A Wonderful Thanksgiving

So refreshed!!! Artie and I have had a tradition since we got engaged to be with his family on Thanksgiving. We spend Christmas at home in Tampa (being in ministry, Christmas isn't an easy time to get away) and with my family here in town it works out well. This year we traveled up to North Carolina where Artie's mom, Jean, lives and her twin sister has a big lake house on the same lake that Artie's mom lives on. What fun! My sisters and I would love to all live on the same lake. They have a pontoon boat that they drive in between the houses ... so fun! It's always so relaxing when we go to see his famiy. No agenda - just hang out with each other. It was so great!

Artie's cousin, Joe and his wife Nancy, adopted a little boy from Russia a few years ago - Nicholay. And his cousin Jennifer has a little boy, Joseph. And we're having our little boy in March. So - there will be all boys for grandchildren on Artie's side. Lots of fun boys to grow up together.

Speaking of our baby boy, he's doing great. I'm almost 25 weeks pregnant now. I'm feeling really good and loving being pregnant (now that I'm not sick all day anymore). He's got a routine of his active times of the day now. It's so sweet to feel him moving almost everyday now. He wakes me up at night occasionally, but Artie and I think it's just God's way of getting us ready for when he's here.

Entering into the Christmas season now, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I think Christmas is what inspired my blog when I began to write. There are always good stories to tell at Christmas. Like tomorrow is JOMOOO (those are my siblings and I's last name initials in order). It's our annual gathering after Thanksgiving to draw names for Christmas gifts. It is always such a blast to all be together, just the kids (and spouses and children). I'm sure I'll have something to write about, so stay tuned.

For now, here are a few pictures from our trip and our first Christmas picture...

Artie- driving the boat

Artie & his sister, Carrie

Me & Baby

The Whole Thanksgiving Gang
Merry Christmas!

Baby News

I don’t know if I have written this yet, but we found out what we’re having!

It’s a BOY!

My heart just skipped a beat when Artie and I got to see our little guy at our 20 week sonogram. It was such a sweet moment to find out the Heavenly secret of who is growing inside me. I just love knowing because then “it” (or “the baby” as Artie and I kept referring) becomes a person to us. Someone that has a future held in the security of God. It also changed my prayers for this little guy. Now I pray even more specifically for his life that is coming. We can’t wait to meet him in March … it just can’t get here soon enough.

I’m 22 weeks now and still growing. I’m officially out of my own clothes now – I’ve been squeezing it until the last day. I can’t even wear my own shirts anymore (unless it’s okay for my belly to hang out the bottom). It’s funny what happens to your husband when you really start to “look pregnant” (as he calls it). See, it’s real to me everyday that we’re having a baby and that I’m pregnant … but to your husband, you look the same for awhile in the beginning. But now that I’m showing and it’s pretty obvious that I’m having his baby – he got so much more ‘into it’. He’s always been very involved and excited, but he loves being able to look at me and see that I’m carrying his child. It is such a sweet time!

Things have been busy. Our church moved into our new building – which is GREAT! But, it’s made for some long days and weekends. All worth it! It’s just so much fun to see the answered prayer and the smiles on everyone’s face as we make a transition together.

Plus, Robyn (my best friend!!) had her first baby. A baby girl – Hannah is her name. She is just beautiful. One of the most beautiful baby girls I’ve ever met. Robyn is so in love with her and just a wonderful mother. I see her at any moment Robyn feels up to company. She’s three weeks old and growing so well. Here’s a photo of little Hannah –

I guess that’s all for now, Artie just got home, so I’ll be back later. (I’ve been waiting on him to get home so we can share a root beer float! Mmmm!)

Just for Alicia ...

Okay, for my friend who moved away and doesn't get to watch my growing belly, here are a few pictures ...

It's really fun now that it looks more official that I'm pregnant. I'm starting to have strangers ask me when I'm due. We're 21 weeks now, over the half way hump. Can't believe it.

O, and Alicia - I went to a baby consignment shop and found a Pottery Barn Kids crib. I couldn't pass it up ... I bought it immediately! Daddy-to-be is going to refinish it for me. So exciting!