Baby Updates

From the moment we found out I was expecting, Dillon and I never had one of those strong intuitions on if baby was a boy or a girl- I had dreams about both genders, and our families were fairly split on what they thought it would be.

We had our 16 week appointment the Monday before Thanksgiving and were unable to get a look at anything because the sono machine was broken. Normally we would have had to wait until the 20 week to determine the sex, however, my dear friends Catherine and Jaime just happen to volunteer at a Pregnancy Center where they do free sonograms and they wanted to get some practice on moi!

So on Tuesday November 29^th, I drove downtown after work and met Dillon, Catherine and Jaime at the center. I had not seen the baby since our one sonogram at week 8, so it was quite amazing to see the baby, who was now 17 ½ weeks old, flipping all over the screen.

A few minutes in, we got the necessary angle and everyone in the room (including Dillon and I) had the same guess… Which was then confirmed by the sonogram technician. God had blessed us with a little GIRL!

While we had no suspicions either way, we were still so surprised and shocked to suddenly know what our little blessing was going to be. Since that day, my initial delight has grown into eager anticipation of getting to meet and know our daughter. Of course I have found myself dreaming of all the memories we will make with her and I can’t wait to see Dillon hold her in his arms! 

Several weeks into the pregnancy a name came to us that we both loved from the beginning. It feels right and it is fun to refer to our little baby by her name. While we are still perfecting the full name, the name we love for her is Reese.

Since then, we have had some fun moments. Calling family and friends to share the news was one of them. On the night of my birthday, when I was 19 weeks, I was laying in bed and was able to feel LOTS of movement in my belly, more than ever before. I called Dillon to come in the room, and he was able to feel a couple of strong “pushes”- So FUN!

Another fun thing- for several weeks I have been hunting Craigslist and Salvation Army for a good quality Baby Glider. I thought I had found the perfect one at S. A a few weeks ago but when I went in the next day to pay for it, I was informed that it had sold only 2 hours prior. Finally- a couple of days before my birthday I found one on Craigslist, and we were able to go see it, both liked  it, and took it home! This is the one thing I have heard from lots of people that we wouldn’t regret buying. We are already both fighting over who gets to sit in it at night.

I can't believe I almost halfway through the pregnancy. The first half FLEW by- I want to be sure to appreciate this time now that I know how quickly it will go by, and cherish each fun marker. 

Turkey Recap

       We continued tradition this year for Thanksgiving and spent the holiday outside of Ingram, TX in a cozy cabin on the river. All that was missing was my sister Katie- whom I shall see in just a few weeks! This year I decided that my mom has slaved away at the meals alone for long enough- So the Tuesday before we left town I cooked up 2 batches of sausage balls and a huge pan of chex mix. 

I didn't feel especially helpful in the kitchen on Thursday since the family favorites are best prepared by Mama Mathis, but I did make the green been casserole and rolls since those are pretty impossible to mess up. 

While the guys fried up the turkey, I decided to get Mollie out of the house with a little photo session...

It is certainly a year with much to be thankful for!

16 Weeks

Here is a picture of what has been happening to my belly...

I had a few moments this past week that caught me by surprise- it seems that in the mornings my stomach is relatively normal looking but by the end of the day, there is a large bump...Which to me means that the majority of the bump must be fat! I always thought I would embrace my growing belly but it has surprised me that I am a little shy about how large it already is. 

I must say though, that if I am going to be pregnant, this is the best time of year to be! We had a pre-Thanksgiving meal Saturday with our church friends and I showed up in my stretchy maternity pants and ate to my hearts content. I can't wait to chow down in a couple of days on sausage balls, turkey and pies... And after that- Christmas goodies!

Neat moment of the week was at Church on Sunday... We have been going to the new contemporary service since August and the music has been powerful. Well, I read that this week the baby can start to hear so it made worship really special on Sunday! 

Friday we went to the premiere of Twilight with my in-laws... Maybe not the best movie to see when you are with child? It was quite graffic to say the least (Bella gives birth to a vampire baby). It really seems like everywhere I look, Babies! Here is a picture of the 9 pregnant women at my school, in order of due date:

Oh- and the not so funny moment of the week was yesterday. Dillon and I had already discussed with our doctor that we would take a peak at baby at our 16 week appointment and see if we could determine the sex. We knew there was a good chance we wouldn't be able to get a good angle but we were hopeful. Well we arrived to the doctor yesterday and as we were signing in, overheard the secretary talking about the BROKEN sonogram machine... So we didn't get to glimpse anything! I was a little deflated but honestly, cannot complain about such a minor difficulty- we still got to hear the sweet heartbeat and that made it better!

Big News

So by this point- the news is public. There is a little Fergie on the way- to make his or her grand entrance on or around May 5, 2012.

It is becoming a little less shocking to see those words. As my stomach has recently grown into what several people have {not so sensitively} referred to as a "pooch", I have begun realizing that this is really real!

Around the 25th of August, I began to have some suspicions. I waited until the morning of Saturday the 27th, after Dillon had left the house to take his ordination exams in Ft. Worth, to head to Walmart and pick up the ever famous pregnancy test- along with a pink bow and a blue bow and 2 pacifiers in case my feelings proved true {I had an idea forming in my head at this point}. I took the test as soon as I got home, and almost immediately saw my confirmation in the form of a + sign.

I sprang into action. I had always envisioned doing something special to announce a baby on the way - I think this stems from the Full House episode where Aunt Becky makes a baby-themed dinner (baby corn, baby back ribs, etc) to tell Uncle Jessie she is pregnant. Anyhow- I had a little bit of time to put something together. 

Dillon got home around lunchtime. As he walked in the door, I clicked 'play' on I-tunes and 'With Arms Wide Open' filled the house. Polly and Penny greeted him proudly- in their pink and blue bows and pacifiers! I was watching all this unfold from behind the couch- I am not quite sure why I was hiding looking back now that was a little strange. Dillon pretty much knew right away what it all meant and couldn't stop smiling. Anyhow- it was a really fun moment- cheesy yes, with Creed playing in the background, but obviously a day we will never forget!

So at that point I was only 4 weeks and 1 day! We actually had to wait 4 more weeks before we saw our physician. During those 4 weeks we told only a very few close friends. We talked and prayed for the child and the days seemed to drag by as we waited for the 8 week appointment. I was busy with cheer-leading, got rear-ended one day on the way to work, and had lots of fatigue but otherwise had no nausea or vomiting praise the Lord! 

Finally September 23rd rolled around. Dillon picked me up early from work and we drove nervously downtown. We waited an hour before getting called back. At this point all I wanted was to see the little baby on the screen because honestly it is hard to believe you have a little human growing inside you - that is until you actually see it. 

So right away our doctor got the equipment ready and all of a sudden the screen was filled with a little "blob" and in the center of it was a bright pulsing flicker- I knew right away it was the heart and it was amazing! I think that is the moment that I got really excited about everything. 

Then came the hard part of deciding when/how to tell our family and friends. We knew we wanted to tell our families in person so that meant we had to wait until week 10. I told my sister on Skype at week 9 and that was fun- because she was completely surprised. All of her friends in the Middle East finally think we are normal since the first thing they do when they get married is start having kids haha. We had Dillon's dad over for dinner and Dillon started off by saying "I hope you will be around in May with everything going on, you know with my graduation, maybe a new job, the baby coming..." His mouth popped open and he gave us big hugs before quickly calling Brenda to share the news. Justin and Tasha were thrilled as they have been ready for their kids to have some cousins! We told my parents the next weekend by giving them a blue frame that says "A Miracle Waiting To Be Seen" with the sono pic. My mom didn't have her glasses on so she didn't get it at first but my dad did and they were both really surprised and started telling strangers at dinner the exciting news. We saw more family the next day in Lubbock and told Mollie and my grandparents.

Since then- time has been flying. I still haven't had any nausea. My appetite waned for a bit between weeks 6-12 but its back and food has never tasted better! My desire to cook however is rapidly diminishing- I still only cook about twice a week. Many evenings I get home and all I want to do is plop down on the couch until bedtime, and often I am able to convince Dillon to rub my back =). 

Above all - this has been a fun journey. I lie awake at night thinking of names, and dreaming of how life is about to change. I pray for the child, knowing the blessing that it truly is. I am thankful for family that I know will help us raise it and while I have many fears about my body changing, and my inadequacies, I still feel ready and joyful to begin this next stage of life with Dillon!

Here is my 14 week picture in which the pooch is clearly present:

Seasons of Life

Some seasons of life are so busy that it is easy to neglect the things that matter most- sad but so true. Because I know that my friends will always be there I tend to let that be one of the first things to go by the wayside. In that category is my small group- the weekly get together that has been food to my soul for the past few years has been chopped from my schedule this month and replaced with middle school football and volleyball games. And I noticed today after getting off the phone with a dear friend that I hadn't talked to in several weeks that I am not balancing life very well- I am putting all my energies into the things that life requires of me (work!) and neglecting those things that give me life- which equals unbalance!

And because I have been tired and drained so often after work, before yesterday, I hadn't been on a walk with the dogs in over a month- something I used to look forward to and need!

We had a really great break from life this past 3- day weekend and it helped rejuvenate my life. We enjoyed the West Texas pace- saw lots of family and a few friends, ate at some favorite restaurants, cheered on the Red Raiders at Jones stadium, and slept in. It left me looking forward to the next break, but it also gave me the energy I need to make it until then.

While I do love my work and love coaching, I need to devote even more into those things that matter to my heart. I shouldn't starve myself of the delights of friendships, phone calls, cooking, reading, walking- especially  when I consider the fact that those things often point me to Christ as I find my joy in them.

Enough about that!

Some Fall Decor:

My mom on their festive porch!

Tidbits of Life

The transition from Summer to Fall has been welcomed but has left us a little bit run-ragged. Cheer leading is somewhat all consuming- but in a fun, fulfilling way. In the past week we have traveled to 2 away games (just a few streets over but still!) and I pulled off a great Pep Rally on Tuesday (if I do say so myself!). Dillon is busy leading our new 11 a.m worship service while juggling school, small groups, and resume building.

I feel a little guilty because I have been cooking much less...Probably about twice a week. But this is just a season and Dillon doesn't seem to mind too much since it usually means we get to eat out instead.

And I don't know if it's because we are busier or what- but our dogs have been a handful as of late. In the past few weeks our sleep has been interrupted on several occasions by a barking dog, one morning before work was spent cleaning out a dog kennel and mopping and bathing the dog, and they have been refusing to eat their dry food. Maybe we just notice their annoying ways now that we don't have time for it - or maybe they are rebelling but either way- not fun.

I'm pretty certain flu season is here. I generally see the trends in the school and I've seen a few this week with fever. Remember- stay home if you have a fever and wash your hands frequently! I'm hoping my immunity remains strong this year- but I did get the flu vaccine just in case.

Last week Dillon and I saw 'Courageous'. Dillon was reluctant because he feared the cheese factor would be high but we both thought it was a well made movie- though quite sad. There is one part in the movie where there is a challenge for men to stand up and accept the call to be men of honor- and I leaned over and tried to bribe Dillon to stand- but of course he refused.

And this weekend we are so excited to (weather -permitting) to be going to the Tech vs A&M game in Lubbock- should be a great time with family and friends~

Israel Day 10

January 8, 2011

The morning began at The Mount of Olives. At a small church our group read scripture and sang 'Great Is Thy Faithfullness,' and then walked to an outlook where we could see the city of Jerusalem and the famous Dome of the Rock.

The sound of our voices singing echoed off the walls all around us

“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
 ³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”
 ⁵ Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶ Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. ⁷ When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁸ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
   ⁹ “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. ¹⁰ And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. ¹¹ Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Windy and Happy

See the rainbow below?

From here, we walked down to the Garden of Gethsemane. It was an interesting walk (see below)

"They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ³⁴ “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

 ³⁵ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ³⁶“Abba,^[f] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
 ³⁷ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
 ³⁹ Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. ⁴⁰ When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
 ⁴¹ Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

We then drove to Bet Sahur/Shepards Field and did a little bit of shopping - I bought gifts for family and a few plates for myself. We ate shwarma in a pita for lunch- delish! 

We drove to Bethleham (which is just outside of Jerusalem), and saw the church built on top of the site where Jesus was born.

On our way out of Bethleham (which is a Palestinian city), we saw the wall that Israel has built to keep Palestinians confined to the city, unable to leave freely.

Proud

I have to brag on Dillon. This is his last fall semester of seminary (Lord willing!) and I am so proud of him.

3 years ago, he was just beginning his very first class, Greek I, at Westminster in Dallas (now Redeemer Seminary), and I was anxious to be honest.  We were living in Dumas, so the plan that we came up with and both agreed upon was that he would fly to Dallas Tuesday mornings, and return Friday afternoons, and he would do this for 1 month. The day he left, I came home from work to an empty house and discovered he had set up a scavenger hunt for me- I was led through our house with clues until I found the treasure: LOST (the first season).

I tell this story because it illustrates how Dillon’s heart has been for me during his time at school. Some weeks we did not talk much at night because he would be working on a paper or studying for a test- but he rarely studied outside of our home if I was there. He always sat down before signing up for classes to go over the schedule with me and make sure it looked good. He often invites me to sit in certain classes if they are in evening. While I know he loves to learn and study theology, I have never doubted that he cares more about our marriage than his grades. He is a blessing to me!

It is an honor to see him grow. Some of my favorite parts of the past few years have been witnessing his passions come to life. He started leading Sunday School 2 years ago, which led to the start of Young Adult Small Group, which has grown from 6 of us at the start, to currently, 18. And about a year ago, Dillon was approached by church staff who asked him if he would like work part time doing what he was already doing- such a blessing! Dillon just loves people, and loves theology- God is using him already for great things and this makes me so excited for what the future holds.

In a relatively short amount of time, he will start putting together a resume and looking for a call/job. We often talk about where we will end up, what kind of church it will be, etc… While the details are unknown, I have complete trust that God will take us where we need to be, and that Dillon will be ready. 

Summer Living

Another summer, come and gone in a flash!
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July was full of hot days at the pool, The Hunger Games Trilogy, and a family trip to The Caymans.
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August is underway, with a girls weekend, a wedding, Cheer camp, and preparing for the next school year. We also spent the past few days babysitting our nieces and nephew.
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While summer was nice, I am ready and excited to get back in a routine, and to move on to Fall!
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Here are a few pictures of life these days:
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UCA Middle School Camp

                                                                    Co-Workers

                                                                   Lifelong Friends

As my younger sister starts her freshman year at Texas Tech, and Dillon begins his final year of seminary, I can't help but pause and thank God for all the blessings He has given us in this life. He is Good!

Grace Friends

It took us about 8 months after moving to Dallas to finally find a church. There are so many great ones here, but they all start to seem alike after trying so many. We had decided that we just needed to pick one and dive in, and so that's what we did after visiting Grace Presbyterian of Plano in August of 2009. What made us decide to go there was that the first Sunday we visited, some old college friends Josh and Rachael were there too, recently having joined.

Since then, we have been part of a 'small group' that meets on Tuesday nights. I am so thankful for the friendships that have come from this random group of people. We have singles, couples, students, and professionals and we are all quite different. I have come to see this as a great thing, and while our discussions can sometimes go in odd tangents, Tuesdays are never boring.

A few weeks ago all the girls took Holly out for a bachelorette party. We ate at Cantina Laredo, then walked to Pete's Piano Bar, before heading back to my house to play games and open presents.

Here is our group at a Rangers Game in June

A couple of weekends ago we took a one night camping trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma. We arrived early Saturday and went straight to the river, where we all canoed, kayaked or floated.