Baby Update! 31 weeks and counting!

Her mobile above her crib, hand made by my mommy.

Here's a quick update on the baby and me.


How far along am I?  31 weeks (almost 8 months)

How big is the baby? About the size of a pineapple (about 3 pounds)

How am I feeling? I have a praise - the nausea is gone! Yay!!!! ...I do feel a lot bigger now, and I feel a lot more pressure, but my mornings are WAY easier now.

What am I craving?  Nothing in particular, but milk is still extra appreciated. And I'm always thirsty, so I go through a lot of water bottles.

How is sleep going? Ugh. The fatigue at the end of a long day is really the only thing that keeps me knocked out....definitely not the comfort of my mattress anymore. (I hate sleeping on my back.)

How big am I? I think I gained half a pound since I last lost weight. The doctor said everything is ok with that; my calories are just mostly going to 'baby,' which is FINE with me! However, my belly is definitely bigger! It's starting to get to that basketball shape, and people are finally noticing, which I love. (I like knowing I look pregnant...not just fat.)

Symptoms I hate: Well, there's the whole "sleep isn't fun anymore" thing. But right now, it's the waiting. I need her to wait until spring break (at the end of March), but at the same time, I can hardly wait for that time to get here.  

Symptoms I love: Feeling more energetic in the morning. I used to sleep in all the time, but not anymore, and so I get a lot more done in the day.  

How's the hubs? He put together her crib a week ago - paint job and all. It's beautiful! He also rearranged our bedroom so we have a nice baby nook, and he hung her mobile (which you see in the picture). He's already such a good daddy, and he's an even more amazing husband right now. I'm so blessed to have a great partner in parenting and in life!!!!

The World She'll Be Born Into

Things are becoming so exciting as we get closer and closer to the date of welcoming Evangeline into our world. This weekend's goal is to finally transform our master bedroom into a bedroom/ nursery. We are using our extra long weekend to rearrange everything. It's a tedious process, as some of you probably already know, but I can't wait! I know it will be worth it!

As exciting as this process is, it has also opened my eyes to a truth that's not so exciting. That's what I'm sharing today....it's not as giddy as most of my posts have been...but it is on my heart, and I feel it's important.

First of all, I have to explain that there are a few "moments" I have always DREAMED of having in my life. Big moments...and they're pretty commonly big for people in general. These moments include things like driving by myself, moving out of my parents' place, graduating, seeing my dad for the first time in my wedding dress, walking down the aisle at my wedding, finding out I'm pregnant,....and watching my husband put together a crib for our first baby. That last dream mentioned is real and has been real since I was a very little girl still playing with dolls. Yesterday, I got to witness that dream, and it really honestly and truly felt like a magical moment! I walked outside to find my husband sanding down the used crib we bought in preparation of first priming it, then painting it (to match the current furniture), and then putting it back together.

To me, it was like a moment in a scene from a movie. There may have well been music playing in the background, for it felt like that to me! Such a pure, beautiful moment! Call me corny, but it was. I have waited (at least what seems like a long time) for this moment! Even after we found out we were pregnant and after we bought the crib, I was careful to get it ready. I wanted to be as sure as possible that we would have a baby to put in the crib before we even put it up. So we waited. Now finally, FINALLY, we could do that.

After I stood there, smiling and cherishing that moment, I took a picture and posted in on social media. I don't post a whole lot of pictures, but I figured it was ok for this one. I didn't think it was offensive or dramatic or stupid...I figured family and friends would actually appreciate seeing this moment with me. Much to my surprise, I received some comments that hurt my feelings...a lot. Basically, people thought it was a funny sight. How in the world could my husband be competent enough to "put together a crib?" was the general response I had. That hurt, because this big moment of mine wasn't cherished by all; it was actually scoffed at and mocked by others.

Anyway, fast forward to church this morning. The message was centered around the sanctity of life....especially in regards to unborn babies. I listened to the horrible statistics of how many babies were killed before even having a chance to be born. I've heard the numbers before, and I have always thought to myself, "Why are so many people so quick to kill someone who hasn't even had the chance to prove to the world that they can be amazing?!"

I thought of our Evangeline. Of course, she has been loved and cherished since the day she was conceived ...by us, at least. Her fate is very different from so many others in her position right now. However, she's going to be born into a very sinful and hateful world.

I thought about how shocked and hurt I was yesterday. I realized that there are a lot of people who won't even give her a chance to prove how amazing she is just because she's our daughter, and they think we're mean or judgmental or too religious or too conservative or incompetent or whatever! People misjudge, and she will be misjudged as well. There will be people who hate her for being an American, for not being Muslim, for being white, for being a girl....for all sorts of reasons! She will be judged wrongly in her lifetime, and for the first time this weekend, I've realized that I can't protect her from that fact.

This is the world she is being born into. A very dark, misjudging world.

I can't protect her from that fact, but I can guide her and teach her and prepare her for dealing with this world. My prayer this week for my little one is also a prayer for myself. I need to be forgiving so I can teach her to forgive. I need to be accepting of the fact that some people really don't like me or even respect me or think of me as competent, and I must do that so she'll learn to be accepting. Finally, I need to not dread over the evil of this world she's being born into, but instead make her world with us more loving and God honoring.

That's what's in my heart today. What about you?

Baby Update: Third Trimester is finally beginning!

I know that it seems like a while since I've posted on here. It has definitely been on my mind, but honestly, there haven't been too many changes since last post to talk about. However, today marks the day I officially begin my 3rd trimester! I'm 28 weeks today.

Well.....there have been a few "changes" since last post.

I've taken the nasty glucose test, and my appointments are now 2 weeks apart instead of 4. I have received lots of adorable clothes for my little girl, which I am SO grateful for and excited about. (There is one dress she has that I like to leave hanging on my closet door; it's just so precious, and it always makes me feel happy. Even Matthew awws at it when he sees it.)

We have registered at Target for baby items. You can find us at Joy or Matt Williams if you are interested.

So far we have Evangeline's crib, dresser/changing table, stroller/car seat, her bedding, some nursery decorations, clothes, and few odds and ends. Not everything is set up yet, but when it is, you'll be guaranteed pictures. (Believe me. I'm aching to get started.)

But the thing I'm most excited to share about is the new devotional I just got in the mail today (see picture above). It's a devotional for expectant mothers, and I wish I had thought to buy one a long time ago. I'm most excited about it because one concern that has been on my heart lately is the resounding question I keep asking myself: "Am I going to be a good mother?" I'm not just talking about a mom who loves and supports and cares for her child. I'm talking about being a godly mother who guides her child in the ways of the Lord. A mother who disciplines and holds high (though not impossible) expectations for her. A mother who is consistent. A mother who is in the Word OFTEN and whose prayer life is a good example for her daughter. A mother who is not perfect but points to the One who IS perfect; who urges her daughter to KNOW Jesus....not just about Jesus, not just about how "church going" is important, but KNOWS Him and loves Him and follows Him. That is my definition of a good mother, and it's the description I hope to achieve. It's also a scary thought because I know that I will fail some days and that Evangeline will still make mistakes and disobey, for she's human, and humans are naturally sinful. I've been worrying over the fact that I could do everything right, and yet she could still choose to make poor decisions in life; she could choose to decide not to follow Jesus. That potential choice of hers scares me the most.

However, my God is so good, and He has been working on my heart lately. I DO have a tough job ahead of me. How Matt and I raise her and guide her is extremely important, and we are going to have to work very hard to keep ourselves in check with God's Word and God's family. But God.....God is the ultimate parent of this baby. She is HIS before she is ours. The Holy Spirit is who will guide her decisions in life, and even though my role as her parent is very crucial to her life decision to follow Jesus, it is God who is in control. Above all else, I am to pray for her. As I have begun finally letting go of my fears and just letting God take my cares, I find such peace in praying for my little girl. She is safe in His arms.

I'm very excited about my morning devotions being guided by this book so I can better prepare my heart to be a godly mother. This has been what is in my heart lately.



...And for those of you who are still reading this long post, here's more "update" info. lol. Thanks for reading!

How far along am I?  28 weeks (7 months)

How big is the baby? About the size of a head of romaine lettuce. She's between 1-2 pounds.

How am I feeling? Pretty good actually. I still have yet to go a whole week without "morning" sickness, but it has been much better. I'm definitely tired more in the evenings, and too much walking causes stomach pains, but overall, I'm pretty good.  

What am I craving?  Eh, no specific cravings still, BUT I can stomach more raw fruits and veggies now, so I'm trying to incorporate more into my diet to give Evangeline the nutrition she needs.  

How is sleep going? Ugh. How I loooonnnggg to sleep on my stomach again!

How big am I? Belly is bigger! People are starting to notice now. I haven't gained any weight at all....but for the first time since being pregnant, I haven't lost any either. Honestly, I really like the fact that weight gain hasn't been bad. I bought my first maternity pants the other day, and it was strange because I had to buy a size down in order for the legs to fit right....but yet the whole point is buying paints so the waist can expand. lol. Very ironic, for sure!  

Symptoms I hate: The most? Hmm....lately it's been not being able to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Symptoms I love: Still feeling her move.

How's the hubs? Still very excited. Still enthralled by his daughter. Loves it when he can feel her kick. I think he's been kind of in the same boat as me in regards to pondering the extreme importance in being a good, godly parent, but we'll be traveling this journey together, keeping each other accountable, figuring things out together, and praying together about our daughter, too.   

Baby Update: Horrible Hormones

How far along am I?  24 weeks (only 3 more weeks away from 3rd trimester!)

How big is the baby? About as long as an ear of corn

How am I feeling?Honestly, the pregnancy hormones have taken a hard hit on me this week. I have like I have cried more this week than the whole year combined. 

What am I craving?  Still no specific cravings yet.

How is sleep going? I haven't found a comfortable position yet. I hate sleeping on my back, but sleeping on my stomach or side is getting pretty uncomfortable. So, I'm basically tossing around throughout the night.

How big am I? My belly has taken a pretty round shape, but when I look in the mirror, I don't think I look like a cute pregnant woman.....I feel more like a fat trailer trash girl with my gut hanging out.  

Symptoms I hate: These baby blues. 

Symptoms I love: That I can feel her MOVE!!!! She is constantly moving about and kicking.

How's the hubs? If there's one pick-me-up that always seems to help is Matt talking to Evangeline each night. Unfortunately, he's leaving on a missions trip in a few days and won't be back 'til Christmas, so I'm praying that I'll do as good of a job as talking to my baby as he is.  

Baby Girl Update #4

Hi guys! You know, there is actually a reason I'm updating this a little later in the week....I wanted to wait until after my Dr's appointment (which was yesterday). I'm glad I did, too! Evangeline Grace has been so active the last couple of days that they had to do a sonogram to check for her heartbeat....she wouldn't stay still enough to just check for the beat. She is fine and dandy! Her heartbeat is strong, and she was even facing the camera for us. I was so excited to be able to see her again.

Also, our baby items are coming together. So far we have purchased her crib, her dresser/changing table, her stroller/car seat, and her bedding set. We have even received 2 ADORABLE baby girl gift baskets from friends! I was completely blown away by the pink cuteness they contained. This part is so much fun! And our church set my baby shower date. How exciting!

So, now for the update on baby girl and me:

How far along am I?  22 weeks (5 and a half months)

How big is the baby? About the size of a spaghetti squash! (Which seems huge to me!)

How am I feeling? Morning sickness is still there...but since I'm off most of this week from home, I'm hoping to have a week off from the nausea. And I'm really hoping my appetite lets me enjoy Thanksgiving! There are too many good dishes to pass up....or throw up!

What am I craving?  Well, the other day I devoured a bag of popcorn...and then a carton of ice cream. I don't know if one-time things count...but I can report that Evangeline seemed to have LOVED the ice cream! (Lots of movement afterwards.)

How is sleep going? Pretty good. I actually slept in really late today! That hasn't happened in a while.

How big am I? Well, even though my weight went down AGAIN this month (that's about 30 pounds total now), I definitely notice that my belly is more full and round than before. You probably can't notice a drastic change, but there is a change. 

Symptoms I hate: Nausea still. 

Symptoms I love: That I can feel her MOVE!!!! Soooooo happy about that! 

How's the hubs? He was even more thrilled than I was to be able to see his daughter on the screen again yesterday. Also, he is working on memorizing the song, "Ma Belle Evangeline" from Princess and the Frog. I cannot wait to hear him singing it to her while she rests in his arms, but for now, he sings it to my stomach....if he's not playing Allan Jackson into my belly button. lol.

My heart is very THANKFUL this evening! What about you? 

More Gender Reveal Insight

Hey everyone! Thank you for the love you have sent our way! We are so thrilled!

I just wanted to add some photos of our fun gender reveal (paint fight). Our wonderful photographer is Mary Pharris, owner and operator of Digital Beauty....and she is amazing. I highly recommend her! All of these photo credits go to her. (Let me know if you'd like her contact information.)

Enjoy!

Getting ready for our show down..I was still in the dark.

Let the fun begin....is that pink I see?

Ahhh! It's a girl!!!!

LOL! I'm so happy...and Matt's so, "Eh! Get that paint away from my face!"

I can't believe it!

Hello little girl! 

I am one happy mama!

Gender Reveal: It's a .....

We had the best time revealing the gender today! We invited friends and family over to our house and Matt and I held a paint fight! I really did not know the gender before hand. We had paint bottles filled with the color pain that would reveal boy or girl. We walked 5 paces away in our show down, then turned to each other and had at it, revealing the fact that.....

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!


I must admit that we were a little surprised. A lot of people, including us, thought it might be a boy, however we were also thrilled at the thought of a girl.

We also have the name picked out. Honestly, we've had our girl name picked out before we were married. We both were inspired by this name from the adorable movie, Princess and the Frog. Looking at the meaning of the name even closer, we were sure it was the name for our future daughter.

Evangeline Grace.

Her first name means "messenger of good news." This is our prayer for her: we pray that she will indeed be a messenger of good news - of God's grace.

Also, the radiologist said that all images look great. Nothing appears to be wrong, so I'm very happy about that. And she is moving in there, as the camera revealed, even if I can't feel it yet.

My heart is full right now! We're having a little girl!