Well, our little girl is here, as most of you probably know. Josh and I are completely in love with her. We just sit and stare at her in awe of how completely wonderful and beautiful she is (even when she's screaming :). God has blessed us abundantly! I had planned, and still do, to post a nice little entry about her birth, complete with pictures. I wish I had posted that first, but I haven't had time, nor do I tonight, so this prayer request will have to come first. Tomorrow we are taking Ava to Vanderbilt to be tested for a health condition that I have that is genetic. Ava will be okay either way, but it would be easier for all of us if the results are negative. Btw, the results won't be back for several weeks to months. Again, I hate to make my first post on Ava about this subject, because we really are overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving, and she is just perfect and healthy and beautiful, but I know I can go into this appointment tomorrow with a lot more peace having your prayers with me. Thanks so much!

But all of a sudden it seems like it has gone by so quick (esp. when you watch in slideshow form)! I'm actually a tad bit sad that this special time is about to end, but I know a more special time is about to begin, and we can't wait to meet our little girl! We're in the countdown--she'll be here sometime in the next 7 days. The doctor is worried (because of my previous surgeries) about the chance he might have to do a C-section if she is too big, so he's scheduled me for an induction on Friday if she doesn't come earlier. The way things are going though, I would be amazed if I make it that long.

I've actually been really lucky. I've had a couple of scares and one ambulance trip to the hospital that I hope to never repeat. But, as a whole, I have felt much better and been able to get more done (with the help of a very handy husband) than before I got pregnant. It has been such a wonderful break from my health problems after the past couple of rough years. I'm really hoping it will continue.

I put together some pictures from the last 6 months of what all we've been up to. I meant to do this several months ago, but didn't get around to it, so there are more pictures than I originally intended on having. A brief run-down: I watched my sister for a week or more during my mom's surgery, helped throw 2 showers, was in my cousin's beautiful wedding, got to be at the hospital when my first nephew was born, had 2 amazing baby showers, sold items in 2 yard sales, and fixed up the nursery. Josh, in the mean time, has painted and installed chair rail in our bedroom, painted the guest bath, painted and installed tile in our master bath, and painted or put together every piece of furniture in Ava's room. Yeah, he's had a pretty long honey-do list--He says I make nesting an extreme sport. :) He's done such an impressive job with it all!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement and generosity in so many different ways over the past several months! I look forward to posting some new pictures soon of our family of 3!

For those of you who don't know, we are expecting a little girl! We are so excited! Her name is Ava (still trying to decide on a middle name), which means "bearer of good news."

Overall, I have been blessed with a pretty smooth pregnancy. We did have an issue come up this past week. I got some test results back that showed I am at a higher risk of preterm labor (anywhere between now and 35 weeks). The doctor is optimistic, but keeping a close on me and has me on restricted activity and travel. Thankfully, I am not showing any signs of going into labor right now, and am not on bed rest (Yay!). I'm having the test redone a week from tomorrow, and hopefully that will give me better results (esp. since those travel restrictions may hamper my ability to be a bridesmaid in a very special wedding on March 6). We are definitely excited to meet her, but not this soon, so we would appreciate prayers that this situation will resolve and she will stay where she is and be healthy for a while longer.

Having to rest a bit is probably good for me though. The past several months have been packed with holidays, planning 2 showers, keeping my sister for a week, and traveling back home to help my mom after her surgery. It's been nice to be able to breath! It the meantime, Josh has been doing a lot of updates a round the house, and I can't wait to post pictures. He redid our bedroom (new paint and chair rail) and repainted our bathroom and put tile above the shower. He did a great job! Right now, he's working on a coffee table that has more storage for all the kid toys that will soon me filling our house. :)

I thought I'd end with some pics of Ava. I have had the privilege of seeing her quite often on ultrasound, for various reasons, and it has just been so amazing to watch her grow. She is getting big--already 1 lb 3 oz! It is awe-inspiring (and, at times, a bit scary) to realize how very little I have to do with the process. It is such a blessing to be able to see God's work in progress! How anyone can diminish God or the life that He creates after seeing pictures like these, and seeing the little heart beating even in the earliest stages, is beyond me.



"For you have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:13-14

Doing research for future purchases, thought I'd get some input.

First, I'm wanting to get some new porch lights for better security. Should I get brushed nickel (silver) or black? We've got tan siding, green shutters. Side note: Our security door has a gold frame, which we will eventually replace, but not for a while.

Second, anyone have any advice on where to look online or in the Nashville/M'boro area for good prices on baby stuff? Baby gear is like wedding merchandise--they mark it up so much and they never put it on sale. Just nearing the end of the 1st trimester, so I've still got a while, but I'd like to go on and get some info for when I have time here or there to do some browsing.

Oh, and thank you all so much for all the sweet comments and for sharing in our excitement!

My favorite season is spring, but I have to say, I am loving the beautiful weather and fall colors! I'm looking forward to the holidays and being able to be with family and friends, and this year, I have some extra special blessings to be thankful for.

The past couple weeks have been esp. exciting. Last week, we celebrated my sweet sister turning 22. Monday, my brother received his Master's degree (2 more years to PhD), and I'm really proud of him for that. Wednesday, I found out that I have an adorable little....nephew (Marla and Jeremy are having a boy!).
And today...I got to see my precious little baby for the 2nd time (and this time it actually looked like a baby! ;) So for those of you I haven't been able to tell in person yet, Josh and I are expecting our first child, and he or she is doing great! Nine weeks and counting--due date is June 20, 2010. In the storm and in the rainbow, God is great, but we are so especially thankful for this beautiful rainbow He has given us.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord" Ps. 127:3a

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is they faithfulness!" Lam. 3:23