The Way We Are in Randomography

Pictures...2 Parts

Part One - Elijah
By request, I am going to keep this post to mostly pictures. I have many pictures from the past couple of weeks. The story they tell - in their randomness, is our sweet baby, and how ridiculously fast he's growing. And also, of course...how ridiculously cute he is! So there really is no rhyme or reason here...just ridiculously cute pictures!












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Part Two - Grace

Grace is a sweet little friend of Elijah's. She's also the daughter of some friends of ours - Craig and Chanelle. Grace was born in February, so she's 5 months ahead of Elijah, but we can tell - they're already the best of friends :) Grace is a sweetheart, and one night when Grace was over I was able to get some really adorable pictures of her. Grace is able focus on Elijah and she wants to play with him...Elijah at this point, just kind of lays there. Just give him some time... :) Nick likes to call Gracie Elijah's little girlfriend. You can see why...she's absolutely adorable!

7 Weeks

Seven weeks. Our little baby Elijah is seven weeks old already. 7! Where has the time gone? For those of you that are apart of the world of motherhood, you know what I mean when I say, I do not feel like it's been 7 weeks - I feel like it's just been one giant day. The constant nursing, the constant time and attention toward the baby, and the sheer exhaustion of it all. The days that roll into nights that roll into days that roll into nights... BUT, I have to confess something: I LOVE IT ALL. Why? Because it's my baby boy. It's my precious Elijah, and I just cannot get enough of this sweet little boy. I can't. I walk out of the room for a second, and I actually miss him. I love watching him, kissing him, snuggling him, holding him, rocking him, singing to him. I love nursing him in the middle of the night. I love that special time that he and I get together. I love his cooing and his now real smiles of delight. I love his ridiculously long and crazy hair. I love his cute little button nose, and his adorable little chin. I love his itty bitty teeny tiny toes. I love his soon-to-be-pudgy baby thighs. I love his sighs of contentment when he's full, or being cuddled. I love his curiosity and his desire to see everything. I. Love. Him. I love him. This undying love I have for him...it's so hard to express. But I am full to the brim with absolute love for this sweet sweet baby. And more and more everyday, I am in awe of our sweet Savior, and the love that he has for us, His creation. If this is how much I love my baby, I cannot even imagine the magnitude of the love our Savior has for us. We are so incredibly blessed - blessed to be children of God, and blessed by God to have children. Thank you dear sweet Jesus, for this unbelievably precious and most beautiful gift - our sweet baby Elijah.
Being a mom is everything I had hoped it would be, and then so much more. I love every teeny tiny aspect of it, and I am just in awe of this tiny creation God has blessed us with. I love watching him grow and learn and become more and more alert each day. Parenthood is much much more than I ever dreamed it could be. I know, I know...first time Mommy here...but I just cannot help myself. I am 100%, undeniably, undoubtedly, head-over-heels in love with our beautiful little baby.
This little collage of pictures is chronological - from week 1 to week 7. Can you believe how much he's grown and changed already?

Our Son...

I will keep this short and sweet. But I wanted to officially introduce our precious miracle - our son. Beautiful, sweet, blessed by God. Already 1 week old. And I could not love him more - my heart is full to bursting with the overwhelming love I feel toward my child. I can't help but praise my Jesus with every look I take at our Elijah. Created by God, named by God, loved by God. Everybody, this is our son.

Elijah - The Lord is my God
Richard - Strong Leader

37 Weeks and Some Progress

Yesterday was the 37 week marker, and I am so happy to say that I am officially full term. I could have the baby any day, and it would be safe and healthy. At my appointment this week, I found out I am already 70% effaced and dilated 2 centimeters. That made me very happy. I am trying not to expect to go early, but when I get good news like that, I can't help but wake up every day thinking "will today be the day?" As a first time mom, I can't tell you how much I wish the answer to that question was "YES!"
This morning I woke up and my thought was a bit different. Today I thought "Today is the day..." And I'm not sure why. My guess is that I just want today to be the day. But if for some reason I'm right...today could be the day! :)
Thanks to the help, love and support of many friends and family, we are really quite settled and ready to go. I am so blessed to have such dear friends that are wanting to take care of me, and they have been so wonderful in helping me get everything we need ready for the baby's arrival. So thank you, dear friends...you know who you are. Nick has been wonderfully great and supportive, and he does so well when I'm irritable, cranky, emotional, swollen and exhausted all at the same time. (These days...it seems that most of the time I am all of the above...) Last night Nick got the car seat in the car, and it looks great - however it's going to look absolutely perfect when our tiny baby is in it!
Everybody tells me that now is the time to rest and relax and keep my feet up. And while my body is agreeing with that, my mind is just so busy. I have so much I want to accomplish yet. My kitchen seems to be in a constant state of disarray, and I certainly can't bring a baby home to a messy messy kitchen. I have meals I want to make and freeze, and a baby's room I can't stop arranging and rearranging.
Anyway...sorry for the hodge-podge post. I am scatter brained and all over the place. But despite all that, or above it all - I am just genuinely ready to meet my baby. As that time draws closer and closer, again I just want to say thank you to everybody that has been so incredibly wonderful in helping us and supporting us, and thank you for your prayers. We definitely feel them.

36 Weeks, and Sneak Peak

36 Weeks.

Today marks 36 weeks for me and Baby. According to the ultrasounds we've had, and the way the baby is measuring, they have said all along I'm measuring about a week further along. So today could mark 37 weeks. And you know what? I hope they're right! As we finished up birthing classes, and we're putting the finishing touches on the nursery, and getting the car seat in the car, and washing all the baby clothes...it's all becoming very real. And I cannot wait to meet this Baby. I know I say it every time, but the closer we get, the more I want to meet this person! As the picture clearly reflects, my belly is a belly of a woman that is very pregnant. I feel it and look it. Why have I not posted any other pregnant pictures besides that of my belly, you ask? Trust me...you don't want to see them. Let's just say, the equation of 36 weeks pregnant + hot muggy summer weather = one swollen mama :) When I look down at my feet, which I can only describe as sausages, I remind myself to laugh and say "this is all worth it." Why? Because it is! If having to retain water and swell up like a balloon is part of bringing this most precious and adorable Baby into the world, then I say, bring on the swelling :) To my beautiful, energetic, adorable Baby: I love you I love you I love you.
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Sneak Peak.
So after the last post, all of you wrote back with the same opinion: pick the blue! And I couldn't be happier about that, because we did decide to go with the blue. And I'm so glad. It's beautiful! So now that we've repainted (well Nick painted, not me) we were able to get the crib up and the bedding washed and ready to go. So I thought I would give you a little peak at the nursery. We don't have the dresser up yet, but I thought you'd like to see how the nursery is progressing. Once it's all set up, I'll show you before and after pictures too! But for right now...here are a few pictures to wet your appetites!

34 Weeks and counting

Week 34.
So today marks the 34th week of pregnancy for me. Yep. 34. Thirty. Four. Pretty nice huh? I'm getting really anxious to meet this baby! I don't have too much to say at this point - I'm still growing, as baby grows. I just thought I would post another picture so everyone can see what the belly is looking like these days :)

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Can I Get a Little Help?

So awhile back Nick and I had picked out some baby bedding for the nursery. We just settled on the wall colors a few weeks ago, and the painting was done Monday. Then we bought our crib. And our crib was pictured in this beautiful room with this lovely light aqua color and design. Nick said, "oh we should paint the room that color!" and I agreed -the color was so lovely. But we already had the bedding, and I had searched and searched for baby bedding in those colors that was neutral. And I had no such luck. Everything was either way too girly, or it was evident it was made for a baby boy. Since we don't know what we're having - we need something neutral. So yesterday the crib and pack-n-play came, and the pack-n-play is this beautiful light aqua color and brown. And I just love it! and I said, "I sure wish we could have done the nursery in these colors." So I ran to the computer, just to check one last time to see if I could find something. And to my complete surprise, I did! We ordered it, and it's on it's way to us right now. Now this is where you come in. Which do you like better? The one with the light greens, cream and brown? Or the one with the light aqua, white and coffee? Whichever one we don't pick will just go back to the store! So help! What do you think?

Option #1 - Bunny Meadows Bedding Set

or
Option #2 Pinwheel Bedding Set

28 Weeks

Just For a Laugh...
At the clinic at 25 weeks...

Receptionist: (In a super concerned voice) Oh hello there! How are you feeling these days?
Me: (Trying to stay chipper) Oh! Just fine, thanks.
Receptionist: (Still concerned) My goodness you look like you're just about to pop!
Me: (Clearly no longer chipper) Um...actually no. I've still got 3 months left.
Receptionist: (Embarrassed but still concerned) Oh...well it's just because you're so petite! Hehehe (awkward laughing).
Me: Yeah. Petite. Uggh...
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9 months. When you think about it, it really does sound like a bit of time, doesn't it? I mean, if you start in January, you end up in September, and you've passed through winter, spring, summer, and you begin fall. 9 months is a long time. Or so I thought. On November 21st we found out we were expecting our little bean in July. November to July? That sounds like a long time. But now we find ourselves with, at the most, 12 weeks left until baby comes. Twelve. Weeks. Where has the time gone? Where?! We have an empty nursery that still needs painting. We have baby gear that needs to be gotten, and I have so many books to read between now and then, my head is spinning. Not to mention the fact that after all of that is said and done, there will be a baby...our baby...here. Whoa. 12 weeks until our baby is here. It's crazy, it's amazing, it's overwhelming. And I just cannot believe how quickly the time has flown, and how soon we get to meet this incredible little person.
Pregnancy is definitely an interesting journey. And it's so different for every woman. I always wondered what it would be like to "be" pregnant, to have that bump, to carry a child. And now I'm experiencing it, and it's so much different than I could have imagined. A good different. I cannot explain the sheer joy I get whenever baby moves and rolls and plays. It's indescribable. I cannot tell you what it's like to see my form and frame change week after week, as this baby continues to develop. I can't tell you the excited jitters I get as I daydream about meeting this person. There are fears, and anxiousness sometimes...yes. But overall, I am overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed with love for my child, and I am overwhelmed with how my Savior has been revealing Himself to me through this. God has really grabbed my attention through this time. I cannot help but think of Him more and more as I watch what I can only describe as a miracle, form inside me. How He's designed everything is immaculate and beautiful.
Anyway...I wanted to give an update since people ask, (for you Mom!) and I figured the least I could do was post a picture, and tell you how I'm feeling these days. :) Besides what I mentioned above...yes, there are cravings at midnight. Happily, most of the time, those cravings are some form of crunchy cereal. Why? I don't know. Yes...there are some emotional dips. Happy, excited, then crabby and sad. Or sometimes it's happy and sad at the same time. Sleeping in all the 26 years I've been alive has always been one of my favorite things. Now? Not so much. For some reason it just doesn't agree with me. Oh how I miss it...Hot flashes? Ohhh yes. The thermometer read "57 degrees" the other day, and I could have sworn it was at least 85. July is going to be interesting. But overall, it's just plain wonderful.
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P.S.
Oh...and if you're thinking to yourself "my goodness she looks huge!"...here's a little secret for you. I look huge...because I am huge. So although you think you're doing me a polite favor by saying things like "oh wow - LOOK at how BIG you are" or "you look really uncomfortable" or "WOW Becky, LOOK at you" or "WHAT are you going to look like at 9 months?" or anything else like that...I appreciate the concern over my ever growing belly, but I'm aware of the hugeness. So no need to tell me. Thankyouverymuch.

A Smattering of Thoughts

Baby News...

The weeks are flying by, and now that I'm really growing and changing, and so is Baby, I thought it might be kind of fun to give you some visual updates! At 20 weeks we had the ultrasound to take a look at Baby and make sure everything is healthy and on track. And we had the time of our lives seeing our precious baby on that screen. The magnitude of the miracle growing inside me is simply breath taking. The fact that God's hand is on every minute detail of development in our child is undeniable. Below is a profile shot of our baby - precious, no?


I am now almost 23 weeks, and since it appears my belly is ever growing, I wanted to take some pictures. (This is mostly for my mom, as she can't see me on a weekly basis.)


I have to chuckle when I look in the mirror and see see that bump! It's getting so big! and so is the babe inside. What once started out smaller than a seed is quickly on it's way to a pumpkin! Keep growing Baby...keep growing!
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And Jonah...


My 1st nephew and Godson, Jonah, will always always be the apple of my eye. There is a special place in my heart for him, and I am touched every time I have the opportunity to spend time with him. His laughter is infectious, his smile is beautiful, and his heart is so big. He just turned three, and he is a complete delight.


To our precious Jonah Man - you are a gift from Heaven. We are amazed at your bright mind and your loving heart. We pray God's blessings over you as you continue to grow and change. Never stop being your incredible self. Happy Birthday - We LOVE you!

Time Is Ticking Away

So where my time is concerned...I seem to have less of it. Less time in the evenings to watch movies, read, hang out with friends, and BLOG. Where I used to stay up until 10:30, 11, or even 12 some nights, I'm usually (if I can) in bed by 9. I would stay up later if I could, but you see, I have this bean sprouting into a watermelon inside of me that takes up a lot of my energy. It wipes me out!
All this to say - I threw Nick a surprise 25th birthday party the 1st weekend in February. I was determined to get pictures up here from that night. I have the pictures. I just haven't had the time to get them up here. One thing I'm determined to do before the baby gets here...
I have a slew of pictures of my forever cute nephew and Godson, Jonah. If you could only see his big huge Indian eyes, and his eternally long eyelashes...you would fall right in love with that little boy.
I even have pictures of my ever growing belly. I can't believe it - but this week marks the halfway point for me. Can you believe it? I'm almost 20 weeks, and the baby is doing some serious growing. My shape seems to change weekly these days, and the baby is starting to kick up a storm.
And I'm sorry that I've shared none of this with you. :( Time is just slipping away from me. Before I know it, our little baby will be here! and then I will struggle to find the time to show you pictures of his/her beautiful little face.
But anyway - I have not forgotten the blog world...it's just it's a lot harder for me these days to dial in! Until the next time (which I'm hoping is much sooner than later) ...

I've Got Babies On My Mind...

Well, yet another month has passed. I'm not doing so good on the following through with the "writing more soon" thing, am I? Oops.
Well, here I am today, about to blog. Hooray! In my last post, I mentioned that I had a good reason for not writing for 5 weeks, and it was true. Again, the same holds true here. Another 5 weeks has passed, and I've been preoccupied. With what you may ask? What could hold most of my thoughts captive? What could sway me from sitting down and taking time to blog? Well...the answer is: I've got babies on my mind. Okay, well - I've actually got one baby on my mind...MINE! I still go into shock every time I say that. But Yes, it's true. I am pregnant! Nick and I are going to be parents - can you believe it? Sometimes I can't. You see where all the thinking and preoccupation comes into play here?
Anyway...we found out about our little bean back in November, and I finally decided I could tell the blog world :) Our little precious baby is expected to join us July 17, 2009. I am 15 1/2 weeks along, and there is a little baby bump starting to show. I am going to attempt to give updates concerning our tiny babe, and how we're both growing and changing. :) I have my 20 week ultrasound coming up, and then we'll see real pictures of the baby! Can't wait to see them and share them with you!
Most of all - we are so thankful and blessed for this teeny little gift. Jesus has blessed us greatly with this tiny little miracle. We cannot wait to meet you - our Little Baby.