Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Almost time!

It seems like these past few months have flown by and now here we are, just 3 weeks away from by due date with William! Wow! I have been nesting up a storm trying to get things ready for the baby and then the contractions started. I had very mild Braxton Hicks with Nolan...but nothing like the ones I've been experiencing lately. Between all the running around, heat, and lifting a very heavy toddler...my body is trying to tell me to slow down (as did my doctor yesterday). I thought for sure I'd be dilating at my check-up yesterday from all the contractions...but little man is not ready just yet. I know he will be born on the perfect day in God's perfect time so I'm relaxing now! Feet propped up, drinking lots of water, and minimum lifting of Nolan!

I will do my best to keep you all updated as things progress. Please keep us in your prayers for a perfect labor & delivery. We can't wait to meet our little blessing!!

Nolan loves Eric's yard hat & running around in just a diaper before bath time!

Sweet boys all snuggled up :)

Preview of what's to come...Nolan thinks that Julie's activity gym is his new toy! He's been very excited about all of the baby items/toys we pulled out of our storage unit last week and points to everything and says "baby"!

Friday, June 19, 2009

A Father's Prayer: by Charley Gunter

Heavenly Father, thank You for my children's salvation. Thank You for choosing them to be children of mine and Yours. Thank You that You have lavished Your riches and Your inheritance on them, although they could do nothing to earn it or deserve it.

I pray for my children's legs to walk always with You, not racing ahead, not lagging behind, not wandering off, but day-by-day walking with Jesus, so that He is their constant companion. God, take them where You want them to go and keep them from the places they shouldn't go. Give them strength to continue when they feel weak. Give them courage to keep on walking with You, even when the road ahead looks uncertain and dim. Give them grace to bridge gaps, to leap walls, to span the separations between people and groups.

I pray for my children's feet, that You would place them where You want them to stand. Plant their feet on the immovable rock of Jesus. Talk to them when storms come or the world's attractions try to lure them down its path. Whisper in their ears and to their spirits, "Stand firm."

Through my children's arms, always do Your work. Strengthen them, hold them up, and direct them to do whatever You want them to do. Make their time valuable for eternity, not just the quick flash that is the span of their days on earth.

I pray for my children's hands that they will often fold them in prayer. Make them mighty in prayer. Teach them to pray after Your own heart. Enable them to live their lives so that everyone will see Your signature, "This one is the Lord's."

Give my children the patience to wait on You, Lord, so that You may renew their spirits and they may soar as on eagle's wings.

By Your enabling power, make my children's will as strong as iron for clinging to what is good and resisting evil. Cause them to be unyielding in following righteousness and rejecting anything not pure, holy, and completely from You. Make their wills toward You as pliable as spun silk when You convict them of sin or following their own ways. Give them tender hearts and teachable spirits for You, God.

I pray for my children's character, that You will make it strong and godly. Use godly men and women to mold, shape, and weave their character, beliefs, and views of You as You want to make them.

Enable by Your grace that their conscience will be clear. I pray they will keep a short list of accounts with You and quickly acknowledge sin to You and confess their wrongs. Give them the humility to seek forgiveness from the ones they offend. Enlarge their hearts to grant forgiveness freely, even before it is asked, when they are wronged.

I pray for my children's heart, that You would guard it. Keep them protected, covered, shielded, and sheltered from all harm that seeks to touch them. Make their hearts soft when they should show compassion, firm when "tough love" is required, and always holy.

By Your power, protect their bodies. Keep them well and safe, and heal them when they are sick or injured. Hold them and comfort them when they are afraid, lonely, sad, or discouraged. Give them the strength and the courage to keep on keepin' on when they feel they cannot any longer.

I pray for my children's minds, that regarding the things of Christ they will be full of knowledge and wisdom, and regarding the things of sin they will be ignorant. Give them Your wisdom and discernment to evaluate what they see.

Light my children's eyes with the light of Christ shining within them. Filter what they will see through holy filters. Protect them and keep them, for the devil masquerades as an angel of light. Give them holy understanding to see past the surface, to see the world from Your perspective, and to respond as You would.

Father, put Your Word in my children's ears and in their hearts frequently. I pray that they will not listen to unwise counsel or foolish talk and will seek Your wisdom and Your ways all their days.

I pray for my children's mouths, that words of praise and prayer will be on their lips always. Curb them from speaking rashly or without thought, so that they will bring honor and glory to You. I pray for my children's countenances, that they will reflect Your glory and the radiance of the hope that is alive within them.

Sanctify their pocketbooks, and teach them to be good stewards of what You give them. Teach them the principles of Your economy, the way to manage and use the things that You loan them. Beyond finances and possessions, make them good stewards of their talents, time, and opportunities You send. Help them to acknowledge that everything is Yours, and because of that, they need not worry or fear loss.

I pray that they will abide in righteousness and live worthy of the One who purchased their lives from destruction and eternal death. Show them that life is in Christ alone, that there is no other source of life, joy, light, peace, comfort, love, or truth that can endure forever, and no other is pure or holy but You.

Father-God, I place all these things in Your hands in the name of the One who is able to do all things, beyond anything we ask or imagine, to whom is all glory, honor, and praise, Amen.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Summer Vacation to Seacrest Beach

We took our annual beach trip with my parents this year since we haven't been on a family vacation with them since Disney World in 2003. After we booked our trip, we found out a few weeks before we left that Eric had to go to Pennsylvania for work the same week. We were so sad, but Eric decided he would come for the weekend, take me out to Cafe 30A for our 5 year Anniversary dinner, and make the most out of just 2days there. After Eric left, my family was so helpful with Nolan since I'm really pregnant (34 weeks). We had a great time, enjoyed 7 days of beautiful sunshine weather and I really got to relax. Nolan however, still hates the sand, but loves the pool. So most of our time was spent at the pool with only going to the beach 4x's while we were there. Overall, it was a great trip and it was so nice to spend quality time with my family.

Nolan and I dressed for dinner

Attempted a family pic...not so successful!

Eric and Nolan in the pool

Nolan was one thirsty boy the whole trip since it was so hot!

On our way to the beach hoping Nolan will like it!

Nonna loves dressing her grandsons in matching pj's!

Nolan with Uncle Bryan at the beach

Nolan with his Pa-Paw having fun in his boat

Jeff, Nolan, Allison & Zach

Zach & Nolan played so much together

Me & Allison




Lovin' on Pa-Paw

Nolan's yummy chocolate covered pretzel stick that he ate like corn!

Friday, June 5, 2009

It's our 5-year Wedding Anniversary!!

"And they lived happily ever after..."


(I hand painted this plate for Eric and gave it to him the night of our rehearsal dinner)

I must say, 5 years ago today I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I was so excited to say "I do" to the most incredible man I knew. I was ready to become one and ready to start our lives together as man and wife.

I still feel as if I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I couldn't have asked God for a better spouse than the one He's given me. Eric is an amazing husband who is so committed to me and the family we have started. He is a true man of his word and has always made me feel safe & secure no matter what challenges the day may bring. He is my best friend and together we make the perfect team! I always tell him how thankful I am that we work together on everything...and that's a huge part of what makes us centered and happy in our marriage through Christ.

Though today my husband and I are celebrating 5 wonderful married years together, we are looking forward to growing very old together and enjoying each new exciting year.

I’m still madly in love with Eric, and realize often how much I’m truly Blessed. I absolutely adore you babe and I am so grateful to be your wife and the mother of your children :)

June 5, 2004

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

May Days

It seems like the past few weeks have flown by. Eric and I have been on the go non-stop for 4 weeks straight...out of town every weekend. Needless to say, we are worn out! We've been spending lots of time with family and friends and have been house hunting during the week. We're still praying for a buyer for our house in B'ham before we buy another home here. We met with our mortgage guy today and I think it seems like too big of a risk to take on 2 mortgages. So, we're going to continue to live in our apartment in Gulfport until August and then possibly rent a home if our house still has not sold by then.

Aside from getting our living arrangements in order...we went to the doctor last week and found out my due date was moved up to July 22nd. So we literally have just a few weeks before baby William is here! Please keep us in your prayers for a continued great pregnancy and perfect delivery.


My sister Allison and I with our 2 boys at Landon's 2nd Birthday party

Nolan drying off after playing on the waterslide at the birthday party

Nonna and Zach

The huge waterslide was a little big for Nolan :)

Eric teaching Nolan how to play putt-putt for the first time

Yes...that's my son with the bucket over his head at Bear Club at the Lyn Meadows Discovery Center.

Nolan's friend William from MMO decided to push him around in the kiddy wheelchair at Lyn Meadows in the small basketball area they had set up. This pic was taken right before he slammed into the gate!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Nommie and Pap-Paw's house

I had a great Mother's Day weekend with my boys and visiting with Eric's family in Laurel. Nolan was spoiled rotten with lots of love and attention from Nommie and Pap-Paw! Eric and I enjoyed some alone time riding around in his mom's convertible and had a lot of fun playing outside with Nolan. I must say the heat is very trying at times when you're pretty pregnant, but I was able to catch up on some extra sleep and propped my feet up a good bit!

Nolan loves driving Pap-Paw's fishing boat in the garage

Nolan loves his new pool & water slide Nommie bought for him to play with in the hot weather

His swim trunks are almost like pants they're so long!!

Daddy decided to jump in the kiddy pool and cool off with Nolan. Priceless!

Pap-Paw bought Nolan's first play fishing pole and practices with him how to reel in a fish

Nolan got lots of new things this weekend...including a 4 wheeler that we couldn't keep him off!

Trying to help Nommie water the plants. He waters his feet instead and then tries to wipe up the water. I have to explain it's okay to spill water outside ;)

Nolan is so quick to jump in my car seat and pretend he's driving

Before we went to Nommie's house on Friday, Nolan fell asleep in his high chair while he was eating lunch. I thought it was so funny! He was worn out from playing with Mommy at the pool that morning :)

The Hill at Florence Gardens

This past Thursday my friend Allison and I took the kids to play at "The Hill" at Florence Gardens (a newer neighborhood where Eric and I may build a home) and they had so much fun chasing each other and running up and down the hill! Even though it was like 90 degrees outside and super humid...the kids still enjoyed their playtime there and later at the playground until Allison and I were too hot to stand the heat any longer!


Run Nolan!! Sam and Avery are almost to the hill when he realizes they took off without him!

Finally, they all make it to the top!

Short rest break. Looking for bugs.

Back in Birmingham!

Eric and I had a fun weekend in Birmingham the first of May visiting with all our friends and old neighbors. It was exciting to be back and really felt like we were coming home after being gone for a few weeks. We stayed with our dear friends Krystie, Stirling, and their precious baby girl, Julie. Our home still has not sold, but we are firmly believing and trusting in the Lord that His timing is always perfect in everything...no matter how long it seems to us sometimes. Eric and I are very faithful that the Lord is going to bless our neighbors with a great family to move into our home, and provide us the opportunity to buy a home here in Gulfport, and settle down for a few years. In the meantime, we still miss everyone and our amazing church. It was so nice to be back at 8am service that Sunday and felt so great to see everyone :)

Christine, Jill, me, Krystie & the kids (my sweet neighbors). We all walked down to a local restaurant in Chelsea when Eric and I got in Friday night.

My sweet girlfriends that I miss so much joined us with their husbands and kids for a yummy dinner at Cocina Superior

Nolan playing the kiddy piano in the toy store

This is the dress I bought for Julie at Janie and Jack to wear to a wedding at the Botanical Gardens one night we were there

Nolan had so much fun at Caroline's Birthday party at SoHo Sweets! A 2-year old in a candy store, hyped up from cake and ice cream is another story!!

It was hard to keep Nolan out of the candy jars!

Nolan loved when Julie woke up every morning. He was so sweet to her and gave her lots of kisses!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Katie's engagement party

Eric and I had a great time with friends while my parents came over to babysit Nolan for the weekend. We enjoyed a yummy Italian meal with our new friends Lauren & Crosby and Allison & Brandon at Salute Friday night, and headed down to Panama City on Saturday for an engagement party. It was nice to have 2 date nights in a row (a rare occurrence these days) and Eric and I really spent some great quality time with each other. Love you so much hon!

Chris & Katie at their engagement party

After the party, one more quick shot before the night was over

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Happy Easter!


We had a really nice Easter weekend with family. Eric's mom came up on Friday and Saturday to visit and we went to my house for a few days after. Nolan however, has been sick since Friday with another double ear infection. He also had a reaction to the medicine they gave him and has had trouble keeping anything down since Saturday night. We went to the doctor this morning and Nolan received a shot and they scheduled him to see an ENT tomorrow to discuss getting tubes in his ears. We're so ready for our little man to be well and feel better!
Nolan was excited about the Easter bunny bringing him lots of goodies on Sunday morning, but especially liked spending time with his grandparents who he loves so much and asks for all the time now :)


Nonna & Pa-Paw on Easter Sunday

Nolan's Easter baskets (Eric's is in the center)!

Nolan trying to open his Dora the Explorer DVD

Nolan and Nommie at the Easter Egg hunt at Trinity

Family pic with our little bambino (25 weeks)

Hunting for Easter eggs

Thanks Nommie for my basket! Can't wait to use my swim diapers when I'm feeling better :)