It's a...

BOY!!!  We found out today that our Tot is a boy.  Brett raised his hands in the air, like "I knew it" when the ultrasound technician said boy.  I must say that I am very impressed by ultrasound technicians.  I couldn't see half of the things she was pointing out.  Tot sure didn't hide that fact that he was a boy though.  When the technician was having a hard time getting a profile picture, I told Brett that our son was already being uncooperative.  What an adventure our lives will be with the coming of our little boy.

Now for Tot's name.  We will be welcoming Henry John into our family in May 2015.  Henry is Brett's great grandfather's name, and John is my dad and his dad's name.  It was a name that was pretty easy for us to come up with, and one that Brett stuck to from the very beginning.  Brett plans to call Henry, Hank.  Hank Hickman is a strong name for someone who Brett thinks will be a shortstop.  I think I'll start calling him Henry.  Maybe I'll be able to go to Hank the Tank when he's a bit older.

Piper is excited to play with her little brother next year!

Thanks to everyone for the prayers in this process.  Henry is seemingly healthy from what the technician saw, so we are in good spirits.  I'll continue to do my weekly updates, but I'll use Henry now instead of Tot.

Now to start thinking about the registry and nursery decorations.  We can't wait to meet you Henry John!!

Week 19

Today has been a rough day so this will be short.  Plus, you'll see another post either tomorrow or Tuesday that contains our Tot's gender, so I think it's ok that this post is short. I'm feeling daily movements from Tot.  Sometimes it's just a kick, punch, or roll here or there.  Other times, it's off and on for about 5 minutes.  Pretty neat feeling.

We find out tomorrow morning if Tot is a boy or girl.  Both Brett and I are leaving toward boy, but we will see.  I really do hope to have something for y'all to see tomorrow so stay tuned!

Old Wives' Tales Test

We find out in less than a week what we are having! Ah, I can't wait.  I thought it may be fun to look at some old wives tales to see what they say we're going to have.  Here we go.

I know, I know. I just HAD to make it even for you.  Now it's time for you to vote.  Cast your vote below!

Will Tot be a Boy or Girl?

Week 18

Week 18 is among us.  Tot is the size of a bell pepper or sweet potato depending on what sites you look at.  Tot is recognizably a boy or a girl now, but we won't find out for another 8 days what he or she is. 

An exciting thing happened this week.  While Brett was away recruiting, I was slouching sitting on the couch with Piper.  All of the sudden, my belly started twitching.  I looked down, and for about 5 minutes, I could see movements.  Now some of you may say that 17 weeks is a little early, but I know my body.  That movement was not a result of eating too many baked beans or broccoli.  Maybe Tot was telling me to fix my posture.  Who knows.  Since that day, I have had little twitches here or there.  It's an exciting feeling.

Well here is my weekly bump.  For some reason, I looked bigger last week, but maybe that's because I wasn't completely faced to the side this week.  I definitely feel bigger.  Not a mushy as before, but a more firm bump.  (By the way, I bought maternity jeans yesterday. BEST THING EVER). 

Stay tuned this week for an old wives' tale post to try to see what they say we are having.

Why I Prayed for Morning Sickness

So I said earlier that I would write a little more about my miraculous non-issue with morning sickness.  I mean miraculous in the truest sense of the word: a miracle from God.  As you may have read or know, I get the side effects of most medicines, and my body never reacts "normally" to changes.  I assumed that I would have terrible bouts of morning sickness. It was a given to me.

I wasn't feeling how I thought you were supposed to feel in your first trimester.  No morning sickness, just bloating.  I got paranoid.  Why wasn't I feeling pregnant?  I started searching the forums to see what other women were thinking.  BAD idea.  It seemed like women who were feeling a lack of symptoms said they eventually had a miscarriage.  Or maybe those were the only ones I was keying in on.  That notion, in combination with us knowing quite a few people who have gone through the loss of a child, just made me more worried.  (NOTE FOR FIRST TIME MOMS-TO-BE: stay away from community forums. If you have a question, go to a medical professional, not a woman who is riding on the emotional roller coaster that is pregnancy.)

I've often heard that morning sickness is a sign of a healthy pregnancy.  Almost like the more miserable you feel, the healthier the pregnancy.  Ironic, huh?  So, I started praying for morning sickness. I prayed that God would allow me to have morning sickness so I would have assurance that Tot was still growing and developing.  That I would KNOW that I was pregnant, not just rely on believing and trusting that I was.

God said no.

It's a no that I was mad about at the time, but one that I am thankful for now.  My thankfulness is hardly about not being glued to the toilet.  It is so much more. I have a hard time with trust and belief.  My logical, analytical brain likes to see (or in this case feel) evidence.  Even after our first appointment where we could see our little 6 week, 5 day Tot, I had no "real" evidence that I could feel the the first trimester to affirm that Tot was still there. 

God forced me to trust that He had everything under control.  That even if we had a miscarriage, He was sovereign over our little one's life and has a plan that I can't understand (Isaiah 55:9).  Once I came to that realization, trusting came easier.  The worry started to subside.  There were definitely still moments when felt paralyzed by doubt, but it didn't consume my every thought. 

I started the process of handing our little Tot over to the God who has numbered all the hairs on Tot's head (Matthew 10:30) and has all of Tot's days written in His book before one of them will ever be (Psalm 139:16).  It's an on-going process, and one that will probably continue Tot's whole life, but it is one that is shaping me into more of who God wants me to be.  It's a journey that I will struggle through, but I know it will be worth it.

Week 17

I can't believe we're already 17 weeks along.  Two weeks from tomorrow, we find out if we're having a boy or a girl.  Brett and I can hardly contain our excitement.  It's going to be a nice Christmas surprise.  Next week, I'm planning on giving my answers to a lot of the old wives' tales.  Y'all can vote about what you think we're having given that information.  I think it will be something fun to do.

A 16 week update wasn't posted last week because I was taking time out to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family.  Chris and Kelci were able to travel up from Huntsville to join us.  Looking over the past year, I've realized I have been able to see my brother a lot more than normal.  Definitely something I could get used to.  We ate a ton of good food that Mom made; I'm sure Tot got his or her share of sweets for a while.  Tot also got to hear the voice of one of my best friends, honorary "Aunt" Jess.  It's a voice that will become very familiar to Tot over his or her lifetime. 

Since Brett had to recruit last week, my dad drove Piper and me back to my house after Thanksgiving.  He spent two days fixing up our house and other things. He attached my new side mirror to my old reliable Honda, fixed two of our bedroom doors that wouldn't close, and redid the trim of the door to the attic.  I can't tell you how much money we have saved because my dad is the ultimate handy man.  And let's not forget that I think Piper loves him more than both Brett and me.  She was more than thrilled that he stayed for a couple of days.  I am so thankful that my dad still spoils his baby girl, and that Mom can handle Oba long enough for him to be able to do so.  Love you, Mom and Dad!

Well, that's a little update on what we've been up to the past couple of weeks.  Enjoy the weekly bump pictures!

Week 15

Hello Week 15!  I've felt decent this week except for those lingering allergy headaches. It seems like my bump is starting to take a little more shape instead of just looking like a blob.  Maybe that's just me though.

Tot is the size of a large naval orange.   A naval orange seems so much bigger than the lemon from last week.  Writing these updates, it's amazing all the fetal developments that happen each week.  I have a hard time understanding how anyone can think a baby, as soon as conception, isn't a human.  It seems like more and more of a miracle with every passing week.  Without a doubt, something hand designed by God.  It is comforting for me to know that the God who created the universe is the same God who is forming our son or daughter.  Just think about that for a sec.  I think you'll agree with me.

Well enjoy this week's update.  I apologize for looking so tired.  It's what growing this baby does to me.

Week 14

Hello second trimester!  I really hope what everyone says about the second trimester (that you get your energy back) is true.  It's been a struggle the past 8 weeks or so.  Today, I woke up at 3 AM, went back to sleep at 3:45, woke up again at 6, went to sleep at 6:30, and was up for good at 7.  That's a pretty good night for me now.  Needless to say, I am exhausted.  Thank goodness for prenatal vitamins.  I definitely think taking prenatal vitamins has helped with my (lack of) nausea, lack of withdrawals from quitting coffee cold turkey, and enough energy to get through a work day. (And I know that some of you get less sleep than that so I shouldn't complain.  I'm just not used to it yet. Guess my body is preparing me for May)

The past couple of days, I've really felt like I'm starting to show more. My bump seems to have dropped a little bit.  If I wear a normal shirt, you can tell I've got a little one growing in there.  It's really exciting to Brett and me.

Like I said, I'm tired, so I am keeping this post short.  I'll write a couple of posts this week about my family coming into town this weekend and some additional thoughts on this pregnancy.  Enjoy Tot's bump update!

13 Weeks and Pregnancy Symptoms

Today marks 13 weeks!  I feel a little relief that we are this far in the pregnancy.  I tend to worry about everything, so the first trimester (and having 6 weeks between appointments) was nerve-wrecking for me.  As this is my first pregnancy, I have nothing to compare what I'm feeling to, which is hard for me since I like control and to know what's going on.

Since everyone has been asking how I'm feeling, I wanted to let you know how my first 12 weeks went.  Tot made me feel like I had a little belly at seven weeks. At 8 weeks, my pants wouldn't button. I'm pretty sure a lot of that has been due to bloating because, wow, HOLY BLOATING. So far, that's been one of the most prominent pregnancy symptom. 

I haven't had much nausea.  I think I can count on one hand the number of times I've felt a little queasy.  That's been the strangest thing for me.  If you know me, you know I get a lot of side effects from medicines, and my body is very sensitive to changes.  I guess God is letting me have a pass on the nausea given all the side effects I have experienced in the past.  I have some more thoughts about my lack of morning sickness, but that's a post in and of itself.  Guess you'll have to come back to read it :) 

The only time where I really wanted to throw up was after trying to have a small cup of coffee the day I found out I was pregnant.  As soon as the coffee hit my stomach, Tot said, "Yeah, no more of that for the next 9 months."  I had to stop cold turkey because the reaction was so bad.  Now, I LOVE COFFEE and normally get migraines if I don't get my cup by 10 AM.  This was what I was most scared of when thinking about getting pregnant: the withdrawal symptoms of not getting my caffeine intake. But lo and behold, no withdrawal symptoms at all! Again, shocked and thankful that God blessed me with not having to deal with massive headaches from not getting my cup of joe.

I've had a couple headaches here and there, but I think that's because of allergies.  I always get really bad sinus headaches in the fall from allergies.

I think the worst symptom I have had is trouble sleeping.  Since a week after I found out, I haven't been sleeping well.  I'll get up one or two times during the night thanks to Tot's pressure on my bladder.  It'll take me at least half an hour to get back to sleep.  One night, it took two hours for me to fall back to sleep.  I'm really hoping that changes in the second trimester.  Lack of sleep plus having this baby growing inside me, football season, taking care of a hyper dog with hip dysplasia, and being really busy at work do not go well with my heightened emotional state (another symptom which I'm sure Brett hopes will pass soon).

Overall, I am feeling EXTREMELY grateful and thankful that this pregnancy has been smooth so far.  My lack of symptoms just strengthens Brett's resolve that we will be having a boy.  We shall see come Christmas time.

Because my sis-in-love is asking for a bump picture, I figured I would start this week, so here you go!

Our Pregnancy Story

Well, it's probably time to revive my neglected blog now that I am pregnant.  Just typing it still seems surreal even though I'm almost 13 weeks. I'll try to keep y'all updated on how this pregnancy is progressing. My goal is to post something every week, but we all know how life picks up when we want it to slow down.  Now, to our story.

On Friday, August 29th, I was feeling a little strange.  I took a pregnancy test but got a negative.  My body had continued to feel weird on Sunday, August 31st. I had some cramps, but not your normal about-to-start cramps.  I had a little bout of motion sickness in the car on the way to church. All week before that Sunday, I had been crying over the silliest things.  When I was watching the U.S. Open tennis tournament, I'd cry over someone succeeding and defeating the odds.  And I'm talking the ugly, tears streaming down the face crying.

When we got home from church, Brett had to go into work.  As soon as he left, I went and took a pregnancy test.  I walked out of the bathroom instead of waiting for it to change.  Before walking back in, I actually prayed, "Lord, please help this test be positive."

I walked in, and to my astonishment, there it was: TWO FAINT PINK LINES.  I was going to keep it from Brett until I had some more definitive lines, but I couldn't hold it in.  When he got home from practice, I got the test, walked out of the bathroom, and said, "Don't freak out."  He saw what was in my hand, and his mouth dropped, followed by a, "No way."  We were both happy, but somewhat scared.

That night, Piper laid her paws on my belly and head on my chest for the first time ever and fell right to sleep.  I really think dogs can sense that kind of thing.  It was precious.

Piper the day we found out about the baby. Also, Piper's first picture with her sibling.

Over the following two days, I took five more pregnancy tests, all of them positive and growing in color strength (I know I know, not many people get false positives, but I still needed to see those tests). We had to wait over 3 weeks for the first appointment, which felt like an eternity.  At our what-I-thought-was-8-week-2-day appointment, we found out we were 6 weeks and 5 days.  A little bit of a let-down.  Anyway, we were still able to hear the baby's heart beating at 130 bpm.

Well, there you have it. The beginning of our little Tot's story (name given to our baby by Brett).  We hope you'll keep us in your prayers.  Keep checking in on the blog for more updates and stories!

Our announcement for social media.

Brent & Danielle

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of flying down to Boynton Beach, FL (near West Palm Beach) to see my cousin Brent marry his love Danielle.  I met Danielle briefly last year at Kyle and Megan's wedding.  With the little time that they had, she seemed like a sweetheart.  We were so excited when she and Brent got engaged.

Since Brett is in the grind of football season, I flew down to Florida by myself.  As soon as I landed, Megan and Kyle told me to change into my swimsuit so we could go to the beach.  I think it's the first time I've actually laid out on the beach since my bachelorette party 2.5 years ago.  Crazy.  Anyway, after about an hour on the beach catching up with my best friend, we headed to the hotel and got ready for the rehearsal.

The rehearsal was very well run, getting everything done within 45 minutes.  My favorite kind of rehearsal.  After the rehearsal, we headed to an Italian restaurant near the hotel. Mom and Dad had landed by that point.  It's the first time I've seen them in almost two months (definitely strange).  We enjoyed a wonderful family style dinner, some great (emotional) speeches, and lots of laughs. When all the rehearsal activities were done, Brent, Danielle, and their attendants went to celebrate.  I stayed at the hotel with some of our family.

Over the past couple of months, my mom and two uncles have been making a binder of letters and pictures in honor of Pappaw's 90th birthday next month.  They decided to give him the binder the night before the wedding.  I think he cherishes the written word.  I remember him telling me a letter is missing something if you don't include the date.  I've always included a date in any handwritten notes from that point on.  He was so appreciative and said he would read the letters once he got back to the room.

Rehearsal time

Beautiful view out of the country club

Two of the greatest men in my life

Cousins and their ladies

Love these women and their hearts

Last night as an engaged couple

67 years of marriage later and they love each other even more.

The next day was pretty relaxed, at least for me.  We went out to IHOP for breakfast, followed by some hanging out.  We then headed to the country club where Brent and Danielle were getting married.  Brent seemed so relaxed, but as time got closer, you could tell he was anxiously excited to marry his bride.  When Danielle walked in, she looked absolutely stunning.  I got choked up when I looked at Brent and saw him trying to hold it together (the groom's reaction to his bride walking down the aisle is one of my favorite parts of a wedding).  Just thinking about it makes me a little teary right now.  They had a heart-felt, Christ-centered ceremony.  When they did the sand ceremony, Cassy sang Oceans.  I just closed my eyes and listened to her beautiful voice.  And just like that, Brent and Danielle were married!

After the ceremony, we walked right around the corner to the cocktail hour.  There was some awesome food.  The reception was so fun!  I loved all of the dances.  Again, I cried when Aunt Nan danced with Brent.  The speeches were hilarious.  Danielle's sister's speech was one of the most unique speeches I've heard.  She had everyone in stitches.  Kyle's speech was funny, but sincere as well.  I know he's excited about having Brent and Danielle living in the same town as he and Megan.  Then the dancing started.... I could have sat there the whole time watching.  Well actually, I did.  Danielle's family loves to dance, as do their college friends. 

He's excited to get married.

Beautiful

First dance

Best man speech

They had to kiss every time someone rang a bell

Mother-son dance

Best friend and cousin-in-love

Love these two and the example of marriage they have displayed for everyone

Mom, Uncle Rich, and Aunt Nan getting down

Just like our picture from Colleen's wedding

Cousins by marriage. Love them!

Just missing Uncle Ed.

My favorite picture from that weekend.

Rollin' on the River dance

One of the last dances: New York

I really enjoy everything about Brent and Danielle's wedding.  Anything that involves family is something I don't want to miss.  I just love my family, and am so glad that Danielle is now a part of it.  Congrats to Brent and Danielle!

It's Finally Here

Today is one of my favorite days of the year.  It's GAME DAY! I woke up at 4 this morning and was off and on until 7 when I finally decided to get up.  Too much excitement.  Anyway, GWU Football takes on Furman tonight at 7.  I'm anxious, excited, and stressed;  I can't image what the players and coaches are feeling.

In honor of tonight, I wanted to post pictures from the staff cookout at the Head Coach's house (we missed you KaShanda, Keenan, and Kendall).  Coach McCray and Ms. Angel were kind enough to have all of us over before camp started early this month.  Their house is absolutely beautiful and was the perfect place to have everyone together.  I love moments like this because it reminds me of how God has blessed Brett and me so much with a great head coach, one of the best support systems for me in the football wives, and much entertainment from all of the coaches' kids.  We really couldn't ask for a better staff or a better man to lead the ship.

Sweet little Daniel.  The youngest coach's son.

I think Issac was posing for this one.

Sydnei is the best big sister.

Michelle holding Piera, Rocco and Melissa's youngest. What a doll.

Love this man and the ministry we have together.

I just love this picture of Kelly with Daniel.

Those precious little hands.b

During camp, we take the players to church.  Those two Sundays are some of my favorite Sundays of the year (I know I have a lot of favorites in this post).  It's one of the clearest ways I see how God uses us.  After service, the church we attend feeds us lunch.  It's a big task with all of the men, but I'm very thankful the local churches want to be involved. 

The first Sunday of camp was picture day, so after church we headed back to GWU to get family, coach, and player pictures.  Another moment where I realize how blessed we are.  And how hilarious and full of energy the boys are.

Sharp. And he dressed himself.

My coach

Coaches' son minus Daniel. Nothing like it.

Be still my heart. So precious.

Some of the football wives. So thankful.

After the second Sunday taking the team to church.

And with that, let's get ready.

It's GAME DAY! GO DAWGS! BEAT FURMAN!