Southern Grace

friday!

2012-02-10T13:37:00.001-05:00

after bathtime

2012-02-07T10:10:00.001-05:00

you're two months old, wattsie!

2012-02-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

Happy two month birthday, my big, big girl! You turned two months old yesterday.

Yesterday, you went to the doctor for your two month check-up. Daddy and I both got to take you. You wore your cream smocked dress with your socks with the ruffle at the top. You looked so cute! You were hungry when we got there, so you were a little fussy throughout your entire appointment.

You weigh 13 lbs., 9 oz. (95th percentile). You are 23 inches tall (75th percentile). Your head is 16 inches around (75th percentile). Your temperature was 99.1*.

You got three shots-- Pentacel (to protect you against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and H flu type), Prevnar (to protect you against pneumococcal infections including meningitis) and Rotate (to protect you against rotavirus). Two were by injection and one was an oral vaccine. You did really well. You were so very brave! We had a bottle ready for you right when you finished up your final injection, so you didn't cry long at all! You were too hungry to think about the shots, I think.

Dr. Belza said you are perfect. You don't have a heart murmur, your head isn't flat, and you are eating and pooping just as you should be! We're thankful he didn't hold a grudge against you after you hit him when he measured your head circumference! He also said your ear that was infected looks just fine, and your congestion is getting better and better every day.

Your two month old photos turned out so good. I didn't realize how much you have grown since your one month photos (because I see you all day every day), but as I compare your photos, I realize that you have gotten so big! You are changing so much every single day. It breaks my heart and makes me so happy at the same time. Being a parent is weird like that.

You have started sleeping in your crib more and more each night. Your daddy has the special touch, I think. He puts you down after your 10:00 feeding, and you cry for just a few seconds, then you lay in your crib pretty quietly until you fall asleep. Your longest stretch of sleep in your crib was from about 11:30p until 4:30a. We are so proud of you!

You are still eating every 2-2 1/2 hours. You eat for about 30 minutes at each feeding. When I fix you a pumped bottle, you eat 3-4 oz.

You love your daddy. I think it throws you off a little when he's not home with us during the day.

You love, love, love to sit up like a big girl. You are holding your head up so well, and you love to "stand up", too. Your favorite place to lay is your changing table. We can always get a smile out of you when you are laying on it.

You still love to ride in the car. You always fall asleep about 5 minutes into the ride.

You hate tummy time. It's so funny to watch you squirm around when we put you on your tummy. It's a good thing Dr. Belza told you your head is just perfect today, because you would have probably pitched a fit if he had said you need more tummy time. It's your absolute least favorite thing.

We FaceTime your Mumsy and Gran V a lot. You've fallen in love with the Kate Spade case on my iPhone. You think it's so funny.

You grunt all the time! You are such a little piggy. You also have started drooling a lot, too. It cracks Daddy up that his shoulder is always wet after he holds you.

It has been so much fun watching you grow and change over the past two months. Your daddy and I love you, and we are so proud of you. We make it a point to tell you that every single day, and nothing could be more true. You are such a blessing to us.

Happy two month birthday, my precious, precious girl. You mean more to me than you'll ever, ever know.

You are my heart, Amalou Watts Alexander. You are my heart.

With more love than you'll every know,
Momma

bumbo

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Gran V and Pop sent Wattsie a Bumbo seat through the mail the other day, so last night we decided to let her sit in it for a little while. She seemed pretty content, and I couldn't get over how old she looked sitting in it.

Thank you for my present, Gran V and Pop!

jesus loves the little children

2012-01-29T17:28:00.000-05:00

This morning was Wattsie's first Sunday to go to church. I was a nervous wreck, but she did so great! She was wide-eyed when we got there, but she fell asleep right as the offering plate was being passed around. She slept through Mat's entire sermon, and we had to wake her up to make a few photos after the service. I was such a proud momma! All the sweet ladies (and most of the men!) in the church just gushed over her. They all said she looks just like her daddy! I was so happy to finally be able to show her off to our Sunnyside family.

She wore her "coming home from the hospital" dress along with the white with pink piping sweater her mumsy gave her when she was born. She looked so sweet.

Mat preached from Ephesians 3, and I recorded some notes from his sermon in her Bible. We sat on the back pew (because I was afraid we'd have to make a quit exit), but she did perfect, and I didn't get nervous a time! It was such a blessing to be able to take my little girl to church for the very first time. It was good to be in the house of the Lord with my family this morning!

in love...

2012-01-27T19:21:00.001-05:00

...with this little girl.

sick baby

2012-01-25T12:28:00.002-05:00

Mat and I took Ama-Watts to the pediatrician yesterday. On Monday, she woke up extremely congested. I though it would get better as the day wore on, but it didn't, so we decided to take her.

Dr. Laney diagnosed Ama-Watts with an ear infection (her right ear) and a cold. They tested her for RSV, and thankfully she tested negative. Dr. Laney prescribed her amoxicillin, and he encouraged us to keep using saline drops in her little nose.

I think it's awful to be so small and be so sick. Poor thing. She doesn't act like her ear really bothers her, but she gets frustrated with not being able to breathe, I think. It's hard for her to breathe out of her nose at all, so it makes it especially hard for her to eat. She is sleeping a lot, especially during the day, which is very unusual for her. I feel just terrible, but I'm so glad we've got medicine for her, and hopefully she'll get better soon!

after christmas in alabama

2012-01-25T10:44:00.000-05:00

Finally, here is just some more photos of our time in Alabama. I feel like between feeding Wattsie almost constantly the entire two weeks we were there, and with us not being able to take her out in public while we were there, we didn't get many photos with her. I could kick myself, too, because we didn't even get a family picture at any Christmas events. Oh, well. You live and learn. I'm just lucky to get to be this little girl's momma. It is my joy to look at her every single day. Thank you, Jesus!

Meeting Granny and Paw-Paw for the first time...

New Year's Eve with Momma...

Headed back to Kentucky after a wonderful two weeks at home in Alabama. We had a great Christmas vacation!

gunter christmas and walker christmas

2012-01-24T09:08:00.001-05:00

On December 27, we headed to my Uncle Jim and Aunt Tammy's for Christmas in Ft. Payne.

Ama-Watts got to meet Ellie Parker, Morgan, Megan, Weston, Uncle Jim and Aunt Tammy all for the very first time...

EP, Uncle Jim and Wattsie had some quiet time in the living room watching football and reading books...

And of course, Mumsy rocked and rocked while Wattsie slept...a lot!

For as long as I can remember since I was pregnant, Ellie has asked to be able to hold and feed Ama. I made sure we followed through on my promise!

Aunt Morgan is the best at holding babies. Wattsie loved her to death!

This makes my heart smile in every single way. I love my family.

Wattsie also loves, loves, loves her Great! They sat and rocked a long time.

Sorry, Mom...didn't mean to blur you out!

We had such a great time at my aunt and uncle's house. We love going over there. I am so thankful for such a great family. My heart just breaks that we aren't able to see them more often.

The next day after that, we went to my dad and stepmom's house. We had a relaxing lunch and afternoon over there.

(Again, I could kick myself for not making more photos...)

Mat and Sawyer...

It seems like AWA slept so much during Christmas (which is hilarious, because she never sleeps now!)...

Celebrating Christmas with our new little addition was such a blessing this year. We loved having Ama-Watts with us, and we loved introducing her to family and friends in Alabama. We can't wait until next year when Christmas comes again, and we'll be able to take her more places...and she might even get to meet Santa Claus! I know she'll be so excited about that.

More than that, though, Mat and I can't wait to teach our daughter about the true meaning of Christmas and what it means to us as Christians. God, help us to be faithful to You in that!

We are beyond blessed, and this Christmas was just another season for us to thank the Lord for His many blessings in our lives!

christmas day & december 26, 2011

2012-01-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

Continuing on with documenting Ama-Watts' first Christmas...

On Christmas Day, we drove home right after Mat finished up at church. Ama-Watts did so great on the drive home. She drank two bottles on the way, and we only stopped once to change her diaper. Such a sweet baby girl, and she loves to travel-- just like Daddy and Momma.

It was so great to finally get to Boaz. Ama-Watts spent some quality time with Gran V, Pop and Aunt Lenze that night. We went to bed late, and Ama-Watts slept great upstairs with Mat and I. We were so proud of her!

We got up early the next morning to have "Christmas" with Mat's family. We had breakfast and opened gifts. Wattsie was spoiled rotten by everyone and so were we.

Mat and Chris started preparation on our Christmas dinner for Mat's extended family. They all came over that night.

"Christmas" morning with Aunt Lenze...

Sweet Bryleigh with Michael and Kelly...

Wattsie and her cousin, Aaron...

Gran V opening gifts...

Despite the look, this one's a big softie...

Mat was pretty pumped about getting a tartan robe for Christmas...

Cousin Ethan in the background...

Right after "Christmas" breakfast, my grandparents came over to finally meet Ama-Watts. It was such a special time!

Mat and Chris really outdid themselves with all the food for our family's "Christmas" dinner-- prime rib, burgundy mushrooms, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, homemade Caesar salads, rolls, and a ton of other food. Everything was soooo good.

Christmas continued to be wonderful...especially because of our sweet little girl. She was the best present!

I've still got two more Christmases to post about. Those will come soon!

afternoons with daddy

2012-01-22T15:04:00.001-05:00

bouncin'

2012-01-21T12:25:00.000-05:00

almost a smile...

2012-01-19T13:46:00.001-05:00

my rocking horse dress

2012-01-17T15:43:00.000-05:00

I am so glad that my mom saved almost all of my smocked dresses. Yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment in Louisville, so we dressed Ama-Watts in one of my favorite dresses of mine...my rocking horse dress.

In other news, I have a feeling we are right on the verge of seeing a smile on this face. This morning right before her bath, I was kissing Wattsie's neck, and I could tell she wanted to smile so badly, but she just couldn't bring herself to smile just yet. I think she is waiting on her daddy to get home so he doesn't miss her first smile!

Saturday afternoon nap

2012-01-14T19:30:00.001-05:00

my little snow bunny

2012-01-12T21:04:00.000-05:00

Today, we got a pretty good dusting of snow here in Knob Creek. Ama-Watts slept through her first "snow" (it was just a few flakes), but since she was wide awake some today, Mat and I decided to take her out on the porch for a little while.

You can see that she was totally feeling it...

*Thanks, Gran V, for my bunny outfit. Despite my fit, I promise I was nice and toasty in my pink suit, and Momma and Daddy didn't keep me out long at all!

One month check-up

2012-01-11T16:25:00.001-05:00

Mat and I took Ama-Watts to the pediatrician for her one month check-up this morning.

She weighs 11 lbs., 5 1/2 oz. (95th percentile).

She is 22 3/4 in. long (95th percentile).

And her head circumference is 15 1/2 in. (90th percentile).

She got her second Hepatitis B shot, which luckily, Mat handled that part of the appointment while I warmed her a bottle in the doctor's office bathroom. We didn't see our doctor, but we saw an LRN, Blair, and she said Wattsie is absolutely perfect. She advised us to start Wattsie on a tummy time routine (20 minutes total per day), and also to start her on Vitamin D drops.

We love our pediatricians' office, and they are always so gracious and available to answer any of our questions. They love on our baby, and we are thankful for them!

Wattsie did so well taking her shot and getting examined today, and we are so proud of her. She's been a champ of a sleeper today, too. We love days like this.

We are so thankful for a great report and a healthy baby girl!

Christmas Eve at home 2011

2012-01-11T15:09:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. Because it was Wattsie's first Christmas, we made great memories and started fun traditions with her. Since Christmas day fell on a Sunday, we stayed in Kentucky and left for Alabama after church. My mom came on Thursday before Christmas and stayed with us. She followed us home to Alabama on Christmas day.

The only Christmas decorations I got put up this year were our tree and our stockings. And without my mom's help, those wouldn't have even been put up! I am so thankful she was able to come and help me get the tree up. It's one of my favorite parts of Christmas.

Ama-Watts received several Baby's First Christmas ornaments this year, and I am so glad. This one came from a sweet church member.

And this one came from Ama-Watts' Mumsy...

Mat and I have matching stockings that we got the first year we were married. They are needlepoint, and although I can needlepoint, I just couldn't find it in me to make Ama-Watts a stocking this year. Mom found this stocking at TJ Maxx, and she thought it would do until we could find her a permanent stocking to "match" ours. (Update-- we did find her a stocking after Christmas, and although it's not needlepoint, it is cableknit and matches our perfectly!)

Mat, Mom, Ama-Watts and I exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve night. We had Julia Child's bœuf bourguignon and mashed potatoes for dinner, and then we opened gifts.

Wattsie wore her Santa outfit for the festivities!

And she also slept through all the excitement...

Shamgar was very interested in the wrapping paper, as you can tell.

Wattsie got a few little things in her stocking, and she got some great gifts from her Mumsy, too. She is one blessed little baby girl!

Mat and I didn't get her a lot this year, because she has everything she needs, and we knew grandparents would spoil her rotten! Instead of giving her things she didn't really need, we bought her an ESV journaling Bible. I plan to use this as "my" Bible from now on-- I will write in it, take notes in it, and write down thoughts from her Daddy's sermons in it. Mat and I plan on giving it to her when she gets older. We hope she will cherish it.

We had a quiet, relaxing and blessed Christmas Eve at home this year, and for that, we are so thankful. We don't yet know if we are always going to be able to be at our home on Christmas Eve every year, so it was nice to be here this year for Wattsie's first Christmas.

Christmas Eve night, Mumsy slept on the big couch (even though there's a full-sized bed in the guest bedroom for her!), and I slept with Wattsie on the small couch. It is one of my favorite things to be able to sleep "under" the Christmas tree and its lights on Christmas Eve. Such sweet memories. It was a wonderful Christmas Eve!

More Christmas posts to come...

Resolutions

2012-01-06T13:46:00.001-05:00

I know I am a few days late posting this, but I have finally decided on my resolutions for 2012. In no particular order, here they are...

1. Paint and decorate our spare bathroom.
It's true. We've lived in our home since November 6, 2010, and we still have a bathroom with primer on the walls. This has to be fixed...this year!!

2. Declutter our home, including clothes closets, drawers and our basement.
I'll be making a very generous donation to Goodwill, I am sure.

3. Work on sewing.
I've not gotten really good at using my sewing machine yet, so I need to practice more. Now that I am staying at home, I hope to have a little more time to do just that. I'd also like to work more on my smocking, especially on the dress and bonnet I've already started for Wattsie.

4. Cook more often with new recipes.
I usually revert back to my favorite cookbook (The Pioneer Woman Cooks) for every meal planning session. And while I'll always be loyal to PW, I think I need to branch out and use more of the cookbooks I own. I'd especially like to branch out and explore "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" more than I have. I cooked Boeuf Bourguignon last New Year's Day, and loved every minute of it-- from preparation to the finished meal. It was delicious, so I know Julia has more amazing recipes up her sleeve.

5. Work on my photography more.
This is a simple resolution, yet one that's always on my list. With Wattsie, it will be nice to always have a subject around to photograph.

6. Finish the fall women's Bible study from The Village Church.
I started Jennifer Wilkins' online Bible study earlier in fall '11, but never finished it. It's really great so far, so I want to finish it up this year.

7. And finally, I hope to be FAITHFUL.
I want to be faithful to the Lord, to my husband, to my daughter and to my church. I pray that the Lord will give me specific opportunities this year to to serve my family. I pray that He will grant me courage to do what's right and courage to manage my household in a way that honors Him. I pray that He will help me serve His church with love and enthusiasm. This is a huge task, I know, but one that is of utmost importance.

I look forward to 2012 with great anticipation. It promises to be a great year!

happy new year!

2012-01-01T21:17:00.001-05:00

you're one month old, wattsie!

2012-01-01T09:03:00.001-05:00

You're one month old, my sweet baby Wattsie!

And I cannot believe it! It seems like just yesterday I was lying in the hospital bed at Baptist East. I was so nervous about meeting you, but it seems that we are perfect for each other.

You are wearing some newborn clothes, but you are mostly wearing 0-3 and 3 months clothes. You are still in newborn diapers despite Daddy's desire for you to wear size 1 diapers. (We have a hefty supply of size 1 diapers, where as we've already gone through all of the newborn size supply we bought before you were born resulting in a couple of trips to Wal-Mart to buy diapers.)

You are a pretty good sleeper. You sleep in our room, and you sleep almost 6 hours straight every night. We usually put you down about midnight, and you wake up about 6 a.m., then you'll wake up again for good at 8:30. We can't complain about that at all.

You are a good eater, too. You eat usually every 2 to 2 1/2 hours during the day for 15-20 minutes. You will take a bottle no problem. You usually drink 3 oz. when you take a bottle.

You are very particular. You don't really like to rock or sit in a pumpkin seat. You like to be held, but you only like to cuddle when you're asleep. You like to look around, and you love lights. You don't like to be by yourself, and you cry and cry if we ever leave you on the couch to sleep and you wake up and realize you're alone.

You don't mind your bath at all. We did make the mistake of giving it to you once right before bedtime, and you were wide awake after that, so now you get your bath in the mornings. You live your Puj tub, and it makes bath time easy on Momma.

You love to ride in the car, and you did so great on our long drive to Alabama for Christmas. You slept the whole way until we got to Huntsville, and then you got a little fussy. We fed you twice on the ride.

People have differing opinions on who you look like-- some say you look like me, and some say you look like your daddy. We'll have to wait until you're a little older to see what color eyes you have. Your eyelashes and eyebrows are starting to get a little thicker, and you still have all of your dark, black hair you had when you were born. You have beautiful skin-- it's so soft, and you're complexion is gorgeous. You are such a pretty girl!!

You had a great first Christmas! You got lots of new clothes, new books, a Bible from Momma and Daddy, money (for your savings account), a pearl bracelet, and a few toys.

We have had so much fun with you the past month. You are such a good baby, and your daddy and I are so blessed to have you as our daughter. You are our pride and joy!!

We love you so much, Wattsie! Thank you for making us parents. You are a great, great blessing to us, and we praise God that He entrusted you to us.

Happy 1 month birthday, my little girl! Always remember you have my heart.

my whole world...

2011-12-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

...and everything in it.

merry christmas!

2011-12-24T21:03:00.000-05:00

From our family to yours, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

you're three weeks old, wattsie!

2011-12-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

My Wattsie, you are three weeks old today! It's so hard to believe that you'll be one month old on Jan. 1! Where has the time gone?

Your daddy and I say to ourselves every day that sometimes, it feels like you've always been with us, and other times, it is surprising to look over and see a newborn on our couch. We love you so much.

Very soon, we'll be going to Alabama for Christmas. We can't wait for you to meet the rest of your family!

You have sort of developed a little "pattern." You wake up around 8 a.m., nurse, I give you a bath, you stay awake until noon, eat, nap, eat, nap, eat, nap, and then you finally fall asleep around midnight. You usually stay awake from midnight until two a.m., and then you nurse again and fall fast asleep until 8 a.m. the next morning.

We took you to the pediatrician on Tuesday. You've been a little congested lately-- especially at night-- so we were a little concerned. Dr. Laney said your lungs were perfectly clear, and your congestion was all in your head. You're doing just fine!

You really like bath time. I give you a bath every morning, and it never seems to bother you at all. I love, love, love the way you smell after your bath. It is pure bliss!

On Tuesday night, you took your first bottle from Daddy. You loved it! I was a little concerned about you nursing after that, but you haven't batted an eye! We were so thankful!

We've taken you out in the car a couple times. The pediatrician gave us strict orders that you cannot go out in public until you are eight weeks old, so you just hang out in the car while Momma or Daddy runs in to the stores. You don't seem to mind at all. In fact, I think you like it. You sleep almost the whole time you are in your car seat.

Your favorite thing is eating. You could eat all day if we'd let you!

We cannot believe how much you are growing and changing every single day. You are a constant blessing to us, and no matter how our day is going, we can take one little look at you, and we are absolutely smitten. You have stolen our hearts. We love you, little girl. We can't wait to keep watching you grow!

With all my love,

Momma

splish, splash!

2011-12-17T17:34:00.002-05:00

We gave Wattsie her first bath on Wednesday night after her cord fell off. She was so good, and she didn't cry at all! I was so proud of her. She is the sweetest baby. We are so blessed!

Here's a YouTube video Mat made of Wattsie's first bath...

Good morning!

2011-12-17T11:09:00.003-05:00

Good morning, world!

two weeks old

2011-12-15T21:23:00.004-05:00

Happy two week birthday, little girl. You have stolen your momma's heart.

Always sleeping

2011-12-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

to the park

2011-12-13T09:41:00.001-05:00

We took Ama-Watts to the park yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, it was too cold, so we only stayed a few minutes. I think she may have enjoyed her very first stroll in her stroller.

lazy sunday afternoon

2011-12-12T18:41:00.000-05:00

you're one week old, wattsie!

2011-12-08T09:51:00.000-05:00

Happy One Week Birthday, Ama-Watts! Here's a recap of your first week of life.

You were born on Thursday, December 1, 2011. You spent the night in our room most of the night except for a short one-hour stay in the nursery. The nurse brought you back so that I could feed you around 4 a.m., and you stayed the rest of the time on my chest. When you woke up on Friday, you were in such a sweet mood. You spent some time with your daddy lying on his chest. It warmed my heart to see you both together.

Your Mumsy had spent the night at our house on Thursday night, and she overslept Friday, so she came up to the hospital around 11:00. Pop came by and hung out with us that morning, too. He brought your momma a sausage biscuit from McDonald's-- my first meal since you were born.

I got up and got dressed, and then I got to spend some more time with my girl. Precious, precious time.

Later in the day, Auntie D (Diana Foster) came by for a visit around lunch. Your daddy was especially happy to see D because she brought him coffee!

Aunt Lindsey Poenie, Alli Hill, Christy Tarver, and your future in-laws (haha), Adam and Sarah Rice also came by to visit, but you were getting hungry so I didn't get to make photos of them. :(

We got to put Ama in another outfit besides the plain white t-shirt they had put on her the night she was born. It was so good to see her in something we had bought just for her.

Your Gran V and Lenze came by early that afternoon, too.

Later, one of our sweet church members, Bobby Hedges, came by and brought you a little stuffed moose.

We had a good, relaxing day in the hospital. I kissed you all over, and we shared some really sweet memories together with our family.

On Saturday, the hospital let us know we could go home that day shortly after lunch. Early that morning, one of your pediatricians, Dr. Jones, came by to check on you. He said you were just perfect. Aunt Tammy, Uncle Jim, Meg, Morgan and Ellie Parker sent us a beautiful flower arrangement and a snack basket to the hospital. We are so blessed with such great family, Ama!

I got up and got ready, and then it was time for us to get you ready to go home! You hated having your clothes changed, but you wore a beautiful dress that your Aunt Becky hand smocked-- it was the same exact dress that your momma wore home from the hospital when she was born.

It was just after we had put your dress on that I realized that we were taking you home with us. I realized that you were ours. I, of course, started crying, and the biggest feeling of thankfulness filled my heart.

And then, before I knew it, we were in the car and headed home.

You slept the whole way home, and your daddy got you out of the car and took you inside. It was good to have just a few moments in the house alone-- just the three of us.

As soon as we got in the house, I took you out of the car seat, and you and I went into your nursery. I sat and rocked you in your chair and savored the first sweet moments you and I had alone in our house.

That night, Mumsy, Pop, Gran V and Aunt Lenze all spent the night with us. I was exhausted, but it was comforting to have our family with us. You slept a ton and woke up just a few times to eat. You had not been eating very well since we got home from the hospital, but I thought it was just the adjustment time for you. I got frustrated (not with you, but with not knowing if you were hungry and just not eating or what), and I cried a couple times those first few hours. Your daddy and Mumsy were so good to always calm me down. And looking at you always calmed me down, too. You slept like a champion your first night home...when we finally got you asleep. Your daddy was on the first watch, and your mumsy slept in your nursery floor beside you while you slept in your Nap Nanny. I got up only a few times for a few short feeding sessions.

On Sunday morning, your daddy went to church and Gran V, Pop and Aunt Lenze left to go home around noon. You still were not eating well at all, and I started to get really worried. I called the lactation consultant at the hospital, and we went to see her around 3:00. She helped us out a ton, and since then, we've not had any problems at all! We just needed a little help. Cindy was a lifesaver!!

We came back home and enjoyed a nice, relaxing evening at home...and you ate, and my heart was warmed.

On Monday morning, we all got up early to get ready to take you to your first appointment with the pediatrician. Your appointment was at 10:30 a.m. Mumsy, Daddy and I took you. You were really good except for when we undressed you, and even then, you just cried a little. The nurse weighed you and you weighed 8 lbs., 5 oz., which Dr. Lynch was slightly worried about. We had to schedule a weight check for 48 hours later, and Dr. Lynch encouraged me to feed you every 2 hours.

We got home on Monday and just relaxed around the house.

On Monday afternoon, the doorbell rang, and a florist delivered a bouquet of flowers and a picture frame from our church. We are so blessed with such a sweet congregation at Sunnyside.

On Tuesday, Mumsy and I decided to put up Christmas decorations. She bought you the cutest little ornament for the tree for your first Christmas.

On Tuesday, you were still eating really well, so I was really happy. You were eating about every 2 1/2-3 hours, which I thought was pretty good. I prayed the whole day that you would gain weight.

Tuesday night, you slept really well. Dad slept in our spare bedroom while Mumsy slept on the couch. Daddy hadn't been feeling well, so he slept in another room so he wouldn't get you sick. You and I braved the night alone, and we did just great. You are such a wonderful baby-- even at night!

On Wednesday, you had another appointment at the pediatrician's office, so your Mumsy and I woke up early so I could start your schedule off right. Your appointment was at 11:00. While I was getting you ready to go, I opened the blinds to make your picture and saw that it was snowing! I was so glad that you were only six days old when you saw your very first snow.

Daddy had to get a haircut and he had plans to eat with a friend so he didn't go with us to the doctor's office. I undressed you at the doctor's office, and put you on the scale for the nurse, and you weighed 8 lbs., 11 oz. Dr. Lynch said she expected about a half of an ounce of weight gain per day, and since you had gained 6 ounces in 48 hours, she was very, very pleased. I felt such relief. You did good, girl. You did so good. :)

We had a photographer scheduled to come and make your newborn photos at the house at 2 p.m. I was worried to death that you might be a little fussy, but you were absolutely perfect during the entire one hour session. I was so proud of you. I cannot wait to see the pictures. I know you will look absolutely beautiful in them!

One of the dresses you wore in the photos was a Christmas dress I wore in my family's first Christmas card. It's another hand-smocked dress made by your Aunt Becky, and I just love it. You look so adorable in it, pretty girl. You are the apple of my eye.

I have so loved spending this week with you. I am already seeing how you are growing and changing. You are an absolute joy to your daddy and I. We love you more than you'll ever know.

Happy One Week Birthday, little girl. You are my heart.

12.01.2011

2011-12-06T11:15:00.000-05:00

This post is a few days late, but I can promise that it's not because I've not had anything to do. My sweet little girl is here, and before time got too far away from me, I wanted to document the day she was born.

On Tuesday, November 29, 2011-- my due date--, I went to the doctor for my weekly prenatal appointment. My wonderful doctor, Dr. James Link, told Mat and I that my body was ready to deliver, and that we were just stuck in a waiting game. I was 3 cm dilated. Dr. Link gave us the option for me to have an induction. I was, in a way, afraid of making that decision, but I knew my heart just could barely wait another day to see my sweet girl. I looked at Mat, and Mat told Dr. Link that he thought an induction was best so that we could be sure Dr. Link would be there to deliver the baby. Two hours later, I got a call from the doctor's office, and my induction was scheduled for Thursday, December 1, 2011, at 6:00 a.m.

The next night, my mom came into town. She arrived at our house around 10:00 p.m. We had pizza and talked, and I was so anxious, nervous and excited that I wasn't sleepy at all. I ended up going to bed around 12:30 a.m. Mat had to finish up a final for a class, so he came to bed around 2:00 a.m. Not the best situation considering the circumstances I would face the next day, but when your head is swimming and your heart is yearning, it sure is hard to fall asleep.

I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday. I hopped in the shower, called the hospital to make sure they had a bed for me, and we headed to the hospital. We left home at 5:40 a.m., and the thermometer on our car said it was 22 degrees outside. Mat drove me, and Mom followed us in her car.

The ride to the hospital was surreal in that I knew it was happening, I knew what was about to happen, but I felt like I was floating. The only thing I can remember was that I was extremely hungry, and ice chips just weren't cutting it.

We arrived at the hospital at 6:15 a.m. We made a few pics in the lobby.

We headed up to Labor and Delivery on the third floor of Baptist East Hospital, and I began the check-in process. The registration nurse has a terrible tickle in her throat, and my mom offered her a cough drop. Mat and I thought it was so funny-- I'm not sure why, but we got a kick out of it.

At 6:30 a.m., I was checked in to a big, yellow labor and delivery room. I was hooked up to fetal monitors and in my gown in the hospital bed. My amazing nurse, Laura, inserted my IV, and immediately I got sick. I threw up several times, and when Laura was flushing the toilet for me, the toilet overflowed.

At 7:00 a.m., we moved to another big, yellow labor and delivery room-- Delivery Room 1.

At 7:30 a.m., Laura checked my cervix, and I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. Right after my check, I met Jennifer, who was the neo-natal nurse on call until 3:30 p.m. that day. (She would have been in charge of taking care of Ama-Watts if she had come before 3:30.)

At 7:55 p.m., Laura started my pitocin (a very small dosage through my IV). Mat's dad, Chris ("Pop") came and sat with us.

My mom was so sweet to write down all the details of the day, because heaven knows, there's no way I would have been able to remember all of it!

8:24 a.m.- One of my favorite things about being in the hospital was being able to hear Ama-Watts' heartbeat.

At 8:40 a.m., Dr. Link came and broke my water. He told me the fluid was clear and that everything looked great. He told me I had two options for pain (which, of course, I did not have any at all at this point)-- I could have pain meds administered through my IV and then I could have my epidural when I wanted it. I opted for neither at the time because I was not in pain. He also checked my cervix, and I was 3 1/2 cm at the point. The pitocin really hadn't kicked yet.

At 9:00 a.m., Mat's mom, Valerie ("Gran V"), and little sister, Lenze, arrived at the hospital. I was still feeling great, too, which was a relief, but I knew that the pain would eventually come. Chris and Mat left the hospital to go grab coffee with Mat's promise that he would be right back.

At 9:30 a.m., I began to feel my contractions slightly, so Laura came in and turned me on my side to help make them stronger. It worked.

Mat and Chris arrived back at the hospital at 9:40 a.m., and Mom received a really sweet text from my Aunt Tammy: "Ellie (my cousin's daughter) woke up at 5:30 this morning. I prayed for Whit while I rocked her back to sleep...then I fell asleep and dreamed Ama-Watts was born! I have already seen her- she is beautiful!" Mom read it to me, and of course, my eyes filled up with tears.

At this point, the pain got intense...quick. My contractions were close together, but not intense enough for Laura's liking. I fought back tears during each contraction, and I had Mat come to my side around 10:00 a.m. and told him to find Laura-- I needed something for pain. Laura suggested I go ahead and get an epidural. She called the anesthesiologist, but he was busy with another patient, so she administered Stadol at 10:15 through my IV.

The anesthesiologist got to come to my room quicker than expected, and he was in my room at 10:20 a.m. The Stadol had already kicked in, so I was light-headed and in less pain. Mat got to stay in the room while I got my epidural, which made me feel so much better. Laura stood in front of me as I bent over on the side of my bed. The doctor cleaned by back, I felt a small sting, and before I knew it, the epidural was in, and one of the top three things about labor I feared was over...and it was not painful at all. Right after the epidural, Laura put in my catheter.

At 10:45 a.m., I was pain-free with concrete blocks for legs. Moving required assistance in every way. I had little to no sensations when I had contractions.

At 11:30 a.m., Laura gave me an oxygen mask to wear so I could get extra oxygen for Ama-Watts' heartbeat.

Dr. Link came in at noon and had the nurse put in an internal fetal monitor. Laura urged me to take a nap and get some rest to get ready to push. I could still feel Ama-Watts move a tiny bit, and I could sometimes tell I was having contractions, but I was in no pain at all. Mat, Mom, Valerie, Chris and Lenze waited in the waiting room while I "slept" for a while.

Dr. Link checked on me at 1:45 p.m. I was 7 cm and 100% effaced. Laura would come in every hour and turn me on my side, and every time she did I got nauseated. I had to put the oxygen mask back on, but Ama-Watts and I were both doing fine.

Then, at 2:40 p.m., Ama-Watts heartbeat dropped drastically, so three nurses, including Laura, rushed in to my room and put a monitor on Ama-Watts' head. Her heartbeat eventually came back up, but the monitor that was supposed to go under Ama-Watts' scalp was actually just stuck in her hair, so they removed it.

At this point, I was also having terrible labor shakes. It was so weird to not be cold really, but to be shaking that badly. Laura checked me again around 2:50, and I was 7-8 cm.

At 3:00 p.m., we said goodbye to our sweet nurse Laura and hello to my new nurse, Jodi B. We absolutely loved Laura, especially when she replied, "Uh, absolutely not" to Mat when he asked early in my labor process if I could have a coke.

At 3:10 p.m., my dad and little brother, Sawyer, arrived in Louisville and came in to my room. At first, only Dad came in because I was afraid Sawyer might be a little unnerved because I was on oxygen and hooked up to 52,000 machines. Dad thought he'd be ok, so he came back, too.

At 3:30, things started going downhill. I started running a slight fever (just under 100 degrees). Around 4:00, I felt a contraction, so I hit my medicinal button on my epidural machine. I was supposed to feel relief within 20 minutes. Jodi checked on me at 4:10 p.m., and I was 9 cm then. She turned me on my other side in the bed, and I got sick again. She handed me alcohol prep pads to sniff to ward off the nausea-- an old wives' tale, she said. It does help some!

At 4:15 p.m., I was still running a slight fever, and Jodi had to call Dr. Link. Jodi started me on an antibiotic as a precaution because of the fever.

Around 5:00 p.m., I had a small breakdown with Mat. I was so tired and felt so sickly because of the fever that I was overwhelmed at the task at hand. My mom came in and talked to me and was so encouraging, and then Jodi came in and did the same. Those two little pep talks got me through the next two and a half hours.

At 5:20, Jodi had me to sit up to let gravity help move Ama-Watts down. I got nauseated (again!) and sick (again!). About ten minutes later, I was still feeling a small amount of pain, and I was able to try to move my legs a little easier than before, so Jodi had the anesthesiologist come in and re-charge my epidural pump (at this point, I had pushed the button on my pump myself three times in an hour, which was the max). And then, of course, five minutes later, I was sick again.

At 5:50 p.m., my fever was 101.8, which was not a good thing. Jodi administered Zofran and medicine for my fever and nausea. At this point, I felt so sick I had no clue how I was going to push when it was time. Which, in normal circumstances, I would have already started pushing, because my body was ready, but because of the fever, I had to wait.

At 6:00, I napped, because I knew I would need all the strength I could muster when it was time. I woke up around 6:30, but my fever had only reduced minimally to 101.2.

Jodi and another nurse came in around 6:35, and put me on my left side. I pushed two sets (a total of six pushes) with the other nurse. They turned me on my back, and Jodi had me start pushing about 25 minutes later at 7:00.

On my first set of pushing with Jodi, she had another nurse (Cindy) go get Dr. Link. I looked at Jodi, and Jodi said I was bleeding a little and that Dr. Link needed to come look. Dr. Link came in at 7:10 p.m. and told me I was ready to push.

After two sets of pushing with Dr. Link, he looked at me and said, "Ok, Whitney, you're bleeding a little bit, so we're going to go ahead and get this baby out."

I pushed a couple more times with the help of Mat, Mom, and about three nurses (who one of which, by the way, was saying some hilarious things, and I wish I had been in a better place to enjoy her wittiness).

And then finally, at 7:31 p.m., Amalou Watts Alexander entered the world.

I didn't even realize that she had been born-- I didn't feel anything at all. Dr. Link let Mat cut the cord, which he said was a really neat experience.

When she first came out, she didn't cry at all, which Dr. Link assured me was completely normal. He said they normally cry within 3-7 minutes. All I ever heard from my baby was a small peep-- almost sounded like a cat. I cried when I first heard her let out the smallest cry, which only lasted a couple seconds.

Ama-Watts weighed 8 lbs., 14.4 oz. and was 21 inches long. She had a pretty big conehead from the way Dr. Link had to deliver her. But, she was absolutely perfect in every single way.

They cleaned her up minimally, then brought her to me for Kangaroo Care, which is a new thing hospitals do now to allow the baby to rest on the mother's chest for the first hour outside the womb. I am so glad Baptist East does this, because it was one of the best hours of my life.

As Ama-Watts and I had Kangaroo Care, Dr. Link took care of everything else, which took about 20 minutes.

Dr. Link was such a phenomenal doctor. I am so glad that he is my OB/GYN. I could not have asked for a better, less painful, more comforting experience than the one I had with Dr. Link. I hope he can deliver all my babies, because I know there's no one else out there that's better than he is!

After I had Kangaroo Care with Ama-Watts, Mat held her. This was my view (I made these photos):

And Jodi! Oh my goodness, my sweet nurse Jodi. She was so great. I cannot say enough about how much I love and appreciate this girl. She was a God-send.

And then finally, it was time for the rest of my family to come in. Mat's parents, my dad and little brother, and Mat's sister were all there to come in and meet my little girl.

I'm sorry for the overload of pictures here, but these were the most precious moments to me in the entire world.

After we all had time with Ama-Watts in my labor and delivery room, I was moved to the third floor to a regular room, and Ama-Watts went to the "nursery" on the fifth floor to get a bath and get all checked out. (The nursery on the third floor at Baptist East is currently being renovated, so there is a makeshift nursery on the fifth floor.)

About 45 minutes later, Ama-Watts got to come to my room. I was so relieved to see her. It was the longest we'd been apart since March of this year. My heart just ached not to have her near.

Ama-Watts is adjusting to life outside the womb wonderfully. She is getting into a routine, and I am learning many ins and outs of being a mom. I've had a few breakdowns over the past couple days-- overwhelmed with breastfeeding, overwhelmed with worry over how her little body's doing, overwhelmed with trying to remember all that I need to remember, and overwhelmed with trying to heal my own body (which, is going wonderfully-- I am not sore at all, and I rarely have to take any pain meds-- what a blessing!).

Thursday, December 1, 2011 was one of the longest days of my life. It was filled with just a few downs and tons and tons of ups. I thank the good Lord that He sent Mat and I our daughter, and I am so thankful that He sent her to us safe and healthy. Oh, how thankful we are. Glory to God.

Mat has proved to be such a great daddy. He sure does love that little girl. He holds her and just talks and talks to her like she understands every word he says. My heart overflows with joy to see my two favorite people in the world together.

Even today as I write this, almost five days since her birth, I still cannot believe she's real. I cannot believe she's mine. I can't believe that little miracle exists. I look at her all the time and every time I do, I could just cry my eyes out. I am so overcome with love and gratefulness for this opportunity.

My heart feels like it could burst with joy and love from the events of the past few days. Amalou Watts has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined. She is absolutely perfect in every single way.

I've referenced this verse on my blog before, but now, more than ever, it applies to our lives in such a real and genuine way:

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY."

-Psalm 126:3

waiting on the little girl

2011-11-30T08:52:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow at this very moment, pending that I do not go into labor today, I will be at the hospital in labor with my very first child.

I am being induced tomorrow morning at 6 a.m.

My plan was to sleep in this morning, but I am just too excited and too anxious to sleep anymore. I can't imagine what tonight's going to be like.

Pregnancy, like any good thing, is strange in the fact that you know it's real (as evidenced by my big baby belly), but it doesn't seem too real. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that tomorrow, Lord willing, I will get to hold my daughter. Yeah, that doesn't seem real.

I am anxious about labor, but I keep reminding myself to think about all the people in the world and to remember that all those people came from women. And if they can all do it, then so can I...especially with medication and the support of Mat and our families.

I also cannot get the thought of how weighty being a mother is. In other words, there is a child coming into the world, and I, along with Mat, are responsible for her. God has blessed us with a soul that will never die, and it is our job to grow her up and teach her the ways of the Lord. It is our job to shepherd her and teach her. It is our job to love her and point her to Christ. What a weighty thing, I think. May God help us with this gigantic task.

And to be completely honest, I'm so excited about tomorrow. I absolutely cannot wait to meet this little girl that's been growing inside of me for 9 months. We've already grown so close already. :)

My mom and Mat's parents and little sister are driving down tonight to be here for the birth. I'm so blessed with such a loving family who are supportive and loving in every way. I am so thankful for them.

We promise to blog and Tweet as much as possible tomorrow and after delivery. I am sure there will be no shortage of photos being taken.

Ama-Watts, your daddy and I are so elated to meet you tomorrow. We are praying for you that you will have a safe entrance to the world. We can't wait for you to meet your family, and we cannot wait to bring you home with us. You are such a blessing to us already. We thank God for you every day.

birmingham-tuscaloosa shower | oct. 7, 2011

2011-11-07T19:41:00.001-05:00

It's crazy that I'm just now blogging about the Birmingham/T-town shower which was almost a month ago. Hopefully, I'll get around to blogging about all the wonderful showers I've had over the past month before Ama-Watts comes. But, this was the first, so here we go!

My two sweet friends from college, Patty Ann Bogue and Meri-Glenn Freeman (whose name gave influenced us to make Ama-Watts' name with a hyphen, too!), threw the shower for me at MG's house in Vestavia Hills. Everything was perfect!

I am so thankful for all of the girls that came to my shower. I love each of you more than you'll ever know! I am thankful for your friendship!!

The food was amazing! We had salad, pasta, appetizers, rolls, and cookies and cupcakes for dessert.

The decorations were also so cute, and Meri-Glenn's parents' home is absolutely beautiful!

And I received so many adorable things for Ama-Watts! We were so blessed.

But, of course, the biggest blessings were the girls at the shower...

MG and me...

Me and Lindsey...

Roommate (Tiffany), me and Kristin...

Valerie (Mat's mom), me and my mom...

Me and Lenze (Mat's sister)...

Me and Jessie...

P-Ann, me and MG...

the nursery

2011-10-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

We are as close to finishing the nursery as we'll ever be, so I thought now would be a good time to show you Ama-Watts' sweet room.

I have to give credit where credit is due, so I need to thank my mom for all of her hard work she did while she was here a few weeks ago. It was almost like magic-- the nursery wasn't even close to beginning to come together; Mom came; it was finished. Thanks so much for helping us, Mom. We would have never gotten it done without you. You are indispensable.

Also, we have to say thanks to Mat's mom who made our bedding. We love it so much. Thank you for taking our ideas and making them happen.

So here it is. I sure hope the little girl likes it.

a tribute to the author on her birthday

2011-10-15T19:25:00.003-04:00

Hey y'all, this is Mat. I happen to be married to the author of this blog, and today is her birthday.

She is not one to talk about how awesome she is--and that happens to be one of her charms. Whitney is one of the most humble women I have ever met. She is a polymath, yet is extremely self-effacing when one tries to praise her for her abilities. Therefore, unbeknownst to her, I have decided to write a little tribute to her on her birthday. (If this posts to her Twitter account, it is not because she wanted everyone to see this post, but because she has the blogs set to automatically post to Twitter.)

Whitney has a wonderful sense of aesthetics that are windows into her understanding and love for the glory of God. From the way she dresses herself to the way she decorates our home, Whitney is able to make things look tasteful and beautiful. For that I am thankful, because I truly believe that God's order, majesty and beauty are reflected in the ways that we beautify the plots of the world He has given us stewardship over. This has most recently been revealed in the way she has decorated our unborn daughter's nursery. She did not require the most expensive things to put in there, but made the room beautiful with what we were generously given and what we can afford.

Whitney is loving and compassionate. Her love for animals is a window into her sweet and compassionate heart. She also has an unwavering love for her family. Furthermore, she already loves the daughter that we both longed and prayed for. She is a faithful and true friend to all those she loves and cares about. This is also a reflection of the work of God in her life. Her compassion and love stems from the love and compassion of our Father.

She does not realize this, but Whitney is also really funny. She cracks me up on a regular basis. In fact, she is just generally a joy to be around. She is fun and laid back, quick with opinions and a great conversationalist. Yet she is also able to be quiet and introspective (something I still find difficult to do!) when the time comes. She is wise and honest, yet always gracious with her most strongly held opinions and thoughts.

Yet she also has conviction and courage. She does not let others make her mind up for her when she believes in something. She is not afraid to stand on truth no matter who may stand against it.

If you read this blog, then know that you are reading the blog of a woman who has influenced me more than anyone else in the world. We have been some iteration of a couple for almost 4 years now, and they have been without a doubt the best of my life. Today, as Whitney celebrates her 25th birthday, I can honestly say that I can't wait for her 100th--and every day that lies in between. To my best friend, companion, sidekick, and wife: Happy Birthday! I love you!

ama-watts: 32 weeks baby peeks

2011-10-05T20:08:00.000-04:00

Here are a few images from our 32 weeks 3D sonogram we had yesterday. I was so glad my mom got to be there. It was a special time for all ~~three~~ four of us. Mat, Mom, Ama-Watts and I were all very blessed to have this experience. Mom held my arm the entire time, and she teared up the first time we saw her little face on the screen.

At the bottom of the post, there are four videos of the sonogram in addition to the pictures.

If you look closely on the pictures, you'll see chubby cheeks, a darling nose that looks just like Mat's, pouty lips, and a sweet little left arm that is almost always on her forehead. Our favorite sonographer, Debbie, also told us that the little girl has lots of hair.

I couldn't love anything more.

a letter to Ama-Watts in my 31st week

2011-09-27T16:15:00.002-04:00

Ama-Watts,

I cannot believe that in 9 weeks or less, you’ll move from my womb to my arms. Words cannot ever express how much your daddy and I already love you. You are a precious, precious gift to us. We will forever be indebted to God for allowing us the absolute privilege of being used of Him to help mold you into the person He longs for you to be. How marvelous is He!

Because I am 31 weeks pregnant, I wanted you to know a few things. First of all, you never stop moving! From the very first moment I felt you move, you have been moving around in there, and there seems to be nothing that will calm your energetic, tiny body. And oh, how I am so thankful for that. Feeling you move around is a constant reminder that you are present and so real, even though I cannot yet see you. Even as I write, you are moving and making me feel one of the best things a momma can feel. I am thankful for your tireless energy.

At night, when I lay down to sleep, I curl up next to your daddy’s back and you just move and move and move for him. He loves to feel you, and it is in those moments that he always says, “What are you doing in there, little girl? I can’t wait until you come out!” You are a joy in your daddy’s life, Ama-Watts. Don’t you ever forget it. He loves you more than you can fathom (and so do I).

At this point, heartburn has become just a part of life. It’s a small, small price to pay for the big blessing that is to come. I think you might come out with lots of brown hair on your head, but we will just have to see. I know you’ll be beautiful.

We talk about you every single day. We are busy planning for you and getting things ready for your arrival. Small details and big thoughts fill our heads every day, and they are all small joys that precede your entry into the world. How I cannot wait until that day.

I pray for you, too, Ama-Watts. I pray that you will come to know the joy of the Lord through His salvation early. I pray that you will grow up in a home where you feel loved, cherished and important. I pray that you will adhere to the authority the Lord has given to your daddy and I, and that you will have a bent toward submission in Christ Jesus. I pray that you will have a sweet spirit and a servant’s heart. I pray that you will seek the Lord and His will above everything else in your life. I pray that He will give you a passion to know His Word and to seek Him through prayer. I pray that you will love the Church and spend your life pouring yourself out for her. I pray that God will watch over you and protect you all the days of your life.

I pray that God would one day (a long, long time from now!), send you a godly husband who loves you and cherishes you. I pray that you will respect him and honor him with your actions as you grow up and as you live out your lives together after you are married. I pray that you will be a patient, kind and godly mother to your children, and may the Lord enlarge your quiver as you seek to honor Him with your life. I pray all of these things and more for you, my precious baby girl.

I can't wait for you to meet your family. You have amazing grandparents and precious great-grandparents that have prayed for you for so long. You have uncles and aunts, cousins, great aunts, great uncles and so many other people who cannot wait to meet you. You are one blessed little baby. You don't even know how much fun the world you are about to step into is! You're going to love it.

Ama-Watts, again, words do not express how much you mean to your daddy and me. We love you and we have prayed for you for so long. We praise God that He, in His sovereignty, saw it fit to send you to us. In just a few short weeks, you will arrive, and our lives will forever be changed. We cannot wait.

Thank you for making me a mom, Ama-Watts. You have your whole life ahead of you. I can’t wait to watch you grow and learn.I am thankful for you.

You are my heart, little girl.

With more love than you’ll ever know,

Momma

dc | sept. 1-6

2011-09-24T15:40:00.000-04:00

new baby and other ramblings

2011-08-28T21:13:00.000-04:00

Maybe one day, I'll get into the habit of posting, and I'll be more of a regular blogger. Until then, all of my random hodge-podge postings will have to do.

Here's what's been going on lately...

We bought Ama-Watt's some notecards. The little girl has lots to say, and she needed notecards to send to her friends. We got these from our favorite card/gift shop in town, Cartwheels.

I am taking a smocking class at a sewing shop here in town, as well, and I am working on a bonnet and a dress for Ama-Watts. The bonnet is 95% done, and the dress is currently being pleated so that I can smock it and sew it together.

Janie and Jack was having a really nice online sale last week, so I ordered this for the little girl. It still makes my heart skip a beat when I see her little clothes all over the house.

In other news, Sham has become a thirsty cat almost overnight. I frequently have to get him water from unusual places...

I have completely outgrown all my regular pants and most of my dresses. Mat treated me to this dress from Motherhood Maternity. He was in another store when I tried it on, so I had to send a pic to get his approval. He approved, so we bought.

I found this bib at Cartwheels, also where I bought Ama's notecards, and it was only like $6, so I snatched it up. The Smocking Shop (where I am taking my smocking lessons) did the monogram for us. They do beautiful monogramming.

Little One wanted to make an appearance on the blog. That's the only reason this photo is on here.

Last Monday, Southern Seminary held their annual golf tourney, and I was fortunate enough to get to work at the course that day. It was the most perfect day for golfing.

Mat and I are celebrating our 3rd anniversary on the 30th, but neither one of us can keep anything a surprise-- we've already exchanged gifts. This is the leather year, so I got a new Longchamp and Mat got new shoes. Perfect.

I rarely have pregnancy cravings, but for some reason, I just really felt like baking and eating cinnamon rolls last Tuesday night. Thus, the Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls were created in my kitchen. I am happy to say that I have only consumed about 6 of them. Most were given away.

In GREAT news, our friends Adam and Sarah Rice had their baby boy on Friday morning! We are so happy Luke Stevens Rice has entered the world as a healthy, fine looking young man. We love Adam and Sarah so much, and we are absolutely thrilled for them! We already love Luke, and we cannot wait to watch him grow. We know Ama-Watts will have her eye on that cute Rice kid when they are a little older. :)

We are planning on a busy month coming up, so we are going out of town for a few nights. We are so thankful Hurricane Irene didn't mess up our plans too much.

And speaking of Irene, we are so thankful that my brother, his fiance Lauren, and her family who all reside in Cape May, NJ, were able to evacuate and are safe in spite of Irene. They are back in Cape May now, but I have yet to hear about damage to their homes and possessions. Please keep them in your prayers, still.

Hope you had a great weekend!

beach photos (a month later)

2011-08-19T08:44:00.000-04:00

We've been back from the beach for a month now, but I wanted to share my real pics with you from the trip (not my iPhone pics). Here they are. Enjoy!

a long post

2011-08-03T11:35:00.000-04:00

Howdy, folks. I just got back (Sunday night) from a little weekend trip with my mom. One of my dear, sweet friends, Patty Ann, got married this past weekend in Columbus, Mississippi, and she asked me to read scripture in her ceremony. I was more than thrilled to oblige, so Mom and I made the trip down.

I met Mom in Rome on Friday afternoon. We did a little shopping and ate dinner, then we headed out early Saturday morning for Columbus. On the way, we got to stop by my favorite place in the whole world-- Tuscaloosa.

This was the first time I had been to T-town since the tornadoes and since I graduated college in 2008. Mom rode me by my house that I lived in for 2 years in college. I couldn't believe how different the neighborhood and the little house that I love so much looked...

Luckily, the storms didn't do much (if any) damage to UA's campus. I was so happy to see this that I made Mom park in the Communications parking lot so I could get out of the car and walk around...

It was so good to run into Sir Nick while we were there. Ama enjoyed meeting him...

And, of course, I had to get a photo of Reese Phifer Hall-- it houses the College of Communication and Information Sciences. I had most of my classes here in college. Looks like they are renovating the rotunda. Can't wait to see what it looks like when they are finished.

We made it to Columbus in time to check in to our hotel, lay down for a while, then get ready and get to the church for the wedding. Patty Ann and Bobby had a beautiful wedding, and I was honored to be a part of it.

The reception was held at the Columbus Country Club, and there were no details overlooked! It was decorated so cute.

Patty Ann had her wedding guests place their gifts in the bed of an old Chevy truck. Such a fun idea! (P-Ann, thank you so much for including me in your special day! Many prayers for a blessed marriage for you and Bobby. Love you!!!)

While we were in Rome, Ama-Watts got some loot, too. Mom bought her a baby book. It's pink leather, and I just love it. Everything that can be filled out up to this point has been. Up next, we fill out shower details and delivery day!

Mom also saved all the smocked outfits I wore as a baby (which means she saved every single outfit I ever owned, because smocked outfits are all I ever wore), and she packed them all up for me to let Ama-Watts wear. They are a post of their own, and I'm sure you'll see lots of pictures when the little girl gets here of her wearing them! I am so thankful my mom did that for me...and for Ama.

Gran V and Pop also got Ama a highchair. Mat and I knew we didn't want a plastic highchair, and we had found a wooden Eddie Bauer one at Target, but when Gran V found this one, we knew it was the one! Gran V's going to sew her a cushion for it, and the little girl will be good to go!

And finally, after weeks of searching, Mat and I found crib bedding fabric for her nursery. We picked out this print for her skirt, and we'll use the cream linen for her bumper. We're going to have her monogram embroidered on the bumper in chocolate brown, and we're also going to use this print to cover cording for the bumper. Mat is the one who found this fabric, and I think he has good taste-- don't you?

We got a cream and khaki pin stripe bed sheet coming from Target.com, and I hope it all looks good together!

Just this morning, my friend Emily Griffin brought me these cookies. Aren't they the cutest things you've ever seen? She also made these cookies I blogged about back in March. Thank you so much, Emily!

Just a quick pregnancy recap for my own sake-- I am now 23 weeks and 1 day. Ama-Watts still moves like crazy. She sometimes kicks and hits so hard that I can see my stomach move, which is still amazing to me. She also has the hiccups about once or twice a day. (Her daddy detests the hiccups, so I'm sure she'll be just thrilled to death when she's born.) I'm almost entirely in clothes that I bought for my pregnancy (or loose dresses that I wore before), and I only have two pairs of pants that I can still wear with my BeBand. I don't really crave any specific foods, and my appetite hasn't changed that much-- I still eat about the same amount of food. I wake up every morning at 4:31 a.m. without delay to go to the bathroom. I go to the doctor next Tuesday for my glucose test, and I am dreading that like the plague. Ama weighs over a pound now, and she's about 11 inches long. Baby girl's growing up!

We've decided to go with the comfort grey room for Ama's nursery. It's smaller, but it just seems to fit her better. I hope she'll like it.

I think that about catches you up. We are trying to enjoy the last few days of summer before Mat begins classes on the 15th of this month. I am longing for the shorter, crisper, cooler days of fall, but certainly enjoying the harvests of the summer months.

It's hard to enjoy summer because I know that after August begins September, and September brings the fall, and the late fall will bring my baby girl into the world. And it is at that thought that my heart skips a beat.

Happy Wednesday!

watching the sun bake

2011-07-26T16:24:00.000-04:00

As soon as I get my camera photos uploaded, I'll post those. But, until then, here are a few iPhone photos of our family beach vacation to Florida last week. My, my how we love the coast.

IT'S A...

2011-07-18T00:40:00.004-04:00

We just got to the beach and my Mom cut the cake...

And Baby A is...

...A LITTLE GIRL!

More soon...but know we are thrilled, and we have a few surprised members of the family! :)

movement

2011-07-15T10:51:00.000-04:00

All this week we have been having VBS at our church. I am teaching the 3rd and 4th graders (which consists of a class entirely of girls!). Every night, we march into the sanctuary, say our pledges, pray, take up an offering, and then we dismiss the younger children to their classrooms. After that, we have Missions Central with Mrs. Ruth Hawkins. Mrs. Ruth, who I wrote some about in this post, is a lady in our church who is quite a trip! I really think she has been everywhere in the world. Just last night, she had on a t-shirt that proudly displayed, "I've Been Baptized in the Jordan River!" She is hilarious and so full of life. I love her dearly. I don't ever think I've seen her when she's not smiling.

As she was speaking last night about a missionary to the U.N. in New York, I was certain that I felt the baby move for the first time. I don't know how to describe that feeling, but it blessed my heart beyond imagination. I told Mat about it, and later that night, I told Mrs. Ruth that she gets the honor of being the one who was speaking when I first felt my baby move.

When we got home later that night, I was lying in bed, and I felt the baby move again. Mat tried to feel it, and he thinks he may have once, but he couldn't be certain.

There are absolutely no words to describe the feeling of having a baby move inside of you. Most people have told me it feels like "flutters" or "butterflies" but I think it feels more like a tiny, tiny bump. It's often quick, but it's there, and for that, I am so grateful! This has definitely been one of my favorite parts of being pregnant.

Since we found out the gender and even since I felt the baby move, things have slowly become a little more real. Like I said Wednesday, we haven't decided on a name yet, but I know when we do, and when we tell our family and friends, things will definitely become all the more real.

I absolutely cannot wait until we cut that cake on Sunday night that will reveal a blue or pink cake so we can start telling everyone about this little miracle that's moving around like crazy inside of me!

Baby A gives a thumbs up

2011-07-13T13:33:00.000-04:00

I went to the doctor today, and we did find out if Baby A is a BOY or a GIRL. Unfortunately, we can't tell anyone what I'm having until after we've told our families at our little gender reveal party on Sunday night. But, don't worry. I'll let you know early, early Monday morning, for sure.

Here's just some things I want to remember about our day...

The technician who did our sonogram is hilarious. We love her so much. She is sassy, but so good at what she does, and she always baby talks to our baby on the sonogram screen. It means so much to me. Right when we started the sonogram, she went straight to find out the gender. And she did. And she showed us how she knew that it is what it is. I just had to take her word for it, because I never can see anything on those sonograms! Mat asked her how for sure she was, and she said there was no doubting it! My doctor, Dr. Link, later confirmed to us that the baby definitely is a _______. :) Mat and I were (and are still!) thrilled to death!!

I had been feeling a little uneasy over the past few days because I haven't felt the baby move, so I asked our tech if she could let me hear the heartbeat. She, of course, did. She said Baby A's heartbeat was coming in at a strong 132. I was so relieved. She also showed us Baby A's two kidneys, brain, and four heart chambers, along with 2 arms, 2 legs, a straight spine, and good skin. Who knew you could see skin on an ultrasound!

Unfortunately, Baby A had its back turned to us almost the whole time. The tech tried and tried to get the baby to turn around, and finally, Baby A did. Here's some photos...but don't think I'm going to post the photos that would give away the gender!

And in case you are like me and have a hard time making these things out, here are the same two photos with some explanations...

More than just knowing and being thrilled by what gender our precious kiddo is, we are absolutely blown away at the graciousness of God in this situation. Lord knows, our conception alone was a miracle, and I still cannot find words to express my gratitude to the Lord for bestowing this child upon us. Mat and I are forever grateful to be entrusted with this great blessing. Thank you, Jesus.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY.

-Psalm 126:3

Great things, indeed. And joy is abundant.

happenings...and almost 20 weeks

2011-07-11T10:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday!

We had a lazy weekend compared to last weekend. For the 4th, Mat smoked some Boston Butts. They were so good, and I was so impressed with Mat's smoking skills. The guy has got it going on. I for sure married up!

We invited some friends over, and we had a ball! We got to meet our friends, Ken and Sarah Lovett's son, Luke, who was adopted from the Ukraine earlier this year. We are so happy he's now at home with his mom and dad! Mat and I bought Luke some sparklers, and we think they were a big hit with the little guy! We also got to see the Rices-- Adam's been gone to training for the past six weeks, so we were so happy to welcome him back to Louisville where he belongs! :)

We had a TON of food, including these guys. It only took one of them to clear up my sinuses.

And Meg also sent me a pic of this baby girl on her 3rd 4th of July. If this doesn't scream America to you, I don't know what does...

In other news, we seem to have a new creature grazing our yards. Meet Black Cat, and no-- he/she doesn't have a name, because I haven't been brave enough to venture into his/her personal space and see if he/she is a he or a she.

In Baby A news, I will be 20 weeks tomorrow. I go to the doctor on Wednesday morning to find out if this little person inside me is a boy or a girl. I honestly have NO clue as to what I think it is. I know most moms have a hunch, but this mom is completely clueless. Most everyone has said girl except for my mom, Mat's parents, and just a handful of others. Everyone else (the majority) has said girl. We will be completely happy and excited for either, especially because this is our first.

Here is the ONLY photo I have of my pregnancy bump. I believe this was made (while I was sitting on the couch with Mat) when I was about 18 weeks (2 weeks ago)...

It has definitely grown since then! Trust me.

We have VBS at church at night this week, then on Sunday, we're loading up and headed South...way South...to the Gulf Coast. It's been almost 2 years since I've smelled the salt water and put REAL seafood in my mouth, and I cannot tell you how excited I am. My year+ spent living in Mobile was all I needed to fall COMPLETELY in love with the Gulf Coast, and I am beyond eager to return to where my heart is the most content. I am so glad Mat also shares a love for the ocean and for the Gulf Coast. We are two peas in a pod.

Unless you live by the water, you won't know what this means, but before Mat and I were married, and when he was in Mobile, he would say, "I just need to see the water." I didn't really get it then, but after living in Mobile for a while, I completely get what he's saying now. Sometimes, it just does my little heart and soul good to "see the water." And I'm not just talking about loving the beach. I'm talking about needing to see the water.

Not only will seeing the water be great, but I can't wait to "introduce" Baby A to the water. I just know that I will feel he/she move when I get my first glimpse of the Gulf. :) I am thankful for family who makes a beach trip possible for me year after year.

Enjoy your day!

Oh, and P.S.- just so you know, we will be doing a "gender reveal" thing with family Sunday night. After that, I know Mat and I will let everyone know what the baby is. Follow us on Twitter or check our FB pages if you're dying to know! :)

17 weeks...

2011-06-22T10:35:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I was 17 weeks pregnant with Baby A. Here's what's been happening in our lives since I last posted...

Mat has decided if we have a baby girl, he's not going to be able to handle it-- in a good way, of course. Sweetest tweet I've ever read.

We finally decided on the crib we wanted for the nursery, and we snatched it right up at a great price from Pottery Barn Kids. (It's the Kendall Crib in Sun Valley Espresso.)

The photo above is of the crib in Pottery Barn-- we've not jumped the ship and decorated for a boy when we don't know what we're having! But, I wanted to show you what it looks like put together since this is what it looks like at our house right now...

We'll get around to putting it together before Baby comes. Hopefully!

I also bought this print for Baby A's nursery IF she turns out to be a little girl. If not, I'll hold on to it until a little girl comes our way.

I went to the doctor yesterday for a check-up, and he said everything looks wonderful! Mat and I were blessed by a great report. All tests so far have come back great/normal, and my blood pressure is "perfect." I pride myself on my fantastic blood pressure measurements. :) The doctor also told me I've only gained 3 pounds, and he and the nurse both went on and on about how great that is. They sure know how to make a girl's day!

We go to the doctor on July 13 for our next sonogram. At that appointment, we should be able to know if the Peanut's a little buddy or a little girl. We are beyond excited, and we are anxious to find out! We'll keep you posted!

Over the past few weeks, I've felt a million times better, and I am so happy that I am not someone who has to deal with morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy. God's mercies are new every morning. Praise the Lord!

We registered and are confirmed for a couple of baby classes at the hospital where I'll deliver. I'm so blessed to go to a doctor who delivers babies at such a great hospital-- Baptist Hospital East. I think Baby A will like coming into the world there.

Finally, in non-baby related news, we just got this framed on Saturday...

Thankful to our friend, Devin Maddox, for making such great photos that we used for our Christmas cards. He's the best photographer I've ever seen. Mad props to him, and a sweet hello to his wife, Cara and cute son, Duke. We miss you guys!

Happy Hump Day!

last wednesday

2011-06-01T13:31:00.000-04:00

Forgive me for the lack of blog posts lately. I've been either busy, out of town, or sick, and besides all that, I can't think of much to blog about these days.

In an last-ditch effort to save my blog, I took my iPhone last Wednesday and made photos of my whole day. This was not an everyday, routine, same-old-same-old day for me-- I had a doctor's appointment and we drove to Alabama, so things were a little abnormal, but you'll get the gist. If you're bored by this kind of thing, feel free to ignore this post. My feelings won't be hurt in the least! Enjoy...

7:34 a.m.- I got to sleep in a little this day. I had a doctor's appointment at 9:30 a.m., so there was no use in going to the office for just an hour. The sun had been up for almost 1 full hour at this point in the day. First things first, I get out of bed, and jump in the shower. No breakfast for this nauseated momma.

My products for morning use: caffeine free Diet Dr. Pepper, Gutz, Quick Slip, and Natural Glow moisturizer (because tanning beds are of the devil).

This little guy is always around when momma's getting ready. He frequently sits on the counter except for when the hair dryer is going. Sweet thing.

After shower and hair, it's make-up time. I'm a loyal Bobbi Brown fan, as you can tell. I keep it simple. (From L to R: cheap mascara (I go through a ton of mascara-- can't afford the "good" stuff, and the drugstore kinds work just as well), BB eye liner in blackest black, BB corrector and BB concealer (little pots of miracles), BB bronzer and blush duo, BB skin foundation, BB powder brush, BB blush brush, BB eye shadow brushes, drugstore eyelash brush, and BB eyeshadow palette.)

I top myself off with this stuff-- Fresh's Citron de Vigne.

8:10 a.m.- Dressed (in a comfy dress for the long drive later on in the night) and almost ready to go. (I'm in a weird stage of pregnancy now-- all my clothes pretty much fit, but they are just uncomfortable. I wear a dress 95% of the time. I'm glad it's summertime!) Also, I don't know why our bedroom paint color looks yellow. It's actually a khaki-gold, but more khaki than gold. I just couldn't have you think we have a yellow bedroom, though.

8:12 a.m.- Watered the mint plant in the window sill just before leaving.

8:14 a.m.- Cats fed and petted, and Mat and I are out the door.

8:16 a.m.- The drive through the country on the way to Louisville.

8:45 a.m.- Breakfast at Panera Bread. Water and a cinnamon roll for me. Coffee and breakfast sandwich for Mat.

9:15 a.m.- Pulled up to the doctor's office for my 9:30 a.m. appointment. I absolutely love my doctor!

9:35 a.m.- Already weighed, measured, and had my blood pressure checked. In the room waiting on my sonogram to start.

9:37 a.m.- Sonogram begins!

10:01 a.m.- Pictures of Baby A. Long legs, and a strong heartbeat of 151. Peanut wouldn't turn around, but we got some cute pics of his/her backside!

10:45 a.m.- Stopped at Target for a few essentials, where I also picked up Lilly animal crackers and a dress to wear to my sister-in-law's high school graduation the next night.

11:30 a.m.- Lunch at Yang Kee Noodle-- my absolute fave.

12:15 p.m.- Went into work to catch up on emails and get ready for an afternoon of meetings.

12:45 p.m.- Made coffee for the Admissions' counselors. What would they do without me?!?

1:58 p.m.- Went to a meeting at the Heritage House. We just finished up one graduation, but we are already planning December 2011 graduation for Southern Seminary.

4:45 p.m.- Left work a little late. Meetings ran over, and it was my last day in the office until the day after Memorial Day.

5:26 p.m.- Back in Knob Creek. Mat goes to the church to turn on the air for Wednesday night services.

6:43 p.m.- I sit on the couch and usually watch Seinfeld, but this night there was bad weather heading east, so I was glued to the Weather Channel to make sure it was safe for us to leave home after church.

7:37 p.m.- Mat didn't preach because of the threat of bad weather, so we left Kentucky a little earlier than expected. We were on the road to Alabama!

8:45 p.m.- Stop for dinner along the way. I'm not telling you where we ate. It's embarrassing.

*There are no more pictures after this. Half the time I was asleep and the other half of the time I was trying to keep myself from getting sick. I slept on and off until we reached Ardmore, AL/TN (yes, it's in both states).

1:30 a.m.- HOME in Boaz finally. Hugs and kisses to Valerie and Chris (Mat's parents). Teeth brushed and in the bed.

So, there was a not-so-typical day in the Alexander household, but you get the point. Hope I didn't bore you to tears!

a birthday toast

2011-05-18T10:03:00.000-04:00

Today is my mum's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mum!

You're the best mother in the whole wide world, and I know you'll be an even better Mumsy when Baby Peanut gets here.

I thank God that He chose you to be my mom, and always remember: I love you more!

BUT...not only is it my beautiful mother's birthday; it is also this beautiful girl's birthday...

Happy birthday to my cousin, Morgan! I love you so much, and I'm so proud of you. Except for the fact that you don't like cats, which I'll never understand. :) Love you, Kyle.

Happy May 18th to two of my most favorite women in the entire world!

heartbroken

2011-04-28T13:14:00.001-04:00

Last night shortly after 5:15 CST, a mile-wide tornado ripped its way through Tuscaloosa, AL, mangling everything in its path.

And today, even as I type this post, my heart is broken.

I'm not going to repost photos of damage done to the city I called home for over 3 years. Instead, I ask you to pray for Tuscaloosa and to pray for Alabama. May God be merciful.

I am going to post one photo so that I will always remember it. This is 35 Beverly Heights. I spent 2 years of college life in this little 2 bedroom, 1 bath house. Some of my most favorite memories in the world happened in this house. I made best friends in this house. Mat proposed to me in this house. I have numerous memories of cook outs and game-watching parties at this house. I lived my college life in this house. I can't look at it without crying, but I always want to remember.

The standing mailbox in the front yard, without a single bit of damage to it, is a reminder that God is faithful even in the tough times. Even in the storms.

But still, today, the day after numerous storms ravaged across the South, my heart breaks for Tuscaloosa. And my heart breaks for the city that was home for those three years, and will always be home in my heart.

9 weeks

2011-04-26T09:10:00.000-04:00

I promise I won't turn this blog into everything baby, but I realized that if I don't document this pregnancy on my blog, I won't write anything down about it. And many years from now, when Peanut's dating/getting married, I won't have anything embarrassing to say about when his/her mom was pregnant! So, I am posting an update on my pregnancy. Sorry--this is a boring post with no pictures.

I am 9 weeks today.

Ever since I found out I was pregnant, my symptoms have pretty much been the same. I'm tired. I have no energy. I am sick as a dog in the mornings. I am never hungry, but always feel better after I eat. I crave anything with caffeine, so I have to limit myself to one cup of a caffeinated beverage per day.

My daily routine looks something like this: I get up. Gag a million times. Go to work. Come straight home. Lay on the couch and watch "Friends," "Seinfeld," and "American Pickers," (in that order). Eat something that Mat cooks or heats up for me. Sleep on the couch for 2-3 hours. Wake up. Go to bed. Wake up in the middle of the night a thousand times. Get up for work, and do it all over again. Exciting life, huh?

I had my first real doctor's appointment last Monday. Mat got to meet my doctor, Dr. Link, and I was so relieved when Mat told me he really liked him. Dr. Link was recommended to me by a friend who had a baby girl last year, so I knew we were in good hands. Still, it was nice to hear Mat say he really liked him.

We didn't learn anything new at the doctor's appointment. I did not have another sonogram, but I will have one when I go back to the doctor on May 25. I will be 13 weeks then.

We've gotten a few little gifts for Peanut over the past few days. Mat's parents bought us lots of little onesies, a few outfits, and some cloth diapers. Mom sent a package full of books and a Peter Rabbit blanket. One of the books Mom sent is a recordable storybook, and she recorded her voice reading the book. She made me promise to hold the book up to my belly and let Peanut hear her voice every night so that he/she will know her when he/she arrives. So cute, right? Finally, our friends Adam and Maggie sent us a Peter Rabbit book. Peanut is already spoiled rotten.

Other than all of this, life is pretty much been the same. Mat's parents and Lenze got to come to Shepherdsville this past weekend, and we so enjoyed having them come stay with us. We had a wonderful weekend with them.

Happy Tuesday!

oh, baby!

2011-04-10T12:46:00.000-04:00

That's right. Our little family of two is going to be a family of THREE!

Our sweet baby, who has most affectionately been nicknamed Peanut, is due November 29, 2011.

We praise the Lord for His gracious gift of life, and we wait with eager expectation for the arrival of our first child. We are overcome with joy and thankfulness to God, who hears all prayers and answers in His perfect time.

"The LORD has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy."

-Psalm 126:3

big breath

2011-03-19T09:40:00.000-04:00

So, I haven't blogged in forever, so this will be a (long) random post mixed with iPhone photos and regular photos sided with lots of words. Here goes...

First of all, I must explain why I haven't blogged in about a hundred years. Let me show you:

My house seems like it's constantly a wreck, so I guilt myself into doing housework 22/7. I say 22 because I have to sleep for at least a few hours, right?!

Anyway, a couple of Friday nights ago, Mat and I went to eat in a small town close to where we live at a little place called Doe Run Inn. It was an old mill they had turned into a restaurant and bed and breakfast type hotel. It was just adorable.

I tried a Hot Brown for the first time, and I have to say, I am not a fan. Maybe I'm just not Kentucky enough, but I truthfully hated it.

That night, we also went to Home Depot to pick out paint colors for my bathroom. You'll remember that I had said I was going to do grasscloth wallpaper in that bathroom, but after some serious research, I found out that grasscloth does not do well in humid areas, and since this is a bathroom, I figured I better shy away from it.

I picked out 4 Martha Stewart colors, and here they are:

The one on the far left looks really orange, but it's actually called Nantucket Red. The two on the far right are grey-ish colors. And that navy is just as she seems-- navy.

Almost 4 weeks later, and I still haven't decided what color or even if I'm going to use ANY of these colors. Help me.

Two Sundays ago, I helped a few of my friends throw a Gift Card Shower for one of our friends, Sarah. Sarah and her husband Ken are currently in the Ukraine to finish up their adoption process. In just a few short weeks, they will be brining home a 4-year-old, blonde little boy. Will you pray for them?

On Monday night, we went over to to our friends Emily and Drew's house to eat an Irish dinner. Emily made the most adorable cookies for us. And they tasted even better than they look! I tried corned beef and cabbage, and I'm beating myself up for not trying it earlier in my life. It was amazing. Thanks for your hospitality, Drew and Emily!

Spring is beginning to creep around the corner here, and I got these beauties from a sweet lady in our church last week. Have you ever seen such beautiful eggs before in your entire life?!

Mum-- my leaves still don't have roots. Is this the right kind of plant? And please don't look at my windows; I know they need to be cleaned.

I'm off to help my husband hang this mirror...as soon as we can get to Lowe's to buy a picture hanging kit. Would you believe this mirror weighs like 397 pounds? It does. And it's heavy.

Finally, it was this little princess' birthday this week. She turned two on Wednesday. I can't believe she's two.

Ellie, you are a source of constant joy in your Uncle Mat and Aunt Whit-Whit's life. We cannot wait to see you grow up and see the person you become and are already becoming. We pray God's richest blessings on you, and we pray that you will come to know Him early. Thank you for always doing things that make me laugh. You are beautiful, child, and I love you as tall as the pine trees and to the moon and back.

a little publicity

2011-03-03T09:21:00.001-05:00

Just the other day, I stumbled over to Fabulous K Creative's Web site, and what did appear before my eyes but a slide of my blog on her main page! I was so surprised! Check it out for yourself...

pork chops

2011-03-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is yet another post about food, but I couldn't help myself. The other day on my Tumblr page, I promised that I'd provide the recipe for these guys, and I cannot go back on my word...

So, without further adieu, here is the recipe for Pan-Fried Pork Chops from The Best of Cook's Country magazine:

Pan-Fried Pork Chops
Chops between ¾ and 1 inch thick will work in this recipe.
Serves 4.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 bone-in rib or center-cut pork chops . about 3/4 inch thick
3 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. COAT CHOPS Combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne in bowl. Place flour in shallow dish. Pat chops dry with paper towels. Cut 2 slits about 2 inches apart through fat on edges of each chop. Season both sides of chops with spice mixture, then dredge chops lightly in flour (do not discard flour). Transfer to plate and let rest 10 minutes.

2. RENDER BACON Meanwhile, cook bacon in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until fat renders and bacon is crisp, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate and reserve for another use. Do not wipe out pan.

3. FRY CHOPS Add oil to fat in pan and heat over medium-high heat until just smoking. Return chops to flour dish and turn to coat. Cook chops until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Serve.

This is the absolute best way to eat a pork chop. Trust me-- I'm a pork chop connoisseur.

SSMT verse 5

2011-03-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

(via)

My SSMT verse 5 is...

"The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng."

-Psalm 68:11

peanut butter pie

2011-02-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

I love that when people are sick, have loved ones that pass away, or have babies, our church always provides them with meals for a few weeks. Recently, I made this pie for just that reason, and I had forgotten how amazing it really is. I got this recipe from my friend Jennifer, who I believe combined two recipes-- one of which is the Pioneer Woman's.

It's a really simple pie to make, and it's really easy if you go the simple route and buy the Oreo crust pre-made. I always like to make mine, but I am sure the store-bought one is just as good.

Peanut Butter Pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees for crust.

Ingredients:

Crust

25 whole Oreos

4 T. butter, melted

Filling

1 c. creamy peanut butter

1- 8 oz. package softened cream cheese

1 c. powdered sugar

1/2 can condensed milk

8 oz. Cool Whip

Preparation:

Crust

Crush the Oreos until they are fine crumbs (I put mine in the food processor).

Pour melted butter over the top, and stir with a fork to combine.

Press into pie pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until set.

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Filling

Beat peanut butter, condensed milk, powdered sugar and cream cheese in a mixer until smooth.

Add in the Cool Whip and beat until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.

Pour filling into crust, evening out the top.

Chill for at least one hour before serving.

the night where the stars shine brightest

2011-02-27T09:00:00.004-05:00

As I already mentioned in this post about "The King's Speech," this is what I'll be doing all night tonight...

It's the most wonderful night of the year.

the king's speech

2011-02-25T08:47:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, Mat and I went to see "The King's Speech." And with the Academy Awards airing Sunday night, I had to let you know what I thought about the movie.

TKS is nominated for several Oscars: Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Actress in a Supporting Role, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Film Editing, Music, Sound Mixing and Writing (Original Screenplay).

I absolutely loved the movie. I love Colin Firth. I loved Geoffrey Rush. I love Helena Bonham Carter.

I love the costumes and the sets.

I really loved the story.

The movie is the story of King George VI of England, who has a speech stutter that traps him in fear. After his brother suddenly abdicates the throne, King George, otherwise known as Bertie, assumes the role of King of England. With the help of a "doctor", Lionel Logue, King George has to work to overcome his fear and his stammering voice.

The movie is slow, but not painstakingly slow. It is thoroughly enjoyable and pleasant. You cannot help but to cheer for the dear King.

If you haven't seen it yet, it's completely wonderful. Go catch it before Sunday night!

Other movies nominated for Oscars that I highly recommend:

Inception

Salt

The Fighter

The Social Network

True Grit

All of these are phenomenal, phenomenal films. The film industry had a great year.

juli+kody | valentine's day photos 2011

2011-02-19T20:41:00.000-05:00

I made a few photos for some friends of ours for their Valentine's Day cards. Juli loves Valentine's Day, so instead of sending out Christmas cards this year, they sent out Valentine's Day cards. Juli and Kody are such a cute couple, and I loved getting to work with them. More than that, I love to call them friends.

friday randomness

2011-02-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

(via)

Afternoon, folks! It's been a crazy week for me, and I am completely ready for the weekend. I'm voting we move to a four day work week and have three day weekends every week. Who's with me?

On another note, I discovered The Civil Wars Pandora Station this week, and I can definitely sense a much happier mood in my office. Try it for yourself!

Mat's been on a trip with Dr. Mohler this week, and I've been trying to get my house back in order for him to come home. Last weekend, we had three boys stay with us for a conference at SBTS, and since then, I just haven't been able to pull it together.

Right before Mat left, he looked at my kitchen sink that was literally so full that I had dirty dishes stacked up on the counter, and he said, "I'm excited about leaving so I can give you a chance to get these dishes done." Thanks, sweetheart. And, yes, I did get them done. Well, most of them.

I went to the dentist earlier this morning, and you wouldn't believe what the man told me. I have five cavities. That's right-- FIVE. As in, A LOT. This came as quite a shock to me-- a girl who brushes, flosses and uses floride mouthwash at least twice a day. I think I'm going to have to get a second opinion. Have any of you ever had trouble with dentists telling you you had cavities when you didn't? Speak up!

I was at Target yesterday in the check-out line when I looked behind me and remembered that I wanted to look for a black watch. I didn't really think to look at Target, per se, but the jewelry section was there, and I thought why not? I came away with this bad boy...

Not bad for $12.99, huh? It's not a high-quality watch (obviously), but it will do for now.

Enjoy your weekend!

romans 12:15

2011-02-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

(via)

The longer my husband and I work in ministry, the more I learn what ministry is all about.

Sunday morning as I sat in my usual seat on the second pew on the left side, my mind couldn't help but think of what a church family was all about.

Right behind me over my left shoulder was Fannie, whose sister's husband had just died the day before. I would look over at Fannie and I'd see small but meaningful tears flowing down her cheeks. I hugged Fannie's neck when I had come in to the sanctuary on Sunday morning, and she said that Gale, her sister, just kept asking those tough "what if" questions about her husband's death. My heart broke.

In front of me in the choir sat Mrs. Robena, whom you've heard me talk about before. Mrs. Robena was celebrating her 80th birthday this week. Her daughter (who is also our church pianist), Bernice, had asked everyone to surprise her by mailing her birthday cards. Bernice wanted her sweet mom to receive 80 cards for her 80th birthday in the mail. I got word tonight that Mrs. Robena got 95 cards in the mail this week.

Behind me to my right sat Mrs. Ruth, who is absolutely the most "go-getter" of an 84-year-old that I've ever known. Mrs. Ruth fell (running to the phone, I might add) a few weeks ago and broke her collarbone and a couple of ribs. Mrs. Ruth was glowing because she was able to come back to church for the first time in several Sundays. Mrs. Ruth has never looked so cute in her fire orange fitted hat from Germany-- a souvenir she bought on a trip with her husband many years ago. Mrs. Ruth proudly told me she'd felt well enough to sit at the kitchen table and continue writing her memoirs this past week.

And then after church, I was observing Bro. Tuck, an 87-year-old widower in our church, and his best friend, Mrs. Martha, who is a widow herself. Bro. Tuck and his deceased wife and Mrs. Martha and her deceased husband were all best friends before the Lord took Mrs. Tucker and Mr. Bishop home. Now, Bro. Tuck lovingly and carefully takes care of Mrs. Martha by bringing her to church and saving her seats at church fellowships. I'll never forget Bro. Tuck saving Mrs. Martha a seat at the Fall Festival, and when she asked him if the seat was saved for anyone, he replied, "Yes, it's saved for the most beautiful woman in the world, so I guess that means it's yours!" My heart is overjoyed.

And all those sweet people (and many more) help me to realize what church is all about.

I weep with those who weep. I weep with Gale, who is missing her husband tonight even as I type. I weep with Fannie, who weeps because she can't not cry when she thinks about her sister hurting. I weep with others in our church who have grandchildren battling cancer and estranged spouses and court battles over custody of their children. I weep with all of them.

And I rejoice with those who rejoice. I rejoice with Mrs. Robena, as she celebrates 80 years of life and many, many years of devotion to Sunnyside Baptist Church and to the Lord. I celebrate with energetic Mrs. Ruth who is so excited about just getting to come back to church that she can't contain her laughter. I rejoice with Bro. Tuck and Mrs. Martha as the Lord has given them each other (in a very special, different kind of way) to finish their lives here on earth together. I rejoice with them.

Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep."And this past Sunday, I was able to live out just one more truth about the family of God: we're all in this together. Of course I hurt when Fannie hurts-- we are a part of the same body.

The people at Sunnyside Baptist Church are my family. I love them so much, and our love is different from the love that comes from DNA or heredity. Our love comes from a different kind of DNA-- the blood of Christ. I praise God for His creation of the family of Himself. Praise God that we get to live life together. Praise God that He doesn't require us to live the Christian life alone. Praise God that He cares enough for us to put people in our lives to comfort us.

Praise God that we can rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus.

SSMT verse 4

2011-02-15T21:33:00.000-05:00

My fourth verse for the SSMT is...

"Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct."

-1 Peter 3:1-2

a numb heart and thoughts about death

2011-02-09T20:44:00.000-05:00

Every day, at least 150,000 people die all over the world.

Do you know what happens three days after all those deaths occur?

Nothing. Three days later, those people are still dead. Their bodies still lie in their graves. Mothers still weep. Children still cry. Friends still grieve, and spouses still mourn. Three days later, those people are still dead.

Yet, the world keeps spinning. And each day, 150,000 more people die.

Sometimes, my mind cannot seem to fathom scenes from the cross. I've heard the precious words of the Gospel so many times that I believe my heart becomes numb to all it means. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived, ate, walked, slept, wept, loved, breathed, healed, laughed, taught, lead, prayed, suffered, died, and rose again. And that's the beauty of the cross: a man once dead is alive and well today.

Or is it?

I think the true beauty of the cross is not just that a man who was dead is now alive. Because, if you think about it, Lazarus was once dead, but Jesus raised him from the dead. Now, I know what you're thinking-- Jesus never died a second death like Lazarus did. But maybe the miracle of the cross isn't just that a man who was dead is now alive. Maybe there's more to it...

I believe that the true meaning of the cross-- the true beauty of the cross-- is that GOD HIMSELF came to earth, GOD HIMSELF lived among sinners, GOD HIMSELF died on the cross, and GOD HIMSELF rose again.

The Trinity. Three in One. The Father. The Son. And the Holy Spirit. HE came to earth...TO EARTH...and lived AMONG us. AMONG US! A people of sin and wickedness and filth. God-- holy, perfect, infinite, God lived among sinners. It's mind blowing.

The miracle of the cross isn't just that a man suffered. The miracle of the cross is that GOD suffered. GOD bled and died for the sins of many. GOD was mocked. GOD was beaten. GOD was tortured.

GOD was victorious. GOD rose from the grave.

And when I think about the cross- GOD's cross-- in that way, then my heart isn't numb anymore. Anyone who understands the simple complexity of that cross cannot be one who owns a numb, beating heart. There's a realness to that cross. And that realness causes my heart to break for the sins I've committed, but that same realness causes that same heart to rejoice in a Savior.

Yeshua.

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

"Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

-Romans 5:18-21