June

We've been busy during the month of June. We had a week of VBS, which was a blast! I helped out this year again with the music for the pre-k through 1st graders alongside two of my besties. :) With all the motions that come along with fun songs we sing, it was like doing aerobics every morning... except I was "trying" to sing at the same time haha.

Then, we took a trip to Texas for my older brother's wedding. Such a wonderful time with my family! The wedding was beautiful and laid back. So happy for the newlyweds. Taylor and Macy participated as the ring bearer and flower girl. They did great!!

Staying busy has been good as it keeps things normal for us. I am now 31 weeks and growing soooo big! At least that's how I feel. :) This month I've had contractions on a few occasions. Usually after some activity like taking a walk with the kids or grocery shopping. Nothing consistent or anything to worry about but certainly a reminder that I need to pay attention to what's going on! Baby Hope is active as ever. We have our next sonogram on Friday and I cannot wait to see her again!

I am always so encouraged when people take the time to tell me that they are praying for us. One of the things God has been teaching me recently is how to pray. It is so important that we pray according to His will and not our own. We're praying for healing for Hope... not knowing God's will. This is where our unconditional trust comes in! His will, regardless if it includes healing or not, is perfect. God has been giving me reminders often of His love for me. It's been in the little things and the big things. :)

Happy Heart, Sad Heart

As Taylor and Macy become more and more aware of Baby Hope, I'm getting some cute and funny questions. :) The other day Macy was looking at a 3D sonogram picture of Hope and she asked, "Mommy, does baby Hote have earrings like me?". haha She cracks me up! Then today while we were in the store, the kids and I heard a baby crying a couple isles over. Macy said "is that baby hote?". I said "no... that's not baby Hope". While I was trying to figure out what else to say, Taylor said "Macy, that's not baby Hope, cause baby Hope is happy!" Love the conversations we have about our sweet baby girl.

On a sadder note, I am reminded today about how precious life is and once again reminded that we are not promised tomorrow. A friend, mom, wife and inspiration passed away last night at the age of 31. Kelly Weber was a dear, SWEET friend who is now no longer in pain but with our Heavenly Father. I praise God that He is in control and pray for the family left here on earth- our temporary home.

The Five of Us

Photos by: karynkaylephotography.com

Late Night Thoughts

Just something that has been running through my head the last two nights before I fall asleep...

Everything we have is a gift from God, given to us to give back to Him. Sometimes I think we get proud with how much we give to God but forget He gave it to us in the first place! This applies to our children too. I think that's what I hold on to tighter than anything in this world. My kids. They are the most precious gift given to me other than my own salvation. So, God has been reminding me the last two nights that I am to give them back to Him. Not just Baby Hope, but Taylor and Macy too. They are His! I give them to Him knowing He is a good and sovereign God. It feels good to relinquish control over the thing I hold dearest! :) Thank you God for blessing me with three sweet babies and a husband who loves You, our kids and ME!

Third Pregnancy

Somehow all three of my pregnancies have been different. Different amounts and lengths of sickness, different cravings and different highlites! I had gone about ten days without morning sickness but this morning... bummer, my streak ended. :) This time around I have been craving massive amounts of fruit. Here are some things that I consume alot of...

New Picture

May 7, 2010 - I had a wonderful morning! We had a Level 2 sonogram scheduled early this morning, so the four of us got to see Baby Hope. We really liked the Dr. who did the sonogram. He seemed so positive and upbeat, which matched our spirits. :) Hope was moving everywhere just like she has during all the other sonograms. Other than her arms and legs which are short and the bones curved, she looks completely healthy! The Dr. could only get one good 3D picture of her because she just wouldn't be still. She's a wild child already! But the one picture we did get was GREAT!! She's such a little cutie.



Josh and I had a refreshing time in Birmingham this past weekend. We attended The Church at Brook Hills and were blessed to sit under some incredible teaching from one of our favorite pastors, David Platt. I just love how God works things out! Sunday morning the sermon was on the Psalm 23 passage, The Shepherd Who Satisfies. It was a sermon Dr. David Platt had prepared especially for those going through hard times or who are hurting. HELLO!! :) All I can say is that it was perfect. God planned for us to be there and the words spoken were meaningful, accurate and a salve to my heart. If you have some time, I would really encourage you to listen to the message we heard.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/chapter-16-the-shepherd-who/id319699838?i=82896850



Taylor and Macy are talking about Baby Hope more and more these days. Macy calls her "Hote". :) And Taylor has been asking me quite frequently if the baby is ok. He is so caring! They love the picture we got of her today...

Hope's Diagnosis

We are currently in Birmingham, AL visiting with some friends of ours. I was wanting to update everyone before we left but ran out of time.

4/28/10- I got a call from my doctor mid morning. She let us know that Hope's diagnosis is Thanatophoric Dysplasia. It's the diagnosis we expected but was hoping it wasn't. It is a severe form of dwarfism that as the doctors put it, "isn't compatible with life". Normally under these conditions, when a baby is diagnosed with TD, they usually live about three hours after birth. We will just proceed with the pregnancy as normal and will still have Level 2 sonograms monthly. Our next one is at the end of this week. It's really good to know what Hope has but also hard now that it's a for sure reality. Doesn't change anything in how we are feeling and are responding though. We are still full of joy and God is still supplying an abundance of strength. God has an incredible plan for our family and we don't want to take one opportunity for granted. He will use us through this and in this!

Hope moves and kicks so much. I love that feeling! She is a blessing to me and I am reminded daily of the privilege I have to carry her.

My friend Amy Crawford has begun a prayer chain for us and baby Hope. I know MANY of you are praying for us and if you would like to be a part of the prayer chain and have a specific time slot to pray, you can contact Amy at jwcrawford74@yahoo.com.