UPDATE - Kylee Rayne

Yesterday was my 31 week check-up. Kylee is doing great. I had an ultrasound to estimate her size and she is weighing in at 4lbs 3 oz. At this point, most babies double to triple their weight by 40 weeks. If she keeps this growth rate up, she's going to be a very "healthy" little girl. We love her so much already. Can't wait to hold her.

This has been an awesome week for me. Kaitlyn turned 17 Thursday (28th) and we were able to surprise her with a visit from her big brother, Lance. The look on her face was priceless when he walked into the room as we were singing Happy Birthday to her. We spent Saturday at Lake Somerville skiing, tubing and riding the knee board. I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoyed watching Lance and Kaitlyn tubing together.

To top off the week, Kaitlyn was baptised today. Another surprise for her is when the doorbell rang this morning and Mamaw and Papaw stood before her eyes ready to celebrate this day with her. Just a few months ago, Kaitlyn was riding home with Mamaw and Papaw when Kaitlyn decided to give her life over to God. Papaw prayed with her on the side of the road....making their presence today ever more so special.

Our pastor's message this morning was about "defining moments". Good or bad, they are the very things that shape us into to who we are. I am and will always be....God's "work in progress".

26 Weeks Pregnant

My sister-in-law has been waiting for these pictures. So here they are.

Kaitlyn and Kathryn went to the band banquet last Friday.....aren't they beautiful?

Mitch has been fishing......again.

I just wanted to give thanks to my heavenly father above for bringing Joshua back home safely. If anyone knows me at all, they know how I feel about Bailey and Josh.....can't imagine our family without them.

Kylee...

Here are the latest pictures of Kylee @ 23 weeks. According to the doctor, she is weighing in at about 1 1/2 pounds and approximately 12 inches long with a healthy heartbeat of 150 bpm.

Picture 1....her face (she does NOT look like an alien!)

Picture 2....spine

Picture 3....leg

Halfway There

Today was my 20 week check-up. Our little girl's heartbeat chimed in at 160 bpm and I have officially gained two pounds. What a miracle she is. I love feeling her move around. Now....if only daddy could catch a glimpse.

TEXAS.....not Ohio!

Could someone please tell my husband that he is in Texas now? He continues to wear his Ohio State Buckeyes apparael. Where is his loyalty?

Just a thought...

I was talking to my sister-in-law yesterday and had shared with her how sad I thought it was that there were so many non-believers and how could anyone not believe in a higher power. Actually, I was telling her about someone I am very close too and that I hoped somehow God would just touch this person in such a way that he would know that my God, our God, was real.

Though I can't say my walk with the Lord has been as consistent as it should be....the thing I have always found comfort in is knowing that He was there when I needed him. I am guilty of turning to Him in times of need, trouble, sorrow, etc....and need to be better at praising Him. What I can say from experience....is that through Jesus....God answeres prayers and takes away troubles.

Something my sister-in-law pointed out to me was that without a foundation to stand upon, we somehow miss what we might have needed to grow in the Lord. Perhaps this person never got that. Not her exact words.....but you get the jist of it.

When I was in high school, I lived with a foster family who lived and breathed Jesus Christ every single day of their lives....not just on Sunday. This was the first time I had ever experienced such a way and did not know then how it would later impact me as an adult. I give thanks to Jesus for allowing me to be a part of this family and for giving me this foundation.

With this all being said....today I lift up my foster Dad to you Jesus. You know that he has recently received a diagnosis that only you, Lord, can heal. I stand with his family and friends....believing that you will touch him and heal him, so that he may continue to serve you and lead others to you through his ministry.

OOOHRAH!!!!

To explain the title of this post and the picture that follows, one must have a little background information....

Mitch rededicated his life to God in December 2007 and together, as a family, we have joined an awesome church that has become a very important part of our lives. We have met some amazing people and developed friendships that have made us truly understand the importance of fellowship.

Mitch, in particular, has flourished in his walk with the Lord and has surrounded himself with a great group of men from our church. He has found much in common with the men of the church.....though there was one particular area holding him back from truly fitting in. Well....this morning....he crossed over and joined the ranks.

Isn't he adorable?

"You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!!!"

So....it's not exactly Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB Gun (A Christmas Story), but it is my adorable husband shooting skeet at our church's 1st annual skeet shoot.

Amniocentesis Results - PERFECT!

This is my "Give God the Glory" day. Sometimes I forget to thank him for all of his many mercies and blessings.

Today I received the results of my amnio.....I am indeed carrying a "normal female child" (the words of my OB/GYN's nurse). Translation.....Kylee is perfect!

Thank you Jesus.

Fishing

Let's see...I guess I should first introduce little Kathryn (Kaitlyn's best friend). Somewhere along the way, Mitch and I picked up an "extra" daughter. Though I don't remember giving birth, adopting or finding her under a rock....somehow....she has appeared. Although she's not really ours, we feed her, play with her and tuck her in many nights. I am telling all of this because I suspect there will be many more pictures of her along with the rest of our family.

Now, about the fishing. Kaitlyn, Kathryn and Mitch have all caught fish this month. Some a little bigger than others.

All I can say is that Brittnie and I have some major fishing ahead of us.

We will not be outdone!!!

Updates Coming Soon!!

I started this blog with real intentions of keeping it updated on a somewhat regular basis. But to no avail.

A lot has happened this year. Mitch and I got married in July (2008) and we are expecting a baby girl in August. This alone should make for lots of interesting posts....considering both of our daughters are practically grown and we are "starting over". Though I don't really feel like I am starting over....more like....starting to live the life that God had planned for me all along and being ever so greatful for my many blessings. HE truly is the way.