Goodies for Hayden & the act of a selfless Mother

To say that we are blessed would be an understatement.

Sunday, (January 27th) Roy and I were given a huge baby shower in honor of our sweet baby boy, Hayden. It was amazing. To say a small town comes together to 'shower' people is one thing. But we were covered from head to toe in gifts. I realize more and more each day how big of a blessing comes from this 'small town' living. 

Everyone knows the crazy mixture of emotions that having a baby entails- with anxiety being one of them. It is such a blessing to be able to bring my baby from the hospital to a HOME. Surrounded by two people who will love him unconditionally. BUT you never feel like you have enough. Especially as a first time Mom. I have googled, read, and racked my brain on all the things that he will 'need'. I left registry lists to near necessities in hopes that majority of it would be filled. The Lord always provides to those who are faithful. For this I have been reassured. 

The food, gifts, and company at our shower was one in a million. 

I could not have asked for a better shower nor a better place to live during such a huge part of our life. 

The food was fabulous. Sarah (my sister) had the cake and cupcakes made through Publix. I don't know if any of you have had a Publix cake before, if you haven't you have missed out, but they are DE-VINE

 The food consisted of cheese straws (yum), chocolate chip cheesecake balls (yum), a gorgeous fruit carriage, some of the BEST chicken salad sandwiches I have ever eaten, Pimento cheese (yum), toasted pecans (crack-basically-they were devine), and some of the best punch! Did I mention, YUM?

 The fruit carriage was so cute! My sister and her mother-in-law (soon-to-be) were the heads up of this. It was one of my favorite things about the shower!! They did an excellent job, dont you think!?

The 'sign in' table for the shower. Cute little basket full of goodies. 

If I could suggest ANYTHING to any MOM-to-be or BRIDE-to-be, it would be to have a baby or bridal 'tea'. This is where the hostesses open the gifts, write them down, and put them on display for everyone to be able enjoy the entire shower. This also allows for the guest of honor to be able to mingle with her guests, actually get to eat, and actually get to look at all of the gifts. It is fantastic and my favorite type of shower.

My hostesses and me (minus Debbie Lewis and Dede Adams)

Below, a few of my hostesses went out and purchased a few "need" things and pieced them together to make centerpieces that I could take home and use for the baby! The books were my favorite.

This is Hayden's Graco pack and play that we will put by the bed as a co-sleeper until he is old enough and Mommy and Daddy feel safe enough to move to the 'big boy' crib. 

 Here are a few shots of the tables filled with gifts. There were so many wonderful things. I have went through everything probably 10 times and still feel like I have overlooked something.

Little Alabama/Misc table

Monogrammed "dress up" table

Some more of the Alabama table

Daddy (Hayden) got some camp!

 Now, grab a kleenex, tissue, or an entire pack of angel soft T.P. The little insight to this precious little rocker may or may not make you cry. BUT, if youre female, have a heart, or know the gift of a child, be prepared to shed a few tears. Just as the shower was coming to a close 3 members of Roy's family that are absolutely precious to us came by with this rocker.

This rocker was given to us by Roy's Aunt Rhonda, Uncle Sloan, and his cousins Loren and Rayney.
This was Roy's rocker when he was little. If you look closely you can see scratches on the top of it- Roy's mom told me this was from when Roy tried to take a "play" screwdriver/drill and "take it apart". The history behind the rocker only starts there.

When Roy became to 'big' for the rocker his mom decided to pass it down to her brother, his wife, and the start of their new family. They had 3 beautiful little girls. All of whom used the rocker. The last one to use the rocker was their youngest child, Mary Kate. Mary Kate was beautiful. (I never got to meet her) but the pictures I have seen of her do nothing but allow me to picture this vibrant, bouncy, beautiful little girl who was full of life. She looked just like her Momma, who (as you can see in the pictures below) is absolutely gorgeous. When Mary Kate was almost 3 years old, she passed away. This rocker has sat untouched in her room since then. It has been almost 9 years since God gave that beautiful earthly angel, heavenly wings.

Rhonda cleaned it and removed the baby dolls from it that have sat untouched for so many years in Mary Kate's room. All I could think as she told me this was how selfless. From the time we find out were pregnant a love that ONLY a mom or soon to be mom could ever experience overflows from your heart and surrounds that small little seed of a baby. As you and your baby grow, your love increases literally every second for him or her. Its overpowering at times. I have even asked "How in the world can I already love something that I havent even met, so much?" This only gives me a glimpse into the unconditional love I will have for my baby for an entire lifetime. So for a Mother, to give me something that symbolizes and reminds her so much of a child that is no longer here, is the most selfless, amazing, and Godly thing ever. It only demonstrated that even though Mary Kate is no longer here, the things Rhonda would do for her as a mom continues, even 9 years later.

I received so much more than a rocking chair yesterday. I received my FIRST life lesson as a Mother yesterday, from Rhonda. I realized that no matter what, you put yourself second when it comes to your children. Of course I have always been told this, but to actually see it in effect in front of my own face was the single most beautiful emotion I have experienced thus far in this pregnancy.
You do whatever it is to make others happy. Even if it means letting something go that holds so much room in your heart.
I still get emotional everytime I walk into Hayden's room and see it.

Rhonda wrote me a letter on her trip to Butler to give us the gift and I am going to share with you all.

"This sweet little rocking chair belonged to a little brown eyed curly hair darling of a baby boy. That baby boy grew into a spunky little guy who didnt have much time for sitting, so his precious mother, who is also a very loving Aunt shared it with a little blonde haired, blue eyed girl. She would be the first of three angel girls, that in time would sit and rock their baby dolls, pooh bears, read books, and sing in this chair. 
It has sat empty in a quiet room for some years now. We are so excited that in a short time now it will be filled! Filled once again with laughter and rocking, singing, and teddy bears! Our special gift-returned to you little, Hayden Wallace Vice."

Now that I am sobbing again (as are probably you), I will let you take in the meaning to be selfless.
 Be selfless in God's eyes most importantly.
Be so giving that your heart is about to burst.
Step outside your comfort zone and let the rays of joy pour from your heart into someone else's.
 Be Godly. Be a selfless Mom.

I was/am so appreciative of everything we received yesterday. The blessings that were showered upon our family is amazing and moving. But the gift of love, selflessness, care, compassion, and honesty that was given to us by Rhonda and Sloan and their girls yesterday is a gift that will NEVER be over used, under used, or thrown away. Its a life lesson that we will forever be able to carry with us.

Below is Rhonda, reading us the letter. 

Until next time, Enjoy! 

THIRTY FOUR WEEKS

So, I have completely slacked on my blogging for the week. We went to the Doctor on Wednesday January 23 and its Friday, January 25th. I have been finishing getting all the rooms together and working on packing bags for the Hospital.

I found a must have list for the trip on our 'big day' to the hospital. (I will get to this in the next blog post, but in the mean time I will give you an update on our doctor's appointment). 

We got a great report. (& several photos of Hayden on 4D). 

I have dilated to right at 3cm. I havent had any contractions since the Doctor's appointment but I am still 50% effaced. (Google it). Doc decided to hold off on steroid shot (I go back Tuesday the 29th) and I will get my steroid shot then as well as come off the Procardia and labor can be a 'go' at any point after that. She also told me that she thinks I will make it to 37 weeks (around the 13th) but she does not think I will make it to 38 (since the meds will have been stopped). SOOO we very well could have a beautiful baby boy by the 20th of February- that is less than 4 weeks away!
It is so unreal.

Oh & he has dropped. Some stranger at Dollar General stopped me to inform me "Girl he dropped -you bout ta pop" Funny how im still a little over a month from my original 'due date'. BUT he really has. I thought I had noticed, but wasnt to sure- but he has. May explain the sore achey muscles!

OHHH and his coming home outfit came in. I dont do the whole smocked/appliqué mumbo jumbo- so we opted for a gorgeous navy monogrammed gown with matching hat. (Pics to come later).

Tid-Bits:

How big is baby? Around 5 pounds. According to baby bump he is the size of a butternut squash (These comparisons crack.me.up)
Weight gain/loss? Steady and holding. 16lbs so far this pregnancy!

Movement: 

My belly is a huge punching bag (from the inside) I can also see him 'roll' from one side of my belly to the other. I love to drink something super cold just to watch & feel him move!
Symptoms: Aching/sore muscles in places I didnt know were able to be sore. 

Food cravings: Oranges & Lemons dipped in Dale Sauce- (dont knock it til you try it) 

Belly button: Still an Innie

What I miss:   

My energy. It is G.O.N.E. 
I just want to sleep ALLLL THE TIME. 

What I'm looking forward to? 

My baby shower this weekend!! I cannot wait to see all Haydens goodies!! He is already so blessed!

Mommy reflections: 

Gotta finish packing our hospital bag (last minute things for Daddy as well as Hayden). I cannot wait to see everyone @ the shower or see what all we get. I seriously feel like a kid @ Christmas. 



Im attaching some 4Ds of little man as well as big ole momma whose belly is sitting on her thighs (or so I feel like) HAHA. 

We love tasting our hand

Sticking his tongue out

Roy Oliver Vice, JR

Sweet smile

Mommas sweet boy is so sleepy

Love this sweet face already.




Thank yall for always praying for us. We know the Lord is working on something beyond amazing for Roy's job and I know in the mean time Roy is able to be here with me on bed rest which is such a blessing.  He doesnt miss any doctors appointments and is so supportive of me. He is such a blessing to me. Hayden is going to have the best person ever to grow up under and look up to.

I will catch yall up after my baby shower as well as on the updated hospital bag, this weekend.

Until Next time, ENJOY! :)

Pinteresting & Nesting.

Well- its hit our house.
The 'nesting' bug. We (I) have officially cleaned shelves & reorganized every room,closet,and cabinet in this house with a HUGE amount of help from Roy- because of course I am on modified bed rest.
All of Hayden's clothes and blankets have been washed, folded, and put away and I am finally getting the last finishing touches in on his room decorating.

Since I have had SO much time to do absolutely nothing, I have spent the past week or so working on projects  (pinterest inspired of course) for his room.

The first project I started on was one to hang on his bedroom door:

 I took a wooden letter from Hobby lobby, painted it green to match his bedding, added some wooden 1 inch letters down the front (after painting them white), then added a little decorative (pre painted) giraffe from Hobby Lobby to the base. I (Roy) glued some brown ribbon to either side and tied it in a double knot and TA-DA- his door decoration was complete.

Sent by my mother in law from Hobby Lobby- when trying to decide on the little animal! 

Supplies needed (water of course to keep the contractions away) 

First coat of green paint (it took 4)

Wooden 1 inch letters (painted white) by Peyton Adams :)

Final coat of paint on

Completed project

The second project was inspired because I wanted something to go on his hospital door after delivery that I could hang in his room and keep for a long time. Feathered wreaths (or wreaths in general) seem to lose their touch and become boring over time as well as warped- So i chose a painting. I had recently saw that someone was selling them for close to 100.00 and knew this was out of mind- out of sight for me being in the 'frugal' state we are at this time- BUT i was determined to have exactly what I wanted for my delivery room door. I had my MIL pick up some canvases for me and ribbon - i shopped around online and jogged my brain before decided what exactly I wanted. All of the colors are inspired from the colors found in his bedding and I LOVE trains for little boys (and the bible verse Proverbs 22:6-which says "Train up a child the way they should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" - Such a moving and inspiring verse to bring a child in on. It really gives me motivation as a soon to be Mom. (Still not used to that)

ANYWAYS- after much hot gluing and help from Roy we had a completed delivery room door  decor that if -I dont mind saying so myself- is pretty darn cute. No, its not professionally done and there are a LOT of imperfections in it BUT- I made it and I love it and its perfect to me. (OHHH & it cost less than $20.00)

Working on first layer for delivery room decor

Letting the paint dry

Completed Delivery room sign



We have a doctors appointment tomorrow so you know what this means (NOT 1 but TWO blog posts in one week from the Vice's).
ITs my 34 week visit which entails our last shot @ a 4d ultrasound as well as a steroid shot for Hayden JUST in case he tries to come before 35 weeks.  I have also had some pretty crazy contractions so I am thinking my dilation status will have changed as well (but we will see).

Please continue to pray for us. I know that you all are because there are days that I do not know where the strength to even get out of bed comes from- but it comes. I know when this beautiful baby boy is here we will look at all of this and laugh as it will not even be comparable to the miracle and joy that the Lord has blessed us with.
Continue to pray for a job for Roy. (& if anyone knows of one- keep your ear out for us and keep us in mind)
I know that the Lord has this. Its all in his timing.

Until next time (TOMORROW)- Enjoy 

Great Reports

First off where do I start?
33 weeks & counting. I am so excited to be progressing along with a healthy pregnancy. Going to the Doctor always leaves me feeling super anxious. I always have to succumb to prayer on the way there and sing verse after verse on K-LOVE to calm my nerves.  I never know what the doc is going to say.
PLUS the first thing you do when they FINALLY call your name is put you on a scale that is GUARANTEED to be 'up' from last week. GEEZ. Whats a girl to do???

All jokes aside- being pregnant, doctor's visits, the scale, etc-its all just a huge blob of emotions. You're excited, happy, sad, nervous, anxious, everything-all in one or two hours. I usually leave rolling my eyes thinking "Well God, you did it again-another super healthy visit."

Today- I sat in the corner of the Doctors office (for those of you who see Dr. Nelson- know that she has the comfortable gorgeous couches and she is the ONLY doctor in this area of the country that I would even consider seeing- but I am not the only one who feels that way- so the wait is usually a good one...(at least an hour). Anyways.  Today I plopped down-got the Kindle out and played a game that takes absolutely no brain cells, but for the first time- i did not worry about anything. They finally called my name and of course- We hit the scales running. (No, literally- i jump on them the number pops up and im instantly off). This is the time that I turn to Roy and threaten his sweet and precious life if he even so much glances towards the scales. I always give him this glare and he always laughs and says "yeah yeah- i know."
(When im skinny one day (one day).. I will consider him looking. but until then- He better not even think about it. ) HAHA

Once in the room I found a magazine that had the top safest strollers for 2013 - I was so happy to see the one we chose (Aprica Moto Travel System-Twilite) on the list ( as number 3). Then I read an article to Roy about breastfeeding and the importance of bonding with your baby. Roy played a game on his phone and mumbled a few mmmhmms every now and then. Bless his heart. HAHA I know he is so tired of hearing about boobs in the sense I refer to them as.. and the importance of breast feeding and bonding. I know all he can see is hunting trips, fishing trips, and dad/son bonding moments.
He is so amazing though. I know I harp on this often- but since Roys change in job status- I have appreciated him even more than ever. He has made bedrest so much smoother for me. He helps out around the house so much. I dont even have to say anything- or mention one word. (be jealous ladies). He is my prince charming. I swear i do not know how I was chosen to be so blessed. But i am FOREVER grateful to God for it.

Needless to say doc came in, checked us out and NO CHANGES again, yall! WAHOO. She did laugh and say "you're coming off these meds in 2 weeks and i am almost certain he will come on" This means we could have a baby in as little as 3 weeks but 7 weeks tops (if he goes to term).
She sent me for an ultrasound to check cervical length (it was 3.2)- was 3.8 last week BUT as long as its above 3 until 35/36 weeks- no issues. I will also get to come off bed rest in 2 weeks. YESSSSSS!
We also found out in the ultrasound that Hayden is down and ready to crown. BAHAHA- just a little maternity humor. Seriously though- he is no longer breech. I have felt him kicking the mess out of my ribs again... GOD HAS ANSWERED YET ANOTHER PRAYER for the health of my baby. We were also told that he is still measuring ahead & the ultrasound lady oooohh'd and ahhhh'd over the fact that she could tell that he had a HEAD FULL of hair even on the ultrasound. WHOOO I hope this is true. Curly locks like this Daddy. Sweet little thing.
His heart rate was 146. (That gender mess is so untrue. My baby has not been below 135 since I became pregnant & he is definitely a boy). If he doesn't show us anything- he always shows his boy 'parts'. Proud little sweet thing.

I left today in a fabulous mood. The hubby allowed me to run in and grab some acrylic paint to finish up my Pinterest projects (I will post those when they are complete). & we grabbed lunch @ O'Charleys and headed to the house. Its so weird having to ask permission to eat lunch and grab paint. But whatever to keep my baby safe for a few more weeks- this momma is so for it.

Tid-Bits:

How big is baby? Around 5 pounds. According to baby bump he is the size of Durian fruit. (WHATEVER the heck that is). 
Weight gain/loss? Up 2 pounds. My weight gain is around 16 lbs total this entire pregnancy. YAY!  

Movement: 

We are doing all kinds of flipping and flopping and punching and jabbing. :) 
Symptoms: PEE, PEE, & more PEE. Its a hourly deal.
Food cravings: Chinese again. I need this fulfilled-asap.  

Belly button: Still an Innie

What I miss:   

Being able to paint my toes without being out of breath. 

(its the little things, yall).

What I'm looking forward to? 

My next doctors appointment- we will get our last attempt @ a 4D- the next time after that we will see our sweet man when he in our arms! :) 

Mommy reflections: 

Gotta finish the nursery up and pack a bag for Hayden, Roy, & me and wash all his clothes and sheets. The nursery is almost complete. Which is a huge blessing- just gotta add my finishing touches. I am also EXTREMELY excited about my baby shower that is coming up. I cannot wait to see everyone and receive gifts to shower and welcome our sweet baby boy into the world. (& EAT GOOD FOOD), of course. 

33 weeks- Hayden is the size of Durian Fruit (whatever that is).

Thank you to all the prayer warriors that have been and continue to pray on Roy, Hayden's, and my behalf.

Please continue to pray for:

*continued health for Hayden and me

*a job for Roy

*continued patience and faith for both of us

*reassurance that doors are about to swing wide open for our sweet little family

8 MONTHS PREGGO

The first time you see 2 little lines [ | | ] it seems like you have FOR-EVER to prepare, to imagine, to wander, BUT you do not. When i woke up Wednesday (jan 9, 2013) I had a notification on my phone- "You have started a new week of pregnancy: 32 weeks" It hit me that I had breezed through 8 months of pregnancy.
Despite all of the complications it has been terrific! I would not go back nor trade one single day. It really is such a blessing. One that only the Lord is able to give two people.
I am expanding. I have 'dropped'. BUT the doctor said there were "no changes" as far as my cervix was concerned and we have the contractions under control. Praise report.

I had not felt Hayden move as much so, the doc decided to do an ultrasound just in case- He is very much breathing and moving around- just in the wrong place. He is breech again. Those of you that know me know my desire to have a more natural delivery (epidural included) than a c-section. However, the Lords will- will be done and I have faith and trust in that. He has brought Roy, Hayden, and me so far that I have no reason not to trust him.

Hayden is measuring 1 week 6 days (2 weeks basically) further along than me. We still have plans to stop the Procardia @ 34 weeks, get the steroid shots for his lungs to cover me from the 34-35th week and let him come @ that point if he is ready. (THATS only 3 weeks away, folks). Mama & Daddy are ready whenever the Lord thinks he is.

We have put some finishing touches on the nursery (still dont have all the pictures, misc. things completely up) & I am still working on my pinterest projects for his room! :)

Tid-Bits:

How big is baby? He is 4.8 (Four and a half pounds). MY little chunky nugget. 
Weight gain/loss? Up 2 pounds. My weight gain is around 14 lbs total this entire pregnancy. YAY!  

Movement: 

Hiccups @ night time, right about the time I get comfortable. I was feeling him down low. BUT I am thinking he may have flipped around (PRAYING PRAYING PRAYING) because I am feeling jabs in the ribs again. 
Symptoms: None @ all. Except the urge to pee ALL.DAY.LONG. :) 
Food cravings: Mexican food. I have had it twice this week!  

Belly button: Still an Innie

What I miss:   
Nothing. Everything I could ever possibly want is right here with me!

What I'm looking forward to? 

My next doctors appointment. I am so anxious about finding out if he is breech or has flipped back around. Plus, I love getting updates to see how well the meds and bed rest are working and i love getting to check on my little man.

Mommy reflections: 
I have been thinking a lot about how it is less than 8 weeks until his due date. This pregnancy has flown by and I cannot wait to experience birth, no matter the form it comes in, with my husband at my side. I cannot wait to hold my baby boy and love all over him! I keep envisioning how labor could be and what all can go on-but I know in the end the way it happens will be SO MUCH better. 


I am going to leave you with pictures of the nursery/my belly.

In the mean time please pray for 
*Hayden to move around from breech
*Patience for Daddy (he has so much of this).
*A job to come through still for Roy.
*Continued comfort for this Mom to be. 
*Peace, comfort, faith, and trust in the Lord to continue to cover Roy & me for the remainder of this pregnancy and until a job comes through for him.

32 Weeks & counting.

Love my Butler-Fest finds and the picture frames my friend Amy and my Momma purchased Hayden

Coming right along! Love my little snuggle corner.

Excuse the stool. Roy and I like to go into his room sometimes and just sit and talk. That is Daddys chair for the time being. :)

Panoramic of the nursery.

Until Next Time, Enjoy.

Single Digits and Counting.

Wednesday January 2nd we went to the Doctor. I had dilated a little as far as my internal OS goes but no external changes. I am continuing to take the Procardia (every 6 hours) to stop contractions that I didn't know I was having!? Anyways- it seems to be working because Doc was pleased with my "slight" change and I didn't have to have a NST (Non Stress Test). All in all- I have to step away from all this and say that God is good. Even throughout all that has gone on during our pregnancy (threatened miscarriage, extreme nausea/vomiting, insurance issues, family pings, bed rest, early dilation, and income loss) WE ARE BLESSED!!!! My husband is home with me everyday. He tends to all my needs, takes me places if I want to just get out for a second, wakes up every morning praying over me and doing devotionals, and has not slacked up one bit to when it comes to doing the house chores. We have developed hobbies together (XBOX football- note to wives- its not THAT bad. I actually enjoy it;  when I am winning- which is rare and I love the HUGE grin and laugh that takes over my husband when I throw the controller and poke my lip out when I toss an interception or get sacked). My favorite hobby of all- is reading devotionals together though. The Lord always provides the right one for that day for us. The scriptures are always on point- and I am reassured daily that all this is for a reason and our faith is being tested and strengthened to unbelievable levels. I know that one day we will be able to share our testimony with another person or couple.

Which brings me to this- People are amazing. Our church family is phenomenal, our Pastor is amazing, our friends are blessings, our parents are supportive and precious, and have done so much to help us through this tough time. I am so thankful that Hayden is coming into such an amazing support group.

NINE WEEKS! (AHHH)- until Haydens due date (actually 2 months from tomorrow [1/6/13]). I cannot believe how fast this pregnancy has flown/is flying by.

The Doc actually says I come off my medicine @ 34 weeks (2.5 weeks away)... and I am free from bed-rest @ 35 weeks. This means- when I come off the meds that are preventing labor, she thinks I will quickly progress into labor (as my cervix is mushy-gross i know-but deal with it.) So Hayden COULD well be here as early as 3-4 weeks. I know when he does come he will be ready and so will Mommy & Daddy. We cannot wait to get our hands on him and kiss his precious cheeks (which by the way are monuments @ the Dr's office)- they cannot get over how fat his cheeks are in his sonograms. WHOOO-HOO.

Tid-Bits:

How big is baby? about 4lbs if I had to guess. It was over 3 lbs 4 weeks ago. According to "thebump.com" He is the size of a 'pineapple'. I dont know how they get these measurements? h
Weight gain/loss? Down 2 pounds from previous visit. I do NOT know how this is happening considering the past week of my life I have lets just say 'indulged" in my wants. 
Sleep: Amazing. I had to throw the boppy in the floor. Unfortunately it was causing me to not sleep for some reason. I tossed it and have slept every night since? Who knows. 

Movement: 

He hiccups a lot. He punches my bladder AND kicks my ribs (at the same time). I can literally watch my belly move and roll from one side to the other. Its amazing. 
Symptoms: Does stir crazy count?? Since I am on bed rest-I find anything and EVERYTHING to do (behind my hubbys back of course). When I say anything and everything let me add that this means I pinterest a lot, play xbox, read books on my kindle, play games, and i even resulted in coloring last night. CRAZY.
Food cravings: Oranges and Lemons?!? & I have been craving chocolate this week (which is unusual- im not a big chocolate person). 

Belly button: Still an Innie

What I miss:   
My job and my co workers. BUT this too shall pass and I know the end result will be a healthy baby boy. 

What I'm looking forward to? 
Painting some stuff for the nursery. My amazing Mother in Law is out buying canvases to work on for Haydens hospital door and some odd and end crafts for his room (Pinterest inspired, of course). I will finally have something to do, so I cannot wait.

Mommy reflections: 
This week I am understanding the importance of a valuable marriage. I have first hand watched so many marriages fail & it breaks my heart. I cannot imagine my life without Roy in it. He seriously is my soul-mate and my other half. Its unbelievable that this man will be a Dad in a month or so. My love literally triples for him everyday. His longing to be more Christ like is so romantic (ladies you know what I mean), and his drive to provide and do anything for me, our baby, and this home is enough to ramble on and on about for weeks. I pray my son is half the man his Daddy is. If he is, he will make one lucky lady very happy! 



Ill share some of our chunky cheek pics with you now. The ultrasound tech was able to get FIFTEEN 4-D pics of our little man. Needless to say, he finally participated. I will post a few favorites. 
OH, and in case you havent heard- he looks just like his Daddy. I am officially serving the purpose solely as his 'baking' spot until he arrives. 
OH well, at least my husband is handsome. 

Hayden on the left (Roy as a baby on the right) Crazy isnt it?

Love those big cheeks and lips!

Smiling and waving!! "HELLO WORLD" 

Roy as a baby. 

Thanks for sticking around and reading

Please be in prayer for 

*an income change

*a huge door to swing open for us when and if its the LORDS will ONLY

*Hayden to bake for at least 3 more weeks

*Momma to not go stir crazy on bed rest
*No huge changes at our next Doctor visit (1/9/12)

*Continued patience for Roy

Until next time, ENJOY! 

Be still, my soul, Be still.

If you read my last blog- you know that my faith has heavily been tested. 
You should also know that it has been shaken to an extreme where I have questioned everything in life, including the one who has given me everything, God. 

I do not understand why Roy and I are going through what we are and I know that its not my place to know. 

My Pastor from my hometown church preached about humans ultimately trying to be the 'controllers', on Sunday before our week came crashing down. 
It was laid on my heart and effected me in a different way that day, then it does today. 

No matter how many times I read scripture or devotions I still have a hard time saying "Here God its yours-all 100% of it." 
Im more of an 80/20 girl and I know- that the desires of my heart and the desires of my husbands will never be fulfilled if I keep those boundaries. 

So here- as the last day of the year comes to a close- I am starting fresh. 
Here are all my burdens, worries, fears, and anxieties. I know that I cannot do ANYTHING with them. I know that you sent YOUR son to die so that I would never have to carry them, so here they are. 

I woke up this morning in tears- as I have the past 4 mornings along with the past 4 nights. I have prayed and read devotions but nothing has sank in with me like my morning devotion did this morning. I dont know why we have to wait for a 'NEW YEAR' to make changes or to allow God to fully take control of our life- so I am starting at the end of a year. Kind of puts a different perspective on things. 

Our morning devotion out of the Jesus Calling book read: 
"As this year draws to a close, receive MY peace. This is still YOUR deepest need, and I, your PRINCE of PEACE, long to pour myself into your neediness. My abundance and your emptiness are a perfect match. I designed you to have no sufficiency of your own. I created YOU as a JAR OF CLAY, set apart for SACRED use. I want YOU to be filled with MY very beings, permeated through and through with PEACE. THANK ME for MY peaceful presence, regardless of your feelings. WHISPER MY NAME in loving tenderness, MY PEACE, which livings continually in your spirit, will gradually work its way through your entire being." 

Referenced scriptures were: 
   Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)  "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)

"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves."

AND MY FAVORITE-  Complete PEACE transcended from the book straight to my soul and calmed me for the first time in a few days. 

John 14:26-27 (NLT)

"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. (27) I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

I have also come to realize that the Lord tends to and takes care of those who mean harm to his other children. I am praying for these people as well. In praying for those who try to do wrong to us, we soften not only their hearts with conviction but we soften our own as well. Making us more susceptible to what the Lord has to offer us. 

"You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me." -Matthew 5:11
& 
"The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness." Proverbs 11:5 

I am sorry if I have disappointed anyone in taking time away from my "mom to be" blog with all of this- BUT we go to the doctor Wednesday- and I am so excited [in large part because I get to get off this couch and out of the bed]..i mean I put makeup on this morning (havent been in much of a mood to move)- this is a big deal, yall. HAHA.  I know that the Lord has that in his hands as well as everything going on in our lives. We will get a chance to see Hayden on 4D again- and I know that I will be reminded that in just a few short 6-8 weeks- MY son will be here to make me aware of how wonderful life is- no matter how difficult it may seem. I want Hayden brought into a peaceful home that is full of faith. I know that we will ultimately have a full fledge testimony out of all the current circumstances and I am more that ready to share it. 

Please continue to pray for Roy and me. That jobs will be fulfilled. That our relationship remains bound in God and that we continue to thrive in him to get through. Pray for peace. 

Kari Jobes song Be Still - racks my brain as I write this- so i will leave you all with it. 
"He is here for the broken and life to the one who is undone

He is peace to the wounded and hope for the helpless oneHe is here, He is hereBe still my soul, be stillBe still my soul, be stillWait patiently upon the LordBe still my soul, be still. "

Until next time- Enjoy!