It's a Party!

Like I said, the ladies at the church had a shower for us.

Here we are waiting for the guests to arrive.

Daddy sent a special surprise.

He is so sweet.

 

You got lots of great gifts.

Your sisters were so excited that they got to come.

 

Everyone had a really great time. We all can't wait till you get here!

 

Just the Three of Us...

Dear Squirmy Peanut,

Well, we have your birthday all set, that is unless you decide to surprise us and come earlier. We are scheduled to meet you on November 6th. Mommy & Daddy and your brothers and sisters are all very excited. The ladies at the church are going to throw us a baby shower on October 19th. You are probably going to get lots of really great presents! You are very busy in Mommy's belly. Sorry it's so tight in there, but you only have to stick it out for 27 more days!

Your Daddy...

I thought I would take a few minutes to introduce you to your daddy. His name is Matt. He is the sweetest man I've ever met. He has been taking very good care of us. He helps mommy with the laundry and the cleaning. He gets us whatever we want to eat. He's also been trying to get healthier so that he is around for us for a very long time. He has been getting up early every morning and working out and also watching what he eats. He has lost about 20 pounds so far. I am very proud of him. He talks to you and you like to kick him when we are all laying in bed together. He loves God and tries to live to make him proud. If you are a boy I want you to grow up to be just like him. And if you are a girl I want you to marry someone just like him. He is the best husband and daddy ever.

Dear Sweet Peanut,

We got to see you again today. You were waiving at us. We got to see your itty-bitty feet too. It made Mommy cry. They wanted to know if we wanted to find out if you are a boy or a girl, but we decided to wait until we get to meet you in person. The doctor pretty much said that you are perfect, which we already knew. We have been very busy the last couple of months. We went to Nashville in May and Myrtle Beach in June. You are a very well traveled baby! We now have a crib for you to sleep in. We also went shopping for your stroller and the car seat that you will ride home from the hospital in. Daddy and I went on a tour of the hospital where you will be born. I think you are going to like it there. I have been able to feel you squirming around in my belly for a couple of weeks now. Daddy can see and feel you moving around sometimes too. It is one of the best things ever.

Dear Peanut,

Well, I think the cat is officially out of the bag. We've told Daddy's family and Mommy's family. Everyone is excited! I took your brothers and sisters roller skating on the 12th to celebrate Ariel's birthday. She's 11 now. Your other sister, Hannah, has been drawing you pictures. They are on the refrigerator waiting for you. We've also started to get your room ready. We go back to see the doctor on May 3rd.

Hello Peanut!

Hi there! We *did* get to peek at you today! The doctor said that everything looks good. You are supposed to show up sometime around November 12th! We can't wait to meet you in person! We have now also told your brothers and sisters and some people at the church. We are looking forward to telling Daddy's family this weekend! Love you!

Dear Baby,

We had a very exciting week last week. You, Mommy, and Daddy went to Virginia and Washington, D.C. We got to see The White House and The Washington Monument and rode on the subway for the first time. We took pictures that we'll show you later. We still haven't told everyone that you are on your way. We've only told our very best friends. We also told some ladies in Washington, D.C., but I don't think we'll ever see them again. We have our first doctor's appointment set for April 5th. Hopefully we will get to peek at you for the first time then! Can't believe how much we love you already!

Dear Baby,

This morning I took a pregnancy test and it had one dark pink line and one very light pink line! Daddy and Mommy are the only ones who know so far. We are very excited!

A long year.

A year ago my life changed. I've learned a lot since then. I've learned that some of the people you think will always stand by you disappear when the going gets tough. Blood is not always thicker than water. I've learned that God answers prayers in ways you could never imagine. I've learned that love conquers all. Mostly I stand amazed at God's faithfulness. I thank my late grandmother for providing me with a strong foundation. Without it I never could have survived.