of things around the house. I can't say that I enjoy cleaning, laundry, or other housework, but I do like the feeling of a clean house. Thanks to the nesting fever, I get to enjoy this more now! And thanks to a wonderful husband, I don't even have to do all the work to enjoy the results. Like I said, he's pretty great.

Due to being gone and busy all week/weekend, this week's photos are a little impromptu, on our way to the lake with Eli's cousins. 

My sweet girl, 

To say that I am ready for you to come seems appropriate right now. I am ready to see your perfect little face with your beautiful eyes, chubby cheeks, pouty lips, and tiny nose. I am ready to hold you and soak up all of you. I am ready to sit in the chair in your room, spending hours just staring at you, figuring you out. I am ready to venture into motherhood and all that comes with it. I am even ready for those long nights spent rocking you back to sleep. And those times when I will cry as you cry. And those moments when I don't know how. If only just to spend more time with you.

Thankfully, my timing is not perfect. God will give you to us when He is ready, not me. He will bring you into our little world in the perfect moment. And it will be beautiful and right.

More than all of these things mentioned, I am ready to show you God's love. I want to share him with you from the first day you are here. I want to be an example for you. I want to love you more each day, with a love that only comes from him.

Loving you always, 

Momma

29 and 30 weeks

You would think since being out of school, I'd be on top of things and cranking out more posts a week. Well, that's not exactly the case when the nesting fever has set in! These past couple of weeks, I've really felt the need to clean house, organize things, and get the nursery closer to being done. Call me Mama Bird. I'm definitely getting our nest ready for our little baby bird!

Since school has been out (really since I finished teaching summer school), Eli and I have:

• painted the nursery walls and trim (thanks to Eli's mom Dana for helping finish the trim!)
• deep cleaned and vacuumed the nursery
• painted a thrifted dresser and nightstand for our girl
• replaced all the knobs and pulls on the dresser and nightstand
• arranged most of the furniture in her room! (it's coming together and so real now!)
• washed many, many loads of clothes, towels, and sheets
• folded/put away said clothes (more of a task than you think...)
• cleaned out our closet and packed up two bags for the youth garage sale
• dusted the entire house
• helped harvest honey again
• walked with Sasha many times for exercise all around
• gone fishing at the creek twice with Sasha
• hung out with my three best friends and their husbands in Waco
• renewed our driver's licenses
• registered to vote
• gotten an offer on my car
• started the car-buying process (Agh... what have we gotten ourselves into??)
• watched my sister and her best friend jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet in the air!
• watched our little girl on the ultrasound screen again (I will never get tired of this)
• taken two glucose tolerance tests (one 1-hour and one 3-hour) Yuck. 
• oohed and ahhed over sweet baby clothes (me more than Eli!)
• daydreamed of an adorable little girl that will be ours to hold in less than 10 weeks!

Whew! I'm sure there's more I've left out, but typing that list just makes me tired, much less accomplishing it!

I am almost 31 weeks now. I never realized how fast the time would go by, but I have really loved being pregnant and preparing for our daughter. When I see how far we've come, 10 weeks left really doesn't seem like that long. I've been questioning lately if we're ready for this. Are we really ready to support and care for another life? Are we ready to be depended on 24 hours a day from now on? But when these thoughts come to mind, so does the promise from our Father who will never leave us and will always be our strength. I'm so grateful we don't have to do this alone. He is more than we can ask for or imagine.

Baby Girl has been growing quite a bit lately, forcing my tummy to grow quite round as well. She's gotten so big that my stomach completely changes shape when she starts moving. It's really pretty crazy to watch. I've heard other moms-to-be say their baby kicks them in the ribs. I haven't had this particular feeling yet, but it does get pretty uncomfortable when she pushes behind my (non-existent) bellybutton. She will usually get cozy in a different position, though, if I gently push back on her.

Like I mentioned in the highlight reel above, I got to watch my sister and her best friend skydive last week for her friend's birthday. They are so brave! You might remember when Renee and I went skydiving last September. I wish I could have gone with her again, but I think I have a little more than my own life to take care of now! I happily took my place as photographer on the ground and watched the crazy dare-devils fall through the clouds. I'll get some pictures up for you to see as soon as I edit them!

Enough talking. Here are pictures from the past two weeks:

* * * * * * * * *

Dear Little One, 

It's getting pretty hot here now that summer has begun. We are trying our best to stay cool, but I'm glad you have your own little climate-controlled home to live in for now. Soak it up, baby. When you get here, it will probably be nice and toasty. Thankfully your room is nice and air-conditioned (probably the best in our whole house!).

We have worked so hard and finally finished painting your room, dresser, and nightstand. I think you're going to love them! I have to admit, I have already spent a few hours in there, just dreaming of rocking you to sleep, playing with you on the floor, and taking in everything about you. Our new addition to the room this week was a beautiful glider and ottoman from your great-grand parents. I think this has easily become your Daddy's favorite place to sit! Several days, the house has gotten quiet and when I went to look for him, he was in your room reading in that chair. I adore this and can't wait to see you in there with him. It makes my heart overflow with love.

We love you sweet girl. Keep growing strong and healthy. I can't wait to meet you and hold you, but also I am ready to see you in your daddy's arms. He's going to be such a great dad, you just wait and see.

Love always, Momma

28 weeks

28 weeks has come and nearly gone now. Baby Girl and I are both continuing to grow steadily, as I'm sure you can tell! I had my glucose test this past week to test for gestational diabetes and anemia. Not a fun experience! Drinking 10 ounces of orange flavored sugary syrup in 2 minutes, then waiting an hour in a waiting room with a baby going crazy inside me, then getting three vials of blood drawn... Like I said, not the most fun experience! Did I mention that our little girl moved like crazy? I guess she's not used to quite that much sugar at once. I was sure the people across the waiting room could see her alien-like movements in my tummy! Haha! I secretly enjoyed it.

Speaking of those movements, she has been squirming like crazy lately. One of my favorite new things to do is sit on the couch and just feel her move. Eli and I play the guess-that-appendage game when she pushes hard against my tummy! Is that her foot? Elbow? Bum? :) it's a fun game! She lets us know, though, when she's tired of being pushed back on. She kind of retreats into her little hidey spot and won't move anymore. Stubborn little thing!

This weekend, we got to meet up with my very best friends from high school and their husbands. This was so much fun just catching up and reminiscing on our crazy adventures as teenagers. One of the girls, Whitney, is also pregnant, due two weeks before me. It has been really neat to compare with her and share this fun journey. There are a few pictures of us over on Courtney's blog. Go check them out! Oh and make sure you look around her design/DIY blog. It's pretty great!

Without further ado, week 28 pictures:

Sweet Baby Girl,

Daddy and I are really enjoying getting to feel your movements! You sure are stronger than ever with your kicks, nudges, and squirms. Sorry if we bother you when we push back. We are just smitten with you and everything about you, including all of your wiggle-worming.

We are praying for you, Little One. For your growth as a person and as a child of God. For your leadership and courage to stand up for Him. For the influence you'll have on your siblings. For your future husband to love and adore you. And most of all, for your sweet heart to know and love Him personally, and that we will be parents who guide you and raise you in the Lord. We love you more than you know.

to the moon and back, Momma

p.s. I painted something for your room yesterday! Can't wait for you to see it.

27 weeks

We've made it to the third trimester! This gets us that much closer to meeting and holding our baby girl. Oh I can't wait!

We are already preparing for her to be here. Eli has worked hard to paint her room. All we lack is a second coat on the trim. It's taken a little longer, though, because he's been swamped with school work for his summer class. But the room looks so great! I can't wait to really start decorating it. I think I'm most excited about the quilt my grandmother made for her room. It's beautiful and perfect. I can just imagine holding our little girl, wrapped up in her very own quilt. Makes my heart swell with love.

The ladies I work with at school threw our first baby shower this past week. They are so wonderful and I absolutely love working with them. Baby Girl has so many adorable clothes, toys, bath towels, a Bumbo, a tub, and a bouncy seat now. It's overwhelming how sweet and loving these ladies are. As a special surprise, my mom, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law even came! 

Our sweet girl is just over two pounds now and about 14 inches long! She must be starting to run out of room inside of me because she sure is kicking and squirming like crazy! I love feeling her, though. She constantly reminds me how glad I am to get to be her Momma very soon.

My sweet little girl, 

Daddy jokes that you now have more clothes than he does. We laugh, but it's just about true! You have so many people who love you (and are loving spoiling you!) I love looking at all your little clothes hanging in your closet. Pretty soon you'll get to wear them all and look so adorable!

In less than three months, about 85 days, we will welcome you into our world and our house. Trust me, we are very ready for that day! Don't ever forget that we love you very much and we pray for you every day. Keep growing strong and healthy.

Love always, Momma

26 weeks

This week was our last full week of school! Semester exams are over, final projects have been turned in, and we've completed all but three days of this school year. Summer could not come faster! Now we only have to go to school three more days, two of which are only partial days. So, it's easy to say that we're just about done! Summer comes with its own set of plans, though: I have two weeks of teaching summer school, Eli has four weeks of summer class, we are fixing up the nursery, I have a couple of workshops for school, Eli has youth camp, we have VBS... Yep, looks like we'll be busy! But it will be a good type of busy.

This past weekend, we went to my hometown, Stephenville, to celebrate my sister's graduation. Can you believe she is already a high school graduate?? I can't! But I am SO proud of her!!! Extremely proud! I have pictures coming this week (she deserves a post of her own!)

On the way home from my parents', we drove by this gorgeous field of sunflowers. We couldn't help but turn around and take this week's pictures. (Renee: your special weekly picture will be on the blog very soon. Promise!)

I realized as I was uploading these that, yes, this is almost the exact outfit I wore last week for my pictures... Oh well, it was better than the t-shirt I had on, and this was the first shirt I could find in the car!

Okay, personal brag time: my husband is the best! I mean, who else would suggest stopping on the side of the highway and take pictures of sunflowers with their wife? He didn't only stop, it was his idea! Yes, I love him. 

Check out this magical field and all of its beauty!

Sweet Little Girl, 

This weekend, you had so many more people love on you and show excitement for your arrival! Your great-grandparents were in town all the way from Florida for Aunt Renee's graduation! They adore you already. We also got to visit with two of my best friends from Stephenville, one who is going to have a little girl almost exactly your age!! I'm so excited for you to grow up and meet all these wonderful people, especially the few that will have birthdays very near yours!

I hope you are a flower-loving girl. Your momma definitely is! I really enjoy fresh flowers all around me - in fields, in the house, in the flower bed. Anywhere! I hope you do too :) it's one way we get to experience God's love for us. He has created such beautiful nature that we get to enjoy. I can't wait to teach you all about God's love and the ways he continues to show it every single day. Remember that we love you always and we are overjoyed for you to be a part of our family. 

Love always, Momma

25 weeks

We have made it to the single digits in days left! Only 99 days til Baby Girl's due date. It's so hard to believe it's been about twice that long since we found out about her! I don't have too much to report this week other than she is still growing strong (along with practicing her kick-boxing skills more often lately...). We had a pretty long weekend visiting family and friends, and have been trying to catch up on much needed rest. But, like always, Monday rolls around and we wonder where our weekend went!

Good news: today was my last Monday at school for the year! Unfortunately, due to something I ate this weekend that didn't agree with me, I only spent two hours at school today... Hooray for getting sick... A three and a half hour nap, Lord of the Rings marathon, comfy pj pants, and a loving husband who makes great homemade chicken noodle soup helped me through the day, though. And guess who's headed to bed early tonight? Yep, me.

I don't say it often enough on here, but I love my husband more than I can express. He is very sweet, kind, gentle, and loving. I love the way he puts God first in our marriage and leads our family, always striving to glorify God. He is going to make one great Daddy!

Dear Little One, 

This weekend, you must have been strengthening your little leg and arm muscles. I have never felt you move like you have in the past two days! I'm so sorry about my tummy being upset today - I could tell, by some of your moving, you didn't like it either. Sorry, baby :( Let's go to bed early and get rid of this sickness. What do you say?

Lots of people commented on how big you're getting this weekend! Your Aunt Renee even said I'm getting huge! It's okay, we love her nonetheless! We also got to meet some of Daddy's friends up in Lubbock on Saturday. I think it's safe to say, Little One, you might only have a few brothers or sisters. Hope you don't mind not having 9 siblings all in one house! Talk about a full house!

Baby girl, I want to live out a godly example of a mother to you. I want you to know how much I love your Daddy, so that when you grow up and begin looking for a husband, you will have a good example to follow. I know I will stumble and won't always be the best Momma, but Sweet Girl, I hope you see love when you look at our family. Our hearts are already swelling with love for you. This is a love that will only grow stronger each day. It's also a love that only comes from God. We are praying for the day when you know him personally and trust his perfect love. Keep growing strong and healthy.

Love always, Momma

24 weeks

I've been falling behind a little on getting these posts out on time. At least if this one gets done tonight, it will still be in my 24th week. Tomorrow starts week 25!

This week has been a pretty busy, but good week. The beginning of the week was a bit of a blur, but this weekend was good and full of family and celebrating. My sweet husband's birthday was on Saturday (check back later for more about that) and we celebrated Mother's Day with Eli's side of the family. We are so blessed to have such wonderful families who love us and care for us. Mother's Day has reminded us how extremely thankful we are for both of our moms - both godly, beautiful women who have showed us what it means to be parents, to love, to nurture, and to seek God first. So, to both of our mothers, we love you. Thank you for everything you've done for us. We hope that by raising our children, we can show you our gratitude for your love for us.

In light of Mother's Day, I have been thinking more about what it means to be a mom. I have, by no means, figured it out. God has laid several things on my heart, though. He has showed me by the example of my own mom, through scripture, and through women all around me. Soon, I hope to write a reflection over what I have been taught so far. My heart is still so full of all the wonder and incredible love God has placed in me for our little girl. I pray that as the time grows closer to meeting her, He will continue to show me his endless love for her and I can continue to learn who he wants me to be as a mother.

Dear Little One, 

This week, I got to experience a small taste of Mother's Day and what it means for our future. No, I'm not talking about gifts or recognition or any of that. I'm talking about the opportunity to be your mom. I get to be one of the closest people in the world to you and I, along with your Daddy, get to raise you in a godly home where you will always be loved. I pray that our love for you will reflect God's love for you and that you will know His love in a very personal way.

We still pray for you daily and think about you often. Keep growing big and strong! We love you always.

Love, Momma

p.s. Daddy is working so hard to paint your room and dresser! He's done such a great job. I can't wait to show you!!

23 weeks

Week 23 has come and is almost over now. I can truthfully say, not much has been different this week, but I'm not complaining. Baby Girl is still growing steadily and so am I! My pregnancy app tells me she is close to a foot long from head to toe and weighs just over a pound. It's crazy to think that in the next 17 weeks or so, our little girl will gain six or seven more pounds and grow another nine to ten inches in length! And I thought my tummy was big now! No wonder I've felt her kick and move so much more lately. I have gone from counting one or two kicks in a day to several each hour! She really is a little acrobat. I also learned that she can hear a lot of what we can hear, just a little muffled. It's fun to think that she might actually hear when we talk to her at night or when I sing on the way to school every morning! The other night, Eli told her goodnight and said her name (yes she has a name, but we're not telling yet!), and she kicked right at that moment!! I know she doesn't really know her name yet, but it was so exciting to feel her respond!

We did have one new event happen this week. We were sitting on the couch watching TV, and Baby Girl was kicking up a storm. I was curious if this was something that could be seen from the outside, so I lifted up my shirt just enough to see my belly. All of a sudden, she kicked and we could see exactly where she was! Oh my goodness! It was crazy to see! Eli's response was the best : "What was that?? That was so weird!" Haha! Yes, it was weird, but it was so wonderful at the same time. I love when God gives us little reminders of how real this is. I really do have a life growing inside of me. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to feel our baby growing every day. I can truly say I love being pregnant and the new adventures it brings.

My sweet little girl, 

Thank you for your unexpected movements this week. We really enjoyed SEEING you move as well as feel you! You are getting to be such a big girl already. I can't hardly wait to see you in person and watch you grow even more. I know God has big plans for you already, even while you're still in my tummy.

Your Daddy asked me this week if I wanted to celebrate my first Mother's Day this year! Oh wow! Can you believe I'm going to be a mommy?! His question just made me smile so big because it meant you are coming very soon!Only 115 days til you are due!

Sweet daughter, don't ever forget how much we love you. Our love for you will only increase each day as God allows us to care for and raise you. We want to be the best parents we can be and we are trusting God to help us. We pray for you daily and are anticipating you joining our little family for good. Keep growing big and strong in my tummy, Little One. We love you so much.

Love always, Momma

22 weeks

This week has been a different week at school - we finally finished the lovely STAAR test at school and went on our first field trip. Somehow we managed to take 50 6th graders to Dallas and back with only three teachers. And guess what, we didn't lose a single one! Haha! We were very glad to be back home at the end of the day, though!

As far as pregnancy goes, not much has changed this week - still feeling Baby Girl kick every day (mostly at night), still growing steadily, still having major heartburn every now and then. I have felt pretty tired this week, though. I don't know if it's just my body needing more rest or if I'm going through another pregnancy trend of being exhausted. I've noticed more achey-ness and headaches, but I am more than glad to go through this if it gets us closer to holding our baby girl in our arms. The way God has orchestrated all of this continues to amaze me every day. Each time I feel our little babe kick and squirm, I'm reminded that there is an actual life growing inside of me and I thank God that we are allowed to be a part of this.

Here is week 22 (pictures taken after a co-teacher's wedding, beautiful wedding by the way!)

Here are just a few more that we took this week, just for fun! Please ignore the lovely watch tan line! That's what happens when you take testing-overloaded kids outside for an hour and a half on three separate days! I'm glad to have a little tan, but I guess I forgot to take off my watch! Oh well!

Dear sweet little girl, 

This week while my students were taking a big test at school, I had a lot of time to daydream about you! I tried to picture what you will look like, what you will be interested in, how you will dress yourself when you get big, who your friends will be, and everything about your personality and character. I came to the conclusion that no matter how I picture you, God has already created in you a wonderful and perfect girl who will grow into a beautiful woman. Even though I haven't met you yet, I know God is forming you just like you are supposed to be. He has been taking care of you and will never let you out of his hand. There will be times when your Daddy and I will get on your nerves, upset you or even disappoint you. But know this, sweet girl, our Heavenly Father will never let you go. Always remember that we love you, and we are giving you over to God to be used by him and for him. We are praying for the day when you make him your own and give your life to him. We will do our very best to show you his love every day.
We love you more each day and we will never stop.

Love always, Momma