26 weeks

Back In Houston! Baby is growing a lot! He moves around a little during the day but seems to be a little night owl! He usually always starts moving around right when I lay down to go to bed.

I went to my new OB in Austin and love it! My next visit is on July 9 for a follow up ultra sound. My old doctor found that I had Partial Placenta Previa at my 19 week Ultrasound, and never told me! Thankfully I brought my old charts with me and the new midwife looked over them or I would have never known! :-/ Typically there is not a ultrasound performed after the 20 week mark if everything looks ok. Just trying to stay positive about it and hoping that everything will look normal at the next visit.

26 week belly..My Belly Button is permanently stuck out. I still try to poke it in, but unfortunately it pops out within a couple of seconds. Ha Ha!

Clayton and I talk as often as we can. Work seems to be keeping him pretty busy lately. We are keeping our fingers crossed that he will be able to come to TX near the end of July! I really hope he can make it!

Haley and I have been having a good time together this week. We have been working out and going to the pool daily! Gotta love this Texas Sun! I almost feel guilty sometimes for how much I don't do, but I guess this is my time to enjoy it because after September I know things will never be the same again! In a good way, of course, just won't have this luxury time to enjoy on my own. Only 93 days until my due date! I can't wait to see my son's face and give him a kiss!

.......................................................................................

I love this song, it's a constant reminder to me of God's incredible and never-ending love for us. I hope it brings joy to your day and you can dwell in a place of peace today knowing how much God loves YOU!

Nursery projects

I've been in VA for about a week now and the nursery still has a long way to go but it's looking better everyday.

This is the bedding with the paint colors I picked



We bought this armoire on craigslist for a bargain! The paint job it came with looked a little too 'old' for the nursery so I decided to freshen it up, but keep the antique look.


I sanded it, and did a 3 step process crackle paint finish. These were my paint choices, I went with the white w/green underneath.



I also tore the wire doors off and replaced them with padded fabric doors that match the bedding, and will be super easy to replace one day.



With the left over fabric I covered an old magnetic board I had in college.









Thats all I have for now... I think I might try to put fresh paint on the walls and make a lamp to match the rest of the decor before I come home. Thats all I think I can handle for now. ;-) Hope everyone has a great weekend!

25 weeks

Today is 25 weeks! Things have been pretty good, I have been feeling the baby move a lot the past 2 weeks! When I got to VA I hadn't felt him very much, but yesterday and today he has been really active in there, especially after I eat! It feels like little muscle twitches in my tummy...pretty neat when you feel it and see it at the same time! Clayton hasn't felt him kick yet, I am hoping he gets to soon because it's sooooooo cool! :-) Clayton is at work all week but I am staying busy with my business and hunting down baby bargains! Hope everyone has a blessed week!

belly @25 weeks

Nursery in Progress!

I'm back home, (in Virginia) got here on thurday and will be here until the 21st. It's so good to see Clayton although we are a little bored without the boys! We are staying pretty busy though. Lots to do!

We decided on the bedding and it should be here on Tuesday! Here it is..





I was hoping I could make it myself but I found this and loved it so it will save me a lot of time and stress. Can't wait to see it in person! :-)

I also bought a used armoire on craigslist that will be very helpful with having a place to hold hanging clothes in the baby room..our closets are very small! I think I might paint it once I see the bedding. Now all we need is a dresser and or changing table and the room will be furnished! Woo!

I Thought I Knew

I THOUGHT I KNEW

I did not know His Love before,
The way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him,
My pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care,
The "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still,
Not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His Love for me,
I thought I'd seen His Grace,
I thought I did not need to grow,
I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark,
The storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship,
My anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself
Was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare,
With nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face
The trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply prayed to Him
And bowed my weary head.

His Loving Arms enveloped me,
And then He helped me stand.
He Said, "You still must face this storm,
But I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night
He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day
Or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears,
My faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time,
But my light began to glow.

I saw God's Love in brand new light,
His Grace and Mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone
Could Jesus' Love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm,
I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on."
I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side;
He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife, through fire and flood,
He Helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before
How great His Love can be.
How in my weakness He is Strong,
How Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good,
Although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear,
And then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"
He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy
And flooded me with peace.

I saw His face now clearer still,
I felt His presence strong,
I found anew His Faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come,
But only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow
As naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn
As Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more,
That's where I want to be!

-Unknown

24 weeks

Bump at 24 weeks!





Dad and I drove back from VA about a week ago and now I am in H town! Missin smitty a lot, but having such a great time with Hay and Bills. Their apartment is really nice and in a great area in Kingwood. Owen is also here with us and loves having the house all to himself (no Major)! Thanks to my parents and Carolyn, Major is in great hands back in the ville! I have to admit, I miss him..(a little) ;-) I plan to go back to Virginia sometime soon to visit Clayton and do a few last minute things before I am in TX for good! It will be good to see Clayt before he gets super busy with his schools and training. My first Austin doctors appointment is on the 22nd at Haley's OB. We both have appointments that day. This has been a really hard time for everyone (especially H & B) but the move to Houston has been great so far! Billy loves his job and Haley and I are busy with unpacking, exploring Houston, shopping, hanging out with friends and cooking some great meals! :-) Will post pics soon!

Little Allie was born on Friday and is such a little sweetie! It was very emotional going to see her for the first time, both so happy and very sad at the same time, as we all were thinking of precious Bailey and how we miss her so much! The Bates are so blessed and have a beautiful family! We are all so happy for you and your new addition, congrats!

23 weeks

23 weeks 5 days along!

22weeks

Hanging out with the boys in the back yard, 22 weeks!



We got the stroller and crib, both were a great deal at the NEX! Dad flew in town on Saturday and helped assemble the crib! It's the only thing in the nursery for now.