Happy Birthday Mom

There aren't many days that go by that I do not talk to my mom on the phone. In fact there aren't many days that go by that I don't talk to my mom multiple times throughout the day. Today is my mom's birthday and I am so grateful of the amazing relationship that we have. I can only hope that one day my daughter and I will have a similar relationship. My mom has sacrificed a lot to make sure that I always had what I needed and often what I wanted. I am so grateful to have a role model and picture of who Jesus is and his sacrificial love for us in my mom. Tomorrow my mom will be in STL to help me get ready for Allie belle. Mom I can't wait to hang out with you. I love you. Happy Birthday!

Noah eats Dog Ice cream....yes I am for real.

The beginning of Pregnancy Pics...

Yesterday KellyBeth met us at our place to take Pregnancy Pics or "Belly Pics" as I had been calling them. I have posted a few that she sent to me to preview. There are SEVERAL more that I will get later and post when I get them but thought you all might enjoy a sneak peak.




She also took some pics for Noah to put together a bio to send to churches that he speaks at. He informed me that morning that he was a frowning pastor or a serious pastor. Basically he meant he didn't want to be smiling in his bio pic. However, I think KB captured Noah perfect in this picture. I love your smile baby :)

Also...funny story. The night before I was trying to figure out what I was going to wear... not that I have many options. I had said something to Noah about trying to figure out what we would wear and he quickly replies "Does it really matter... your shirt is going to be up the whole time it is not like anyone will see what you are wearing". I had a good laugh. I guess that is what I get for calling them Belly pics. There were no bare belly pics... sorry.

29 week update and a crazy weekend

This past weekend we have been going going going... I feel like we haven't stopped to breathe. Friday I had a doctors appointment in the morning. I am 29 weeks so this means I now have to start going every 2 weeks. Allie's heartbeat was strong, he said everything looked good with her. However, I am low on iron and platelets, something he didn't seem to concerned about but said we would monitor over the next couple visits. I now get to take an extra iron pill every day...yippie! I have also started experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. This may be partly due to the fact that Noah and I are so busy but my doctor confirmed that yes that is what they are and as long as I am not having 4+ an hour I am ok... :) After that we went shopping for food for us as well as the cook out we were hosting for our launch team on Sunday.

Saturday we went to Belleville for Ryan Neal and Emily Goldman's wedding. I had never been to a Catholic wedding before and it was quite the experience. The Cathederal was beautiful. We stayed for the reception so we didn't get home till later than we originally planned. Congratulations Ryan and Emily... We are so glad we got to be a part of your special day!!

The next morning came early as we had to leave the house by 9 to drive to Litchfield for a 10am service at FBC Litchfield. This was Josh's last sunday there and they were doing a commissioning service for them and for August Gate. They are planning to be on of our supporting churches. After that we all stayed as they had lunch provided for us and then went to Josh's Ordination service at 3pm. As you can probably guess I was totally exhausted at this point. Noah gave the charge at the ordination service and did an amazing job as always :) However, this time I noticed something different. From the time Noah started speaking till the time he was done Allie did not stop moving. I am not exaggerating. These were not small movements it was like she was doing somersaults are something. So apparently Allie Belle likes to hear her daddy preach... she better... she is going to hear a lot of it in her life time.

After the service we made the hour drive home and everyone came over to our house to grill out and have a big celebration meal. We had a blast with the group just being together, sharing stories, experiences, and laughs. Everyone left by 9pm and Noah and I crashed.

The weekend wore me out, but that is why I am thankful for Mondays where I can just rest. Thank you Jesus!

The joys of living alone...

Now that Noah and I are in our new place we have re discovered why married people like living by themselves. There is a reason you don't live with your parents or friends when you are married. Glad we FINALLY figured it out! HA. It is amazing how much we enjoy being at home these days and just being together. We have recently made a few much needed purchases...i.e a grill, patio/ deck furniture and a mattress for Allie Belle. We decided that last night was the night for the grill's maiden voyage and boy was our dinner AWESOME! All but the steaks were purchased at the Soulard Farmer's Market earlier in the day....YUM :)




While Noah was being the master chef on the grill I made chocolate covered strawberries for dessert (i got the strawberries at the farmer's market earlier that day). AMAZING.




Baby I am enjoying living with just you, at least for 11 more weeks :) I love you!

Blast from the Past

The past week we were able to spend some quality time with our great friends Kevin and Crystal and their 3 beautiful boys...Carter, Cooper, and Keller. I didn't bring my camera along but wanted to put up this video of one of the many quality times we hung out together when we lived in FL. This is a documentary of Noah's first diaper changing experience. Carter who is then about 1 1/2 was the Ginny Pig. This video makes me laugh everytime I watch it. Enjoy :)