A New Year with New Beginnings!

I find I have so little time to get anything done, having a little baby! But I surely am not complaining, because she continues to be such a joy! :) We had a blessed Christmas with lots of family - many meeting Madeline for the first time. Our Christmas was so special, reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ, after we just had our own little one. What a blessing and such a gift! On January 1st, we weren't just celebrating a new year - but we also celebrated our 3 year anniversary! Brandon and I reflected on our 3 wonderful years together and praised God for all of the blessings - which are too many to count! I love being married to him. What a guy! We celebrated by going out for dinner and to a movie. Brandon's mom and sister babysat. (One thing we have found is we are not without lots of free babysitters!)

Madeline continues to grow by leaps and bounds. I can't believe how big she has gotten already. She is 6 and a half weeks old now. She is more alert and is even starting to smile at us! My favorite times with her are when she is alert and kicking and moving her arms all over the place. She gets very excited - it's so cute! I see her change a little bit more each day. I am so blessed to be able to stay at home and watch all of these changes. I have been told they grow up fast - so I am enjoying every minute. I enjoy the moments when I am feeding her - as I often use it as a time to pray and put her in the hands of God.

Well, happy 2008 to you all! Praying that you all trust God more and more as you go through a new year. (I know that is what I am praying for myself!)

It's a Girl!

What a Thanksgiving to be thankful! On Wednesday, November 21st, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., God blessed Brandon and I with the most beautiful baby daughter. We named her Madeline Joy, and will call her Maddie for short. She was 7 lbs., 14 oz., and she is 19.5 inches long. Maddie is very healthy and happy. We couldn't be happier! God has blessed us so richly. Neither Brandon nor I can stop staring at her gorgeous face. Praise God for a smooth delivery and a beautiful baby. Thank you so much for your prayers, love, and support. Hope you get to meet Madeline soon!

Still waiting...

Well, we still don't have any news to report. Still waiting... I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. Haven't dilated any more - but she says I am ready to go at any time. We scheduled an induce date for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. if our little one hasn't arrived by then. I am hoping we don't make it to that date - but at least there is an end in sight at this point. I think inducing would make me nervous - knowing what is going to come. At this point, I have no idea when it'll happen, so I'm pretty oblivious - but with inducing, you just have to sit there and wait for it all to begin.

Still have been pretty bored. I actually put up our Christmas tree this week, for something to do! It looks beautiful. I just love Christmas time, and it has been fun decorating our new home. Come over for a visit! Plus, I know my time will be a little less once baby arrives, so it's ok that I got it up early. :)

Past the Due Date!

Well, yesterday was baby's due date, and unfortunately, our baby girl is still not here. This waiting game is getting tough! I can tell God is trying to teach me patience, as everywhere I went this morning, I had to WAIT for something - wait in line, wait for the picture maker machine, wait for help...all along with waiting for this baby to pop out! :) I am trying to make the most of this time before she comes - cleaning the house, get caught up on scrapbooking - but it seems like all I can think about is "when is this baby going to come out to meet us?!?!" I thank everyone for their prayers and phone calls of concern. Hopefully she'll be here soon for you all to meet! Both Brandon and I just can't wait to see God's little miracle.

Baby Showers and Blessings!

I feel like all I do is wait! It's like...it could happen anytime, but WHEN? Makes me nervous to think about going out sometimes...but at the same time, I know that it wouldn't be that big of a deal if my water broke in the grocery store. It's something I can't control! :) But the due date is 3 days away...praying I come early! My sister had a wonderful shower for me this past week, in which the Navigator girls came. It was so much fun, and I left feeling so surrounded by love and support for Brandon, baby, and myself. At one point, the girls came around me and laid hands on me, to pray for us and the baby. What a blessing! We are covered in prayer - we could not ask for more!

I have been busy scrapbooking - trying to get caught up on all of my pictures before baby comes, because I know my time will be much less when she arrives! Otherwise, besdies subbing a few days, life hasn't been overly busy as we haven't made many plans, because who knows when baby will come. Will keep updating you on our progress! Hopefully it'll be today! :)

One Week from Today!

Well, in one week from today, baby is due! I am pretty much hoping she comes early - because I am getting very uncomfortable! We are feeling prepared for her arrival! The carseat is in place in the car, my bags are packed for the hospital, her room is ready, and we are feeling very excited to meet our little one. Baby's room looks great - although it has been closed to the public for the last couple of weeks - as I had painted some wooden letters, spelling out her name. They are now hanging on the wall...and we can't give that name away yet! My grandpa built us a beautiful dresser for her room, and Brandon recently finished staining it a cherry color, to match the crib. It looks beautiful! What a blessing it is to have such a beautiful piece of furniture that will always remind baby of her great-grandfather! I am feeling prepared for the most part with clothing. My grandma sewed some great sleepers, burp cloths, and blankets - more blessings! We are being provided for! Praise the Lord! My sister is having a shower for me tonight with the Navigator girls. I feel overwhelmed by the love all around us - showering Brandon and I and our little baby with lots of love. Hopefully by next time I write, baby will be here! And then I don't have to keep this name a secret anymore!!

A very wonderful weekend!

Kelly & Brian got married last weekend! It was an amazing, beautiful, God-filled day! They got married at St. Paul's Lutheran and then the reception was at the DECC. Everything was perfect. My sister looked beautiful - she was glowing. We now have a new member of our family - I have a brother! - and we all couldn't be happier. Both Brandon and I were honored to be a part of the big day. It was fun getting all dressed up. They couldn't have asked for a better day. Praise God for a Christ-centered marriage, in Kelly and Brian.