We are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!

Thanks to all of you who have inquired about the pregnancy. Things are going well. I sure feel much better than I did the first 13 weeks. I am now 21 weeks and have been feeling the baby move and kick for a few weeks. That is one of the best parts!

The baby is due the beginning of December. And we have our 4-D ultrasound on August 11. I cannot wait! And, yes, we will find out the baby's sex.

When I was pregnant with Robbie, I considered letting it be a total surprise. Do it like they did in the old days, I thought. But as I was lying on the table and Bob and I were seeing this perfect picture of our first child, we just had to know.

These 4-D ultrasounds are pretty awesome. I'm not sure how many of you have ever had one. But we've been fortunate to have one with both Robbie and Eveley. If the baby cooperates, you can see the baby's face perfectly clearly. It's like their first photo shoot. I was amazed. I remember seeing Robbie's face and thinking he looked just like my dad in there -- weird!

Eveley's ultrasound was just as exciting. I took Robbie to get a red truck and a bus to play with while the ultrasound was being performed. He sat with me on the table while we looked at his new baby sister. The room had a large TV screen on the wall so we could all see her. She was sucking her fingers. And, believe it or not, when she was born, she had a few blisters on her fingers from where she had sucked on them. She still sucks her thumb but only in the bed.



We are very excited about this ultrasound as well. People have asked if I have any feelings on whether this one is a boy or girl. I truly don't. I will tell you that I am praying for a perfectly healthy baby. And I have asked for a boy!

I know that we will not be disappointed one way or the other. But I really want a boy. It's hard to explain but Robbie taught me how to be a mother. And I know that having a son first shaped me into the mother that I am now. To be viewed by others as the mother of two little girls just doesn't feel right. But, one thing I do know --

Psalm 139:13-18

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that very well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.


Thank you all for your prayers and kind words. I'm always amazed at the people I've never met who take the time to encourage me [Shout out to the Canadian Girls!].

I'm starting a baby poll on the sidebar. Boy or Girl???

Happy Birthday, Mama Mia!

Today is my mom's birthday. If you've been following this blog, you are well aware of my mom and how close we are. I think the world of her and love her dearly. Of course, I don't tell her this as often as I should because I have intimacy problems -- directly inherited from her! (inside joke)

Anyway, my mom is an amazing friend, mother, and grandmother! I've learned tons from her! Not going to gush any more. Just want to say, from all of us,

Happy Birthday!

Letting a Kid be a Kid!

Well, it's been another hot and busy summer. And my little girl is wearing pigtails. Can you believe it?!





Sometimes I have to make myself let go of the "to do" list and enjoy the day. As we all know, they go by too quickly. I try to be a very organized person and am somewhat of a "neat freak." My mom is laughing out loud as she reads this. My room was FAR from neat when I was growing up. But, I've matured! And now, I hate a mess. I can compare myself to Kate from Jon & Kate plus 8. (I know I'm not the only one addicted to this show!) She wants to keep her kids neat and clean and has to fight the urge to spoon feed them ice cream instead of letting them get sticky fingers and messy clothes. I can relate. But I'm working on it.

The other day I heard Eveley rummaging through one of my purses. I could hear her saying "Um, Um," but thought nothing of it. And then I looked at her. She had found a Fiber One bar in my purse, unwrapped it, and was chowing down. I panicked. My first instinct was to grab her up and vigorously wash her face and hands. But then I saw how much she loved it. So I decided to let her enjoy some chocolate. (I still had to put her in her high chair and strip her down to her diaper. I'm taking baby steps!) She ate the whole thing.





And what was I to do next?? Well, let her bathe in the sink, of course!



I didn't want her thinking the only water fun was in the kitchen sink. So we took her to our friend's pool to get out of the heat.





Here's a picture of Robbie on his first trip to the pool. He was trying to be a stud with his shades and passy!



Hope you all are staying cool and letting your kids be kids!

Launch Day!

Okay. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! Today is a big day for our family!

I have written about my family many times. We are extremely close, and I love each of them dearly. Recently, my sisters and I were talking about our mom and her many talents. If Martha Stewart were nicer, I would say my mom is a Martha Stewart. Mom can do it all. She's a wonderful cook, sews, has great style, lots of wisdom, creative thoughts and can make something cute out of anything.

Since we were little, my parents have used their skills and talents to bless others. I remember all of the Christmas presents my parents would make, and they were always the best.

My mom has great artistic talents. She loves to draw and paint and be creative. But, because she has FIVE children, she did not get to do this as often as she wanted to.

So, as my sisters and I were chatting about our mom, we decided to propose an idea to her. How about we start a business?!! To make a long story much shorter, let's just say that we have been brainstorming for months. We have looked at different product ideas. We have researched. We have experimented. We have sampled. And, we have prayed!

As a mom myself, I have thought about the things I look for when buying gifts for others, and what products make my life easier (and cuter) as a mom. And the result of these many, many months of hard work is ......

Personally Gifted!

All of the products are completely created, handpainted and designed by my mom. How fun to work together with your mom and sisters, doing something that each person loves to do. We are all contributing our talents and skills and hope that this is just the beginning!

Visit us at Personally Gifted, here.

Jesus Loves Me, This I Know!

Once again, we are overwhelmed by the love that has been shown to us. Throughout the past year, we have been loved in beautiful ways by our family, friends, and even strangers. And we have desperately needed each one!

Bob and I moved to our little town in October 2004. We knew no one. I was newly pregnant with Robbie, and we were both starting new jobs. Our first Sunday in town, a church was recommended to us by one of Bob's partners at the firm. We went to the Sunday school class that morning and were welcomed with open arms. This was a group of young couples who, like us, were just starting their families. We quickly grew to love this group and they became our family.

As soon as they heard the news about Robbie, this group ran to us and surrounded us with prayer and love. And they have not moved. Though it has been a year and a half since Robbie went to heaven, they continue to pray for us, remember the special and hard days, and send us notes of encouragment.

Yesterday, the group presented us with a tree that was planted at our church in memory of Robbie.


We all gathered at the church in the morning. Bob and I really didn't know what to expect. But as soon as we arrived and saw all of these beautiful people that have loved us so well, we were overwhelmed. Neither one of us expected to be so emotional, but we had a good and hard cry with these brothers and sisters. They had organized a dedication service which included reading Scripture passages, prayers, and remembering Robbie. All of the children (the number of children in this group is rapidly growing) gathered around the tree and sang "Jesus Loves Me."



Then they presented us with the plaque and the book, "The Tale of Three Trees." The book tells the story of a small tree that wants to grow up and become a large redwood. Instead, he is cut down -- a time that seems too early and his life seems too short. But he is used to make Jesus' cross. This is to remind us that although Robbie seemed to be taken from us too early and his life cut short, he (and his story) are still being used to accomplish great things. He is a Mighty Warrior.



There are no words to fully describe how grateful we are for our family and friends. This love is carrying us through the difficult days. And, while pondering on the many ways people have loved us, I realized that it is not just love from others. But it is a testament of how much God loves us. His Spirit continues to prompt people to love and encourage us in beautiful ways. He is wrapping His mighty arms around us through you all. Thank you for the reminder that Jesus Loves Me!

Return from the North

We spent the holiday weekend in upstate New York visiting Bob's family and friends. We had a great time and Eveley wore herself (and the rest of us) out!

Upon meeting Bob (and talking to him), it didn't take long to realize he was "not from around here." He was from NY. The NORTH! I am from TN and had never been to NY before. The first time I went to NY to meet his family, I was amazed. This wasn't what NY was supposed to look like. It was really beautiful. And (in the summer) the weather is just perfect.

We arrived Wednesday evening at Bob's parents' house. We opened the car door, and Eveley took off. They have a lovely yard with tons of grass and flowers everywhere. Eveley was in heaven.









We took her to the zoo one day. Althought she couldn't see all the animals, she enjoyed herself. The lion didn't hide himself!







On the 4th, we spent time with Bob's 2 sisters and their families and then went to watch the fireworks. It took a little work, but Eveley lasted until the fireworks began - 10:30! As they began, she would say, "Whoa." When there was a little pause, she would do the sign for "more please". They were great and I was glad she got to see them.


Waiting for the fireworks with Grandma


Eveley and her cousin Sarah

For Robbie's first 4th, we took him to the top of a hill in our city where people gathered to watch the fireworks. We laughed as we realized that he was satisfied looking at the city lights and was not too impressed by the fireworks.

Bob has a group of friends from childhood that are still extremely close. It is a rare bond that I have not seen before. These guys (and now, their families) are true friends and have been there for eachother in all situations - good and bad. We have so much fun spending time with them.


Bob and his friend Jeff pushing Eveley on the swing. We have GOT to get one of these!

Eveley had a wonderful time with her grandparents, and she should have gotten her fill of being outside this week. With the exception of the LONG road trip in the car, she was outside the majority of the time and loved every second of it. But she is pooped! I put her to bed last night at 5:50 and she is still sleeping (it's 8:30 am)!

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend. Now, back to work!