2.21.2013

5 Months


I remember being 5 months pregnant. We had found out a few weeks before that our little Juice Drop is a girl. We were beginning to decorate the nursery in blacks, creams, whites, and delicious peaches. I was selecting fabrics that would soon be pillows and curtains. My heart was overflowing with joy knowing that our lives would forever change in a few short months. And has it ever! I was brought to tears the other night as Anna fed off of me. Nursing has been a much more difficult task than I had expected but I wouldn't change that time, just her and I, for the the world. Tears fell as I thought about what Anna's going to be like in a year, in five years, in 10 years, and then as a teenager. A teenager?! Is that possible? Can my baby girl grow that old? And I know it'll happen just like **that**. I cried because I don't want my baby girl to grow up. I want to hold her just as she was the other night forever, her and I, nursing together. Sometimes life doesn't feel real. I can't actually believe this little baby, who came from me, will actually grow into a child, a teenager, an adult. That just doesn't seem possible. I cried out to God asking why my little girl has to grow up, why can't she stay just like she is? As a Father, I would think my Lord would feel the same feelings I feel. But then a thought came to me, He wants to see me grow, grow in love with Him. As I grow I love more. Do I not want that for my daughter as well? A resounding YES! As Anna grows she will love her parents more and more. We'll also be able to teach her about her Heavenly Father who she will love more and more as well--we pray!  More growth brings more love, more joy. My selfishness wants to hold my baby forever just as she is now but my love for her wants her to grow in the Father's love. So grow, Anna, grow! Mommy will just have to hold onto these memories of you being this little forever.

2.10.2013

Hello Duck

So let's talk about this book.


It's Anna's favorite for some reason. Every time I turn a page her eyes get big, she puts on a huge smile, and her arms start wriggling around. It's not a particularly special book in any way. Just your average baby board book about a little duck.



One day Anna and I were playing in her nursery. The duck book was laying on the floor next to us with the back facing up. I glanced over at it and began reading the back. Down at the bottom it listed the illustrator, and what do you know, apparently my own daughter illustrated her favorite book!

I'm pretty sure this foreshadows my daughter's future, no?

2.09.2013

Your PSA for the Day

Want to know a little bit more about what we do with Missionary Athletes International? Without spoiling the video for you (because it can explain it so much better than I can!), I first want to say how blessed I feel to be a part of such an amazing organization! After two years I'm still brought to my knees with gratitude that God led us here. I'm humbled that he chose to use us, that he trusts us enough to lead his children to himself. I'm honored to be called a sports minister!



P.S. Thank you to J.B. Waggoner who worked super hard making this wonderful video! You have a gift, my friend!

2.05.2013

National Pancake Day

Most of our kids in the neighborhood have never had pancakes. It's just not something that is usually a part of their breakfast menu. They're accustomed to rice and hot chilies--I think I'd take the pancakes. So we thought tonight, being IHOP's free pancake night and all, would be the perfect opportunity for a few of our friends to give pancakes a whirl.

The Verdict: Pancakes were a hit!


Travis helped Daykulay decide which syrup to coat his pancakes. He chose old fashioned. Good choice, Daykulay, good choice!
And then there is Mooku, who decided all four flavors (old fashioned, strawberry, blueberry, and butter pecan) would taste the best. I beg to differ but she seemed to like them.
Did anyone else take advantage of this amazing deal?! 

And Baby Makes Three


I didn't think I was really pregnant. How could I? We'd only be trying for 2 months. So when I bought the test it was just to prove I really wasn't pregnant, ha! So many emotions were running through my head as I bought the test and took it home. But again, I didn't really think I was pregnant. Travis was home and I told him I bought a test. "Should I go ahead and take it now?" "Why not?" He asked. So I did...let me pause here to state that we were still living with Jeremy and Caitlin. Caitlin was in her bedroom downstairs, we were right above her bedroom...those were the longest 3 minutes of my life! I didn't want to cheat and look before the 3 minutes were up so I stayed out of the bathroom while the test sat on the sink. After those treacherous 3 minutes I walked back into the bathroom and saw this:


Wait, I'm confused! Are there two lines? Why is that one faded? What does that mean?!!?!?! Travis and I just stared at it together and then looked at one another in shock and utter disbelief. Are we really pregnant?! After rereading the manual for the umpteenth time it told us that it doesn't matter if one line is faded, a line is a line and two definitely mean you're pregnant! As previously stated, Caitlin was in the room directly below us. We couldn't jump and shout like we wish we could so just imagine Travis and me yelling but whispering and quietly with soft feet jumping up and down! It was hilarious! Even though we tried to keep as quiet as we could, I'm still surprised that Caitlin did not hear a thing!

I know most women take all the tests right then but I decided to wait a whole week before I took my next one. And sure enough when I took it the following week the same two lines (one faded again) stared me in the face. And even though I took two tests and got positive results on both, the weeks leading up to my first appointment were filled with doubts and fears of not really being pregnant. I was feeling some symptoms (like bigger boobs and having to pee all the time) but I really didn't believe it could be true. There was even one morning I awoke to just total fear of losing the baby or not really being pregnant at all. I knew at that point I had to give it to the Lord. I couldn't carry this fear any longer. After praying that God would take control of this pregnancy (like He was already doing), prepare my heart to be a mother, and protect my child, I felt the Holy Spirit envelope me. It was the most amazing feeling! I knew from that moment on (and since then) I would and could give any fears and doubts to God. My first appointment confirmed I was pregnant (obviously!) and it was like being told I was pregnant all over again. Travis and I had so much joy we just laughed out loud; I think the nurse thought we were a little crazy but I didn't care...you just told me I'm going to have a baby! How do you want me to respond?! 

THEN, we saw the baby on the ultrasound and heard the heartbeat. The most beautiful sight and sound I have ever heard in my entire life! If ever I needed confirmation I received it right at that moment! Praise God for the little miracle He has placed inside of me! The doubts and fears have left and the only thing that remains is love for the Lord and for this child!

Travis calls Juice Drop a salamander at this point :)
The yellow cross is the "crown" and the green cross is the "rump"

2.02.2013

One Million Views

Today is a very special day! I never thought in a million years my blog would turn into what it has. I'm so thankful to all of you who have taken the time to check in to our little lives. It's amazing how technology can bring people together, and I'm blessed every time I receive an encouraging note from you. Also, thank God for Pinterest because without it many of you would not have stopped by! Whodathought those little banana oatmeal muffins would be such a hit! :) 





2.01.2013

Bubble Gum and Friends

What could be better?

Warning: Alliteration might just get your tongue in this post! Sorry I'm not sorry.

The other night our friends (who are also our next door neighbors) came knocking on the door. We hadn't seen Mooku and her brothers for the longest time so we were beyond the moon when they came bursting into our living room.

"I have a research project to do and it's due on Monday and I haven't started." Mooku said. This was Friday.

"Whelp...let's hop to it then!" I started thinking back on the research project I did in 5th grade...How is paper made? Really? Why? Who cares?! Apparently I did. I was thankful Mooku's project was a lot easier and way cooler.

Which bubble gum blows the biggest bubble? This was going to be fun!

The next day we set out to find the best bubble gum. We got our hands on Bubblicious (watermelon flavored, i.e. the best!), Hubba Bubba (Dr. Pepper flavored, actually not bad lol), Double Bubble, and Super Bubble. Let me just say when looking for the best bubble gum head to your nearest gas station; grocery stores and pharmacies don't carry the good kind for some reason. We learned that the hard way.

After Mooku hypothesized that Double Bubble would blow the biggest bubble we set off blowing, all five of us!




I was for sure that either Hubba Bubba or Bubblicious was going to win this contest, however, Double Bubble was the last to blow and blew us all away! (pun intended, hee hee :) 

Way to go, Mooku! You hypothesized correctly! Awesome face, by the way.

We couldn't end the evening without a little play time with Miss Anna! She was pretty bummed she couldn't participate in the blowing of bubbles, however, she could blow enough spit bubbles that would outdo any bubble gum bubbles!
 Anna loves Mooku!

Mooku made a little bed for Anna. How sweet!

 Mooku and Anna were hiding under the covers. Just presh!
We love our friends!
Mooku's wearing one of Travis' ear plugs he bought for the plane ride. Cracks me up!


Gosh darn it, I love these guys!