Like the love that let us share our name...

I’m so proud of my brother. He has always been more like a second dad than a sibling. Growing up, we rarely got into arguments or fights and he was always looking out for me. Waiting for me on the bus and helping me off the bus, helping me down the stairs (I fell down every family member’s stairs growing up), helping me trick-or-treat, helping me eat the vegetables I didn’t like so I could get down from the table, helping me ward off pestering boys, consoling me when I did something wrong or got in trouble and giving me great advice through the years.

I’ve always looked up to my brother for so many things like his caring nature and work ethic. As he became a father I saw more and more exceptional qualities shine through. I noticed he always puts God first in everything he does. It seems like such a simple thing to do, but it’s so easy sometimes as we go about our busy lives to forget to do this. He prays about all his situations and prays for God’s will not his own. He teaches his children to pray, about the bible and the importance of Jesus. He trusts in God completely and knows that no matter what the situation, God will provide. 

Growing up, I looked up to him as a big brother, now, I look up to him as a Christian, as a parent and as a person I want to be more like. 

Recently, he started teaching himself how to play the banjo. I’ve been trying out different types of music for the baby to see if I get more of a response or kick for one genre or the other. This morning I tried blue grass and she kicked the whole time. Hopefully Bobby can pick her a tune or two by the time she gets here. 

I love you brother.  “Always remember there is nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name.”

It's okay to let some things go…

Joel never ceases to amaze me. We complement each other so well. It’s amazing how well he balances me out and I’d like to think I give him the extra motivation he needs from time to time. 

Anyone who really knows me knows that I can get stressed out easily and am a perfectionist. Hole in my shirt? I won’t wear it until it’s fixed. Dishes in the sink? I won’t rest until their done. Dirty floors? Have to clean them now! 

Joel on the other hand doesn’t let much of anything stress him out, and he isn’t worried about things being perfect, ever… It makes me stop and realize that nothing in this world is ever really perfect and that is the way God intended it to be. Joel brings me back to reality and helps me focus on the important things in life. He has taught me to let the little things go… which was not an easy task. Things I used to get so worked up about like cleaning, house projects, laundry, etc. I’ve learned will always be there for me to do tomorrow. 

I used to have a constant “To Do List” that seemed exhausting and defeating because it was continuous and never fully complete. Now, I’m learning to take things day by day. Do what I can, feel a sense of accomplishment in what I’ve achieved in the day (no matter how small) and enjoy each and every day!  

Don’t get me wrong… I still love it when we’re both motivated to get things done and being productive, but I also love the sense of calmness Joel has helped me achieve in letting some things go. 

What a blessing to have someone bring such a balance to my life! I couldn’t imagine it if we were both as high strung as me!

Rolling, rolling, rolling…

Baby B. is really moving around in her new space.  She had her debut on the big screen last week. We got to see her moving around in all sorts of positions, stretching her tiny legs out and making fists.  It looked like she was doing jazzercise in there! We even got to see her little foot print which forever made an imprint on our hearts.  I’m starting to feel her move more and more now, and hopefully Joel will be able to feel her kick soon.

We both got a great report from my doctor. Both baby girl and I are healthy and developing well! So far I’ve gained 3lbs and the baby weighs 12 ounces. The baby is trending 3 days ahead of schedule, so only time will tell when the actual arrival will be. I know realistically it’s too early to tell, but I already think she has Joel’s mouth shape. She's even sucking on her bottom lip in some of the clips.

See for yourself! Hope you enjoyed the big reveal! Can’t wait to continue sharing updates on our little blessing.

Baby B. Gender Reveal!

Baby boy or girl countdown...

Today, we're going to the doctor for our 20 week appointment. Which means, we get to see our little guy or gal on the big screen! We are beyond excited to see our baby in motion! We plan to have the ultrasound technician place the gender results in an envelope, and then open it together at dinner tonight.

We have another special announcement planned for our family and friends, so stay tuned!

Let the countdown to the big reveal begin!

COUNTDOWN CLOCKS

Dear Baby B,

I can’t wait to meet you. The anticipation is building up already and I’m only halfway there. My belly has started to show more this week and I can feel you moving around and snuggling into your new space for the next twenty weeks. Only twenty more weeks (maybe less, maybe a few days more), until I get to see your sweet face and hold your tiny hand in mine. Maybe we will share the same birthday on May 31^st or maybe you will be born on our anniversary day, May 29^th.  I can't hardly wait for you to arrive…but I’ll have to and until then I’ll be getting ready for your arrival.

Your mommy’s a planner so hopefully everything will be done before you get here! I’ve already started a registry for you and I am planning out ideas for your nursery. I’m going to make sure your car seat is securely installed ahead of time, the house is clean, our bags are packed and we have a stocked fridge for your arrival. I’ve also started making a list of sweet songs that I want to welcome you into this world with and practicing my singing voice so I can sing you lullaby’s.

I can’t wait to hold you in my arms and tell you how much I love you. You will undoubtedly be my greatest accomplishment.

Love you,

Mommy

p.s. I can't wait to sing this song to you...

Happy New Year!

This year’s celebration was a little different than past years. It was quiet and quaint, which I enjoyed! We played Balderdash to ring in the New Year at my parent’s home in the mountains and I would highly recommend this game. We had a blast! I can’t believe its 2012 already. Where does the time go? It seems like in a blink of an eye an entire year has passed!

2011 was a big year for us. A year full of blessings! We got married, we were both blessed with promotions and we found out we are expecting. I’m looking forward to 2012.  I know 2012 is going to bring many more milestones like the birth of our baby. Just a few more days and we get to see our sweet thing in motion! Please keep us in your prayers. Happy New Year!