Tomorrow is the Day

We are scheduled to check into the hospital tomorrow morning at 6:00 for Eli's induction. I don't know if there are any words to really describe the feeling just hours before we are set to meet our son. We obviously covet your prayers.

This is the only picture we have of him so far. I have to admit I think he looks a LOT like Zachary. I guess we'll see.


Thanksgiving Day, Zach and I went out and he took some last minute maternity pictures for me. Here is me with Eli at 37 weeks.

Sydney's 5K

We are SO proud of Sydney. For the last couple of years, she has competed in the St. Jude 5K in support of a classmate of hers who was treated at St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.

This year, she did SO good!!

We couldn't be prouder, sweet girl!!

My Big Boy

Around the time I was turning 30, Zachary somehow got Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. I'm not sure if any of your kids have had this, but it is HORRIBLE. Ever since he was just a few months old, Zachary has always sucked his two middle fingers. I figured that one day we would have to get creative to make him stop. BUT, apparently, if you have a mouth full of blisters for two weeks, then you won't want to suck your fingers anymore. I know I should be happy that he's not putting his germy fingers in his mouth anymore, but I still miss my sweet baby boy that loved those fingers.

Here are a few pictures of him sucking those fingers so I don't forget.

Turning 30

I turned 30 back in October, and Zach did an AMAZING job at throwing me a surprise party. I never saw it coming, which is unusual, since I usually figure out EVERYTHING. My sister, mom, and great friend Jenn all helped him out and made sure I didn't have a clue. I loved having all my friends and family in one place. And as far as turning 30 goes, I haven't batted an eye. I love everything about where I am at this milestone. I have the most wonderful stepdaughter, a beautiful baby boy, another on the way, and a wonderful husband. I couldn't be happier to say hello to the next 10 years.

New Home

It's been forever since I've updated this blog, mainly because of the INSANE amount of things going on these days. I'm going to do my best to update the major things I don't want to forget. We sold our first home last week and are currently living with my parents. We had to take quite a hit to get out of the house, so we're staying here until we can make our money back, and get Eli here and settled. We are SO very grateful we have family who is so generous and giving. It's actually working out much better than any of us could expect.

While we are grateful to be here, saying goodbye to our first home was definitely bittersweet. It was the home we came home to from our honeymoon. It was the first place Sydney came to stay with us. It was the home we brought Zachary home to. It was where we shared our first Christmas, our first baby, our first anniversary. It was the home that captured the first five years of our family. While we know it's just a house and that our true home lies within us, it will still always be a very special place to us. Here are a few pictures over the past five years in our home in Oakland, TN.

Five on Friday

1. I turn 30 next week. Zach keeps asking me how I feel as I approach 30. And my answer is "GREAT. This is exactly where I'd always dreamed I'd be at 30-- in fact, it's more than I ever could have asked for." Looking forward to spending some time with family and friends next week!

2. I'm counting down the days until my brother and his family come home for a few months. They'll be home late Tuesday!!!! I CANNOT WAIT! Best birthday gift EVER.

3. We had an offer on our house last night. We countered, and will hopefully hear something today. If we sell, then we will have to be out by November 16th. We're taking a big hit to make this happen, so my parents will be gaining quite a few house guests for a while to help us make up the difference.

4. Have you started pinning yet?? I can't get enough of it! I've put myself on restriction of how much I'm allowed to pin in one day.

5. The stomach bug is finally on its way out of our house. It took about 2 1/2 weeks to make it through all three of us, but we're all feeling better.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Zachary's Favorite Place

A few weeks ago, I set up a little table for Zachary in my office. It's his place to color and draw. I had no idea he would love it as much as he does. If it was up to him, he'd stay there all day.

If I turn my head for a second (like this morning while cleaning up the kitchen), this is what I'll find.

Cotton Fields

Here are a few pictures of my big 19 month old boy in the cotton fields near our house...

Waiting for Eli | 28 Weeks

Things happening at 28 weeks...

-I really can't complain. I am pretty comfortable most of the times. I have to use a pillow while working on my computer for long periods of time, but nothing compared to with Zachary at this point.

-I have had PLENTY of energy lately, so I've been taking advantage of it.

-No cravings at all this time around..

-I've gained about 20-25 pounds thus far. Ugh.

-I LOVE LOVE LOVE feeling him move. This is quite likely my last pregnancy, so I am soaking in all those little kicks and movements.

-I stole a body pillow from my parent's house, and it has become my new best friend at nights. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to give it up in three months.

-So far, Eli's been doing perfectly. This pregnancy is much smoother than with Zachary. We've only had two ultrasounds, compared to about 15 with Zachary at this point. It's kind of nice being able to relax and enjoy feeling this sweet baby boy growing inside me.