Friends

Here's my good friend Jill with Lilian. Jill, it's been so awesome connecting with you on a motherly level! Love you! We were so happy to have her come see us! I can't wait to see if our little girls are good friends! We'll have to see to it, I guess. :)

Here's Claire and Gracie with new friend Lilian. Can't wait to see your new sister too! 6 weeks away!

This wouldn't be complete without Kathy and Kinley. I guess we missed a photo op with Crystal. So, Crystal, if you have a shot of you and Lilian...I need one!

COUSINS!

Here is Aunt Stacy and Cousin Josie. Josie LOVES babies! Just today she held baby Lilian for a really long time. That's a pretty good attention span for a 2 yr old!

Here's the Big Man Nathaniel with his new little cousin.
Here's all three. Hmm, what will they be able to get into growing up? Time will tell.

INTRODUCING...

Lilian Rae

Born: July 3, 2008 @ 1:17 AM
7 lbs 7 oz 20" long

Happy Birthday Mom Ricky!

Me and Momma Ricky at Christmas



I just wanted to brag on my other mother (mother-in-law) Ricky on her birthday. I won't give away how many birthday's she's had, but I must point how much this woman has done for us!



Last summer/year she was at our house every weekend without fail and often days in between as we built the wonderful house we live in.


Since I was put on bedrest, she's been over almost every weekend and many weekdays keeping me company. She's also cleaned our house many times.


She works full time and finds time to work at church and is just the most helpful person you'll ever meet. In the next couple months, she'll take on the role of babysitter 3 days each week.


Never in a thousand years will Jeff and I be able to repay her for all she's done. She's an amazing woman with a great big heart, not only for her family but her Savior reigns in her heart.

So, I guess there's still time left for me to get you a baby for your birthday but don't hold your breath. :) She'll be here soon. Love you always! Happy Birthday!

You Just Know, Right?

When will I know if I'm really in labor? The title is what every woman has ever told me, including my Dr. Apparently there is no clear cut answer, and I'm nervous that I'll mess up and not go in when I should. I've felt pretty rough the last few days, but not bad enough to go to the hospital. I'd certainly hate to make Jeff drive us all the way to St. Louis and then be told to go home. So the game plan for now is to take it easy through the weekend and then increase activities first of the week. My new appt. isn't until Wednesday. Although most folks around me are pulling for Tuesday. I wouldn't mind that as long as I "know" it's the right time. I guess I'm more nervous about not getting drugs than making it to the hospital. I think we'll make it there, but will there be traffic? will they say that I'm too close for the epidural to work? That's scary to me. But hey, I'm a cry-baby whiny butt, right Stacy and Jeff? I really just don't want to wait 2 more weeks for our sweet "Lilian" to arrive. Again, I have to go back to trusting in God. Wait a minute...is this a test?! AHHH! I fail these things so often. I'm a miserable creature you claims a faith in the Almighty God of the universe, and then I get on these little self pity fits and He has to remind me that He has never let me down...He's not going to this time either...and to hang in there. Why does God mess with me? I know He loves me but sometimes, I sure don't know why He doesn't just zap me into oblivion. Good thing I'm not God, I don't have the patience. Regardless, He is a faithful, merciful, HOLY God full of grace, righteousness, and wisdom. What would I ever do without Him? What DO people do without Him?

maybe I'll post baby pictures next time...;)

"See you next week, if not SOONER"

Yup, that's what the Dr. said this time. We weren't really surprised. I'll hit 37 weeks tomorrow so whenever whatever is the verdict now. Honestly, I've been feeling pretty good. I guess our little girl is just hangin' out. My mom promises that she won't stay there forever! I think she's right.




We've been doing a lot of praying that God will take care of the baby and us. He's never let us down, and I don't think He's going to start. So we are trusting Him and trying to enjoy the ride.





My family had a shower for me (us) this past weekend. Here's a couple of pics from that event.





Thomas was being helpful as I opened my presents!

Well Done

My Dr. is very excited that we have made it this far, 36 weeks on Thursday. We were quite nervous that our little girl would try to arrive before she was ready. My mom calls this, "well done". Like she's a steak or something. :) That's ok, because I want her to be "well done".

There have been many people, including us that have been praying for her and me. You just can't convince me that prayer doesn't work. God has blessed our family so much in the last 4 years. I don't think He will change and let us down.

Anywhoos, I can stop taking my meds any time I want after Thursday and whatever happens, happens! I told Jeff this morning that we could very realistically have a baby a week from now! How crazy is that!!!???

Mom says I've started "nesting". I'm not really into frantic cleaning, but I'm very anxious to get the baby's room finished and my hospital bag packed. We aren't quite finished but here's the idea. I've also been working on my baby announcements, so that I'll just have to fill in the details when the time comes. Jeff has also been putting together baby items, like stroller, car seat, swing, and high chair. I'll do my best to keep you all posted on happenings in the baby dept!