Josh is home, new home, and a baby to come....

Josh came home August 15

Me, Josh, and his family the day he came home

We are now in the process of moving in to our new home and a baby that is due September 21.  We have much to finish in the new home so we are hoping our little man will wait till his due date or thereafter so we can finish everything.  :-) We'll take pics as soon we get settled in.  :-)  Thank you to all who prayed for Josh while he was gone.  He is so thankful to be home safe and sound on American soil.  

I cannot wait.....

15 days until my husband comes home for good!!!! August 15 baby!!!!

Red Stool before and after pic

This stool was Josh's and will go in Liam's room.

Stool before

Stool after

Liam's Nursery and Nursery Projects

Seeing that right now I am currently living in Atlanta, and when Josh comes home August 15 we will be moving back to DC to a new home August 25, it has been somewhat difficult to piece together what I want for Liam's nursery. I am very much a visual person so not being able to set up my crib and dresser/changing table has been tough. I have worked through it because I have no choice (obviously) and hopefully I will not be disappointed once it is all put together.

For Liam's bedding I went simple thinking I could do more things to the room to spice things up. I got his Harper navy blue and white bedding from Pottery barn but I mismatched the skirt so it wouldn't be SO blah.

Bed Skirt

Navy blue bedding and some sheets

I picked out (the bedding allows for

pretty much any kind of sheets you

want, which I love)

I also found this nice chair (with an ottoman) which looks white, but is light blue and white striped. I can throw a red throw or or maybe yellow throw over it to spice it up a bit and tie it into my bedding.

Light blue and white

striped chair

I have been looking for a bookshelf for Liam's room--I love books and I definitely wanted him to have a bookshelf. Josh's mom said I could have Josh's old yellow book case so I was thrilled. Then, I saw this little stool in the attic that was yellow and had Raggedy Anne on it and I wanted that too. (Of course I wanted to sand and re-paint them both so that is what I have been working on. I think it is so neat that Liam will have something that Josh had in his baby room.

Stool (yet to be refinished

but I will post when done).

Yellow bookshelf before pic

After sanding and in

the process of painting

Red bookshelf after pic

(I love it!)

My mother--in-law knew I wanted to hang planes from the ceiling and I saw these at Pottery Barn kids and she bought these for his room (which was very generous).

I also saw a pic of this alphabet collage online and fell in love. My sister Leigh Anne and I spend this almost an entire day looking for all 26 letters (or what could resemble or be made into a letter). We could not believe we found all 26. She and I painted about 3/4 of them but I think they turned out super cute!

Alphabet collage idea

Alphabet collage letters that

we found (before pic)

Making progress pic

Alphabet collage after pic

Finally, my sister painted this cute sign for Liam's room (maybe over his bookshelf or over his closet...we shall see. I think it's fun and again, I love books and reading. Leigh Anne still has to do one more coat but I still think it looks adorable.

Sign Leigh Anne painted for

Liam's room

Well, that is all for now folks. Geeze, long post. I can't wait to see what his room will look like. I hope it is what I am picturing in my head. :-) Oh well, Liam won't know the difference. Ha!

*Once I finish the stool I will post those pics! :-)

Our sweet Liam

Our growing boy Liam Joshua when I was 26 weeks pregnant. Isn't he precious? I am a little bias though. I am now 28 weeks pregnant..time is ticking! :-)

Wee Bit of Me

1} how many times have you been a bridesmaid/maid of honor?2 times
{2} what’s the last thing your do before you fall asleep at night?Probably play a word on Words With Friends...pathetic I know!
{3} you just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. where are you going?Tahiti!!!!!!
{4} what is your favorite outdoor activity?Playing tennis is one of my new favorite outdoor activities but I love, love, love swimming/laying out at the pool or beach{5} as a child, what did you want to “be when you grew up”? did you end up there?Teacher....but then when I did grow up like in high school and college I did not want to be a teacher...what am I? A teacher!
{6} what are 3 things your dream home would have that you don’t currently have?Wrap around porch, in ground pool, and jet tub in the master bathroom.
{7} what’s for dinner tonight?I had two small pieces of bbq pizza from CPK and this yummy black bean dip with fritos. yum!
{8} if someone stopped by your house unannounced on a typical Saturday night, what would they find you doing?They probably wouldn't find me because I would be out...or if Josh were home we would probably be watching tv or a movie.
{9} what’s your average monthly water bill?I don't pay water where I live. :-)
{10} what do you do to relax?Read, watch tv, layout (if it's summer), get a pedicure, go get coffee

Baby Shower and 24 Weeks

A close friend, Alex Bufton that I work with at school had a shower for me several weeks ago with all of my co-workers who are dear friends. It was fun and little Liam got so many wonderful things! He sure did luck out! Here are shower pictures and also a 24 week photo. Time is flying by! The pictures are in no particular order.

24 weeks...whoa!

Some of the gifts we have received

from that shower and also just from very

thoughtful people who wanted to get Liam

a gift.

Alex, Donna S, and Donna H.

Brenda, Lauri, Sandra

Sandy, Megan, Lisa

Lana, Elizabeth, Jess M.

Brenda, me, Kara

Alex, Lisa, Megan, Me, Jess M, Lana, Elizabeth, Jess T.

Me and Alex

Yummy food!!

Alex made these letters for Liam's room

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

{one} do you watch the history channel? if so, what’s your favorite program?Never. I probably should but Housewives of Orange County and Pregnant in Heels are just too good! When Josh is around he might watch it and I typically ask him to turn it. :-)
{two} what is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?SSnuggle up under the blankets, watch a movie, and eat popcorn-- I like rainy days to be lazy days!
{three} what does your dream house look like?The one thing that is a must is a huge wrap-around porch with black rocking chairs and a black swing. Other desires include a huge kitchen with all granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, lots of windows in the house, a massive bathroom with heated floors and toilet seat (yep, i hate sitting on a cold toilet seat), a massive tub with jets, a big backyard with a gigantic pool and nice place for my future kids to play, a game room where my kids can play and stay safe...hmm...i could go on and on. Dreaming is fun!
{four} what state were you born in?Florida
{five} do you have a change jar? if so, what do you use it for when it gets full?Nope-I would like one but I want a cool glass jug that is a little over 1 foot and can be used as decoration.
{six} what’s the first website you look at when you get on the computer?My Yahoo mail.
{seven} what is your favorite breakfast?Good 'ole Southern breakfast: homemade biscuits and gravy, bacon and sausage, scrambled or fried eggs, and grits--so good for ya! :-)
{eight} what’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?When Josh and I went to Greece on a mission trip and he took one night to propose to me at Sunyon where the Temple of Poseidon is...we sat on the edge of the mountain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It was so special and a memory I will never forget.
{nine} do you prefer your coffee black or with cream/milk/sugar?I like coffee with just a little french vanilla or some other flavored coffee creamer. No sugar though...the creamer sweetens it enough to me.
{ten} have you ever done a professional photo shoot?If you mean "model" professional shoot then, ehem, no. If you mean engagement/wedding...then yes. :-)

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

{one} what profession have you always admired?Police officers, firefighters, military--They get paid poorly and risk their lives everyday. They are heroes in my book.
{two} what would the title of your memoir/biography be if it was written today?I don't have a clue...normally these questions are no brainers! I'll have to think about that one!
{three} how far do you commute to work?About 6 miles maybe...love it! I am not a fan of commuting--i don't have the patience for traffic or should i say people who cannot drive.
{four} are your earlobes attached or detached?I had to look...attached.
{five} do you eat the unpopped kernels of popcorn at the bottom of the bag?If they are kinda popped I do...I love those little guys!
{six} what is the strangest gift you’ve ever received?Oh brother...well this gift was for my husband me I supposed but I think the directions were for Josh to open it. It was from my sister and brother-in-law and it is called Trap-A-Crap...you spray it after you go # 2 and it traps it with a citrus smell. This was the man version in a camo can--apparently they have some for girls too in a more feminine can. Who comes up with this stuff??
{seven} what is one tv show that you wish hadn’t been cancelled?Well I don't know if it's cancelled but it's not on anymore..Parenthood! Probably one of my fave shows!
{eight} what is something that you are saving money for right now?Hmm...tough one. Let's see...pay off loans, baby, future home. All BIG things!!!!!!
{nine} what hobby would you like to take up?Sewing--I would like to get crafty. :-) I would also like to get back into making jewelry like I used to.
{ten} how many times a year do you get really dressed up?I love to get dressed up--I would say probably once a year maybe.

19 Weeks

A bit going on...

It's been a while since I have blogged--it's been busy. Josh and I went to Hawaii for a week and then Josh was able to spend two more weeks in Atlanta on his R & R. During Josh's visit home we were also able to find out the sex of our baby. When we first found out we were pregnant and told people, a good friend of Josh's family suggested we go to a private sonographer just in case our baby didn't cooperate. I never knew you could do that. We had an appointment with our doctor for the day before Josh left but again we were afraid our little one would be shy. Since Josh's time here is so precious and limited because he is not here for most of this pregnancy, we decided to do it! It was such an amazing experience. The place we went was extremely professional and she spent a lot of time with us and the baby. She talked us through everything in a lot of detail which was great. We are able to see our baby in 2D, 3D, and 4D which was also pretty phenomenal! And so the news is...we are having a BOY!

I am feeling great and Liam is active and moving. When Josh was home Liam moved for the first time and Josh was able to feel him. I honestly believe God had a part in that--as I mentioned before Josh is is missing most of the pregnancy so it was just very cool that Liam moved while he was here. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been until mid-June for Josh to feel it.

Here are a few recent pictures! :-)

Taken at a wedding

It's a boy!

Liam was sucking his thumb.

Taken at the Westin in Maui

Maui sunset

Pregnant Progression so far....

Can't believe I am posting this....

Heartbeat

Yesterday was a very cool day for me as Josh and I were finally able to hear the baby's heart beat for the first time. (Josh was able to call and I put him on speaker phone.) It was truly amazing! The little peanut is doing well so far. The heart beat was 145--there are so many myths on the heartbeat but my doctor said they are not true. So... we shall see April 19 what the sex of the baby is...I will be happy with a boy or a girl--I just want a healthy baby!

Saturday I will be 13 weeks so I will be into my 2nd trimester soon! I am feeling great! I have gained 1 pound so far but I know that number will grow larger as time goes on. Finally, spring is here which means tennis season has started and I can start walking outside in this nice weather! I am excited to be back playing tennis and staying active with this little peanut. :-)

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

{one} what color is your kitchen?well, i am renting a place right now while Josh is in Afghanistan and it's wallpaper--with cherries on it. :-) {two} do you have a good luck charm?No
{three} do you prefer to write with a pen or pencil?Pen please. {four} can you use chopsticks?No and I have no desire to either--a fork works just fine! Maybe if I tried chopsticks I wouldn't eat as much though...is that why Asians are so skinny??????
{five} do you prefer baths or showers?To get clean-showers but to relax I love me some baths with bubble bath and candles.
{six} what is your favorite salad dressing?That's tough, now! I like Balsamic, Greek, and Ranch as my faves! Recently I have been craving Ranch dressing more and I also love it to dip my pizza in!
{seven} can you sing the alphabet backwards?No.
{eight} do you have any allergies?Yep-- I guess pollen or whatever the yucky stuff in the air is.
{nine} crunchy or creamy peanut butter?I love crunchy peanut butter but I'll take either.
{ten} have you ever hitch hiked?No--I am a weeny.

We're gonna be parents!

Yep!!! Josh and I are expecting our first child September 21. We are both so excited!!! I found out January 16 that I was pregnant. I had mentioned to Josh that I thought I was so we skyped the day I took the test. We both couldn't believe it! Josh that I was teasing him--haha, nope!

Josh and I are going to Hawaii April 1-7 so that will now be our babymoon! We will find out the sex of the baby April 19 and thankfully, he will still be here so hopefully our little one will cooperate!

Josh will finally come home towards the end of July/beginning of August. We will move right away back to DC and try to get ourselves settled in before the baby comes. It is going to be a bit crazy but we are so thankful for our future little one!

Also, my sister is also pregnant!!! I am 10 weeks and she is 11 weeks--crazy huh? While my whole family was home two weeks ago, my friends and family surprised me and Hannah with a baby shower! It was so fun and we are so thankful that they did that for us. I will post pictures on my next blog!

Here are two pictures of Josh with the "pregnant" stick on skype and our sweet baby at 8 weeks.

8 weeks

January 16 on skype...Josh was so excited!

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

{one} what was your favorite sitcom growing up?That's tough...I loved the Cosby show, Full House, and Saved by the Bell.
{two} what song always makes you happy when you hear it?How He Loves Me by David Crowder Band
{three} do you still have your wisdom teeth?nope
{four} what is your go to way to relax?A pedicure, blanket and a movie, laying on the beach or pool with a good book, or a hot bubble bath with candles...all of those are absolutely devine in my book!
{five} do you play any instruments?Boo---I wish! I tried guitar lessons in high school and I wasn't very good.
{six} nude beaches: yes or no?If it's ONLY me and my husband. :-) Ha! But really, no thanks. I'll pass on seeing everyone else's private parts...especially if they are super old! Sorry...had to say it!
{seven} do you chew your pens/pencils?Nope...unless I am super bored. {eight} can you change the oil in your car?Heck no...that's what my husband is for or a mechanic is for.
{nine} can you curl your tongue?I can fold it in half but not really make it look curly or ripply.
{ten} can you knit or crochet?I was just thinking yesterday how I want to learn how to knit, crochet and sew. I don't really know the difference between knitting and crocheting to be honest. If I had a girlfriend that would take classes I would totally do it....or I may just get a book and teach myself. :-)

Wee Bit of Me Wednesdays

{one} How tall are you?5’6” - wish I were a little bit taller!
{two} Besides bills, what do you spend most of your money on?Probably clothes or mailing packages to Josh
{three} What are your three favorite websites?Food Network, Facebook (that's horrible but I love keeping up with friends), Google
{four} What brand of tennis shoes do you prefer?I would have to say Asics!
{five} What foods can you absolutely not stand to eat?Water chestnuts...it's like chomping on a bunch of roaches.
{six} How many pairs of jeans do you own?Maybe 8...
{seven} If you could have any job, what would it be?Someone who can travel around the world and do those fun travel shows like Rachael Ray does.
{eight} Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?No
{nine} How many pillows do you sleep with?two or three...depends if I want one between my legs or not
{ten} On a scale of 1-5, how organized are you?I am gonna say 3 or 4...I like things tidy and organized but I don't necessarily enjoy organizing...it's just something that has to be done.

Out with the old...I have retired my red glasses!

Here's my new look these days...I hope Josh likes them!

Josh Came Home for Christmas!

December 17 my husband came home for a visit...it was the best day! It was almost as if I were in high school again because I had those high school "first love" butterflies in my stomach. There are no words to explain how happy I was when I saw his bearded face. :-) It had been 5 long months since I had seen him and I definitely shed some tears...happy tears!

That night, his family and Josh and I went to The Varsity (Josh's request) where we ate chili dogs, burgers, fries and shakes. We had a great time there. After The Varsity I had a surprise for Josh---The Ritz Carlton! He had no idea we were staying somewhere but I thought it would be nice, since he just came back from the desert. When we got to the The Ritz they asked where we were coming from and Josh happened to mention that he just came back from Afghanistan. The gentleman was so gracious and upgraded us to the Executive Suite on the 11th floor all the way at the end of the hallway where there were lots of windows to the see the city. We were so excited! We ordered in room service at about 1am and ate the most delicious hamburger and fries! :-) We had the most wonderful time together.

The rest of Josh's visit home was spent visiting with his family here in Atlanta, my family in Pensacola, and his family again in Auburn, AL (at his brother-in-law's family's farm house). We were also able to see our dear friends Mac and Hannah and their adorable son Elias (who I could kiss all day)!

Josh and I stayed in my apartment (across the street from my in-laws) and it worked out well. We spent the day with his family a lot and had our evenings together to talk, laugh, and just spend quality time that we hadn't had in 5 months and (definitely needed as a couple).

Here are some pictures from his visit home. (They are out of order...sorry.)

Rachel, Jonathan, Hannah, Mac, Me, Josh, Charity, Dave--The New Haven gang except for Hannah and Randy)

Mac, Hannah, Me, Josh (I consider them our best friends)

Mac and Josh

Mac and Josh--they have a serious Bromance!

Rachel, Me, Hannah (all good friends growing up)

Me and Eli and Elias (my two friend's baby boys)

Josh and I the night before he left to go back home.

The day Josh came in!

Running to hug Josh!

I was SO excited to see him!