Please pray for the Chapman family!

This is an article from the website of Steven Curtis Chapman. For those of you have never heard of this man, please check out his website at www.stevencurtischapman.com. He is an amazing Christian artist whose life has not only been dedicated to sharing Christ through music but through his own ministry starting Shaohannah's Hope. Please check it out and continue to pray for this family while going through this tragedy.




MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME

NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles

Week 24: Breathe baby, breathe!

Baby's development in pregnancy week 24: This is another big week for your magical growing baby! Just take a look at the checklist for this week: 1) ears: done; 2) fingernails: done; 3) (if you have a boy) testicles: taking their 3-4 day trip from the abdominal wall to the scrotum; and 4) lungs walls: secreting “surfactant”. What’s that? Well, surfactant is sort of what it sounds like: a surface-activated fat whose main purpose is to assist the your baby's little lungs during inflation (as in, filling with air, not getting more expensive). Just in case you’re curious, your submerged baby is still breathing in amniotic fluid, preparing and rehearsing the lungs an oxygen-filled life outside the womb. By the end of this week, your child will be weighing around 2 lbs and 14 inches long. Your cutie-patootie may even be a little more plump, but isn't anywhere near their full baby-fatted cute-self. Most of the “filling out” is coming up in that long awaited (and slightly dreaded?) third trimester. Woo-hoo! Get ready!

And how's mom doing? Your little one is moving (spinning, kicking, pirouetting, shimmying, and maybe even doing a bit of the Can-Can) so much these days that if you invite your friends and/or family to touch your belly there’s a good chance they’ll get a milder sample of what you’ve been experiencing . You’ve may have We recommend taking the belly-touching calmly and if it really offends you, just say something like: “I just fell in a large vat of anthrax.” experienced the oddity that is strangers who feel a protruding pregnant belly is public property and a silent invitation for belly touching. We recommend taking the belly-touching calmly and if it really offends you, just say something like: “I just fell in a large vat of anthrax.” Or perhaps something a little less aggressive, like, “Please, at the very least, ask me before touching my body.” Still, there are many women who enjoy sharing this touching ritual with others. Find your comfort zone and good luck with the rest.
Scary stuff you should be aware of: The danger of getting preeclampsia (a.k.a. Toxemia) during pregnancy is significantly higher and is characterized by significant swelling of the hands and face, excessive weight gain, blurry vision with severe headaches or abdominal pain. Obviously, swelling is common during pregnancy, but should be monitored closely, and sudden ongoing swelling to the hands and face could be a concern. Talk with your physician for more information. Preeclampsia can also be diagnosed by high blood pressure and the presence of certain proteins in your urine. Again, high blood pressure alone does not mean you are affected, but it might be something you and your physician will want to/need to monitor throughout your pregnancy. Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from receiving enough blood, thus depriving your baby of essential nutrients and lower oxygen levels, possibly resulting in low birth weights and other problems. There are several websites dedicated to preeclampsia education such as: http://www.preeclampsia.org/.

FUN TIMES!

Michael and I were so busy this weekend that I am just now able to blog about it. We were constantly on the go with so many activities. So bare with me, it’s gonna be a long one!

Friday
We went to the Rangers game with the family for my Dad’s birthday. We had so much fun! It was such a good game. Michael was disappointed that the Astros lost. It turned into a homerun derby almost. My brother David gave Michael a hard time the whole night. The food was excellent. When we first arrived I told my sister-in-law Natalie, “If you see the hotdog man, tackle him!” I had a foot long hot dog with a pickle spear. Actually, two because Michael didn’t want his! YUMM. Even though I’m not very big, it got more difficult through the night trying to stand and cheer every time we scored. My dad got a big laugh watching me trying to get up and cheer or do the wave. David thought he’d be funny and warn me each time the wave was coming our way so I could get a head start! We were so tired when we got home, I don’t even remember going to bed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! LOVE, RALPH!














Saturday
Natalie worked real hard to give David a surprise birthday party. Since his birthday isn’t until May 25th he was clueless. She surprised him with a new charcoal grill. Everyone brought whatever meat and drinks for their family and the fixings were provided. David did the grilling and was enjoying every bit of it. We got to catch up with a lot of family we hadn’t seen in several months. That of course was fun. Especially for me because they hadn’t seen my round tummy yet! So they enjoyed rubbing on it occasionally. I love it when the family does that. It’s almost like they are giving Daniel a little hug. Sappy I know! We were the last one’s to leave about 4, I think. We were so exhausted. I think it’s mostly from being up so late the night before. We got home around 5. I laid on the couch and crashed! I woke up every now and then to see the Rangers game. They beat the Astros again! Next thing I know it’s midnight and time for bed. YIKES!














Sunday
It was senior recognition at church. My little brother John is graduating from Waxahachie high school. I feel so old. They received a gift bag with a bible and did a little slide show of childhood pictures. I couldn’t tell for sure, but I think my dad shed a few tears. How sweet! After church, Michael and I had an appointment to check out a rent house there in town. It wasn’t for us. So, our search continues. We went to Marble Slab afterwards and gorged myself on a banana split. As the guy handed me my dessert I noticed some ice cream starting to drip off the side, so I licked it. There was a lady standing next to me in line that saw this and giggled. She then looked at my belly and said, “You are just precious.” I smiled and said thanks. Whatever lady, I’ve got ice cream get outta my way! Later that evening was John’s baccalaureate service. Thankfully it was short and to the point. (Unlike this post!) Afterwards we all went over to Dad’s and had some of Lisa’s amazing brisket. And Dad graciously shared his pickle stash. Needless to say, I was so full of food by the time I got home Sunday evening. By the way, the Astros finally won today!

Congratulations to Michael & Corsicana HS Choir

Corsicana HS choir earns top honors at event

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - Corsicana High School’s choir students received the Overall Outstanding Ensemble award last weekend at their annual spring contest, the highest honor a school can achieve.

The 12 CHS students earned a Superior Rating and were also honored as Outstanding in Class by the judges, all of whom serve as UIL judges.

“Being such a small group, it’s sometimes hard to keep a strong unified sound, but they did just that,” said CHS Director of Choral Activities Mike Huffstetler. “Overall, I feel the trip was a success, and is a good primer for not only recruitment, but building a larger and stronger choral program in Corsicana, not just CHS.

“While most schools who attend these contests steer away from classic UIL literature and perform more pop-based repertoire, we went the opposite route, performing one of our UIL pieces by G.F. Handel, an English Madrigal, and what can only be described as a jazzy tune with strong choral elements. I don’t believe in what many consider ‘fluff’ music, instead opting for pieces that will help the students grow musically.”

The students who participated in the contest included: Nathan Horton, Jon Castleman, Arely Avila, Jamoya Thomas, Leah Ribaul, Randy Woods, Taylor Horn, Sarah Schmidt, Nidya Guevara, Shannon Beasley, Kati Tibbits and Alexis Aguirre.

Week 23: Dancing baby alert!

Baby's development in pregnancy week 23: At this point you’ve pretty much adjusted to the fact you’ve got a moving little gymnast inside of you, but now they’re going to kick up the party a notch because they can hear and react to sounds from the outside world. Sounds from your alarm clock, a thunder roll, or that darned car honking at you across the intersection can actually jar their little ears enough to elicit a kick or violent bout of squirming. Of course this also means that their little ears are picking up the sounds of your voice and those near you. So go ahead, sing a lullaby to your little angel—if they start kicking, it’s likely they just want you to stop… or maybe it was a kick of approval? You decide. Your baby's tiny taste buds are still growing and their bones are continuing to ossify (harden), their tiny veins are visible through their translucent yet wrinkly skin. (Think of it this way: they’ve been swimming in the equivalent of a long hot bath for the past 23 weeks, so you can’t blame them for being a little prune-like.)

And how's mom doing? If no one warned you about the joys of the pregnancy-sleep-challenge, you’ve probably already started to discover just how difficult it can be to find adequately comfortable sleeping positions. The good news is: some people actually invented pillows specifically designed to give a pregnant woman if you want to further reduce the dreaded appearance of pregnancy “cankles” (calf-ankles) try to avoid sitting for long periods of time—and for the hundredth time: don’t forget to stay active! a better chance of sleeping through the night. There are a variety of different designs, but inevitably you’ll want some sort of belly support as well as a body pillow between your legs and under your belly to relieve a bit of the discomfort you're sure to be experiencing right now. If you choose to buy the (rather spendy) pregnancy pillows they've got on the market, make sure you keep the receipt as some women still have problems sleeping and fare better with their own unique pillow collection and set-up.
As if there's not enough to keep track of already, are you remembering to drink lots of fluids? Plenty of good ol’ fashioned H20 (water) can help reduce swelling in your poor ankles and feet-- resulting from the pressure your now over-sized uterus is putting on your pelvic veins, thereby slowing fluid circulation to the lower half of your body. Also, if you want to further reduce the dreaded appearance of pregnancy “cankles” (calf-ankles) try to avoid sitting for long periods of time—and for the hundredth time: don’t forget to stay active! Keeping your fluid intake up is also good for your little resident swimmer as dehydration is frequently connected with premature birthing. Yep, it’s a lot of responsibility, but you can do it! You’re almost two-thirds of the way there already! Keep up the good work mom!

Your pregnancy: 22 weeks

How your baby's growing: Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

And how's mom doing? Take a moment to think about this: your uterus has now stretched to such unholy proportions that it extends beyond your navel! The not-so-exciting part of this remarkable fact is that growth like this tends to leave stretch marks and can itch like nobody’s business. If it makes you feel any better, Don’t get suckered into buying really expensive creams that supposedly make stretch marks ‘magically disappear.'Stretch marks are scars on your skin and won’t disappear with a topical cream stretch marks on the belly are extremely common. Don’t get suckered into buying really expensive creams that supposedly make stretch marks ‘magically disappear.'Stretch marks are scars on your skin and won’t disappear with a topical cream . But feel free to apply all the aloe-vera (and other anti-itch lotions) to alleviate the itching. In terms of preventing their appearance, cocoa butter-based creams and creams full of Vitamin E have a reputation for helping-- but there's still no guarantee that those pesky stretch marks won't show up despite your best creaming-up efforts.
Also, your doctor may offer you a glucose screening test sometime in the upcoming weeks. The test checks for a high blood sugar condition that some women are susceptible to during pregnancy. At most, 5 percent of women actually test positive for this problem, but if you do, you will probably have a few more follow up tests to be sure. If you end up with a positive test, make a plan with your physician or nutritionist for treatment. Untreated, the high sugar content in your blood enables the overproduction of baby fat for your little one, and often results in overly high birth weight which can induce premature birth and/or the necessity to deliver via cesarean.


I have a few interesting points to add to this week's update. As of last Monday, Baby James is already measuring well over a pound! And is making his presence known more and more. Especially during church. I guess he appreciates a good preaching. Also, I have already discussed the possibilities of having a large baby with my doctor. And not because of poor diet or high blood sugar. It's already a family joke that I'll be giving birth to a toddler. For those of you who don't know, here's a little birth history. I weighed 10 lbs. 3.5 oz. My darling husband weighed almost 12 pounds! ENOUGH SAID!!

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

If it's Baby Einstein, it HAS to be good, right?

The sonogram pictures!

These are all of our sonograms from the very beginning.

Sorry this has taken so long guys!

This first picture was done on 1-8-2008.

We were only five or six weeks at that point and couldn't see much of anything.

All we could see was the "sac" and this little dot resting inside. It was from this first encounter that we started referring to the baby as "Baby Dot".

Because the first sono was so hard to see the doctor had us come back on 1-22-2008 to do the official confirmation. At this point we got to see and hear the baby's heartbeat.

It was the most amazing feeling. All I could do was cry. There really are no words to describe the feeling the first time you hear that sound!

These next prints were of our appointment on 4-28-2008. They are listed in the order they were shot. The reason I specify that is because the doctor said that before determining the sex he starts from the top and works his way down. He checks everything else out first to make sure the baby is developing okay.

The moment the paddle hit my belly, this is what we saw. A full moon!

Needless to say we got to see the baby's sex before anything else. I had my mom on the phone so she could hear everything going on. She was just as shocked as we were. Here's her reaction: "What! Are you sure?!?!"

The doctor got a good laugh! While Michael and I were giving each other high-fives.

Someone at work suggested I have a coke before my appointment so I could see some activity. I loaded up on candy apple rings and a cherry coke. The doctor had to wake the baby up by pushing on my belly! Once he got him moving I got a swift kick in response.

Here's his foot!

We then checked out all the major organs and saw that everything looks great. We saw the kidneys, heart and the umbilical cord that goes up through the body. The doctor tried to get a face shot. He was so snuggled in that he couldn't get him to cheese for the camera. But he did show us his ear!

Towards the end of the appointment I started asking the doctor lots of questions and just going back over a few things. Michael asked one last time, "So everything looks good?"
The baby gave us the thumbs up.

Here are some pictures I've been meaning to post.

This one's for my friend Candi!

Frito kept bringing me his Maverick's basketball while I'm trying to watch the Ranger game.

I hate basketball!

I need to find him a baseball.

While helping my sister pack for her big move, we ran out of bubble wrap. So, my mom decided to use styrofoam plates instead.

She was very proud of herself!

FYI: The piggy bank made it through the move unharmed!

Week 21: Look Mommy, I'm dreaming!

Baby's development in pregnancy week 21:Your beautiful little miracle-gro baby will be putting on a full ounce and a half this week (and weighing up to 16.5 ounces), but that’s just the beginning! Within the next five weeks, they’ll really be packin’ it on! For now, we’re pleased to report the addition of rapid eye movement (REM) a key component to any healthy baby’s sleep schedule. While in the dermatology department: their thin soft skin is very red, rather translucent, and a bit wrinkled. Not to worry, it’s not a premature aging disease. It's just their clever little body setting them up with extra space that will smooth out once your little one starts packing on the baby-fat. That won’t be for a few more weeks, though. So for the time being, your munchkin is still a little lean mean growing machine! The beginnings of what is commonly called “brown fat” is just starting to fill in to help your baby retain some body heat, which is crucial as they’re not yet capable of regulating their own body temperature.

And how's mom doing? We’ve hit trimester two and you're in full-swing pregnancy mode. Most moms are feeling pretty good right about now. Funnily enough, you may already be noticing some mild uterine contractions—don’t panic, this is completely normal. Actually, your uterus contracts throughout your whole life—only now determining the sex early on makes it easier to plan ahead, prepare the nursery, inform the family and purchase the right colored cigars. Of course to some parents, that’s not the point. You're going to love your little one whether they've got a cheeseburger or hot dog that there’s enough pressure on the uterine muscles you can feel them more distinctly when they contract.
If you’re still deciding whether or not to buy gender-specific clothing, it’s time to bite the bullet and head in for an ultrasound... unless you’re not the planning type. Now that we have the technology, it’s fairly obvious to modern couples that determining the sex early on makes it easier to plan ahead, prepare the nursery, inform the family and purchase the right colored cigars. Of course to some parents, that’s not the point. You're going to love your little one whether they've got a cheeseburger or hot dog. Really though, many couples enjoy the suspense and choose to leave the sex as a final surprise. Talk with your partner and figure out what feels right for you. Just keep in mind that once you know, you can’t turn back!

OMG!! Looks like everyone (Except Jerrod) was wrong!!!

Got back from the doctor just now, and looks like we got ourselves a little man on the way!! And I mean there's no mistaking it's a boy. Dude has like a freaking third leg! He's going to make his old man look bad! And he knew he was the man already. Gave a thumb's up for the camera like, "Oh yeah. Who's the man?"

Other than the obvious, everything else is going great. Heart's in good shape (one of my biggest worries). Digestive tract looks good. Brain looks AWESOME!! This kid's got a huge lunchbox head, and a brain that fills it up!! Hopefully he'll be smart like me (and his momma!). I just hope he gets his momma's good looks or he doesn't stand a chance!

Just from what I was able to see on the sonagram, his dexterity looks pretty good. Fingers and toes are pretty well formed, and he's active as all get out. I blame the cherry coke and sour apple rings Libby had today. At one point during the show, he started scratching the right side of his head. The eerie thing was that I was doing the same exact thing at the same time!!

Initially, I, like everybody else was expecting a girl. This surprise is not disappointing in the least. In fact, I now have a greater sense of pride in responsibility in bringing up my son the same way I was brought up: To be a responsible man, who treats a lady properly, and most importantly loves the Lord and all He provides.

Thank you Lord, for giving me this son to carry on the Huffstetler name and legacy in Your name and Yours alone.

Word.

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

While this may seem like a good idea and will
DEFINITELY get the attention of a
star athlete, orchestra conductor, or high school graduate,
using a compressed air horn can cause severe damage or deafness.

Unless they're already deaf, then blow away!!

Week 20: Congratulations, you now have a mini-baby!

Baby's development in pregnancy week 20: This week you're carrying about 10.5 inches and 10.5 ounces of solid baby-miracle-goodness! Their little delicates bones continue to ossify and toughen while their itsy bitsy finger and toe pads are finishing up. Your little monkey now has teeth buds, although they’re hidden beneath the gum line. And finally! Their limbs have reached their relative proportions—no more alien baby! Their cute pink lips are more defined, and might be helping out in a bit of prenatal thumb-sucking. If you have a little boy, then their tiny testes are descending, though they have not yet passed the abdominal wall. What’s more, eyelashes and eyebrows are also visible. At this point, your little one really looks like a miniature baby—and we do mean miniature as your little swimmer currently weighs a mere eighth of their final birth weight. With half the pregnancy behind you, the most significant gains are yet to come!

And how's mom doing? Not that we need to tell you, but your baby may sometimes seem like a kick-boxer in training with no appreciation for your exhausted-pregnant-momma sleep needs. Still, before you start yelling at them to calm it down in there, remind yourself that your busy baby really have no idea if you’re rolling If you have already enrolled in a Lamaze course, consider coupling it with either a swimming or yoga course (or both!) out of bed or cozying up to your partner for a good nights rest. Unfortunately for your sleep schedule, your little independent thinker will continue to operate on their own time table throughout the rest of the pregnancy. And you thought rebellious behavior only started around puberty!

Parental Baggage

This Sunday the preacher was finishing up the series "Baggage" with the sermon "Parental Baggage". I immediately looked at Michael and thought in my head, "I'm not wearing waterproof mascara and I am sans Kleenex." I'm sure everyone has experienced some sort of "baggage" in there life. The pastor had three women up on stage interviewing them in a sort of talk show method. Each woman had different experiences with their fathers. The first had an amazing childhood. Her dad was her hero and was the model she used when dating and later married. The second had a great childhood also. But when she was an adult, her dad decided to leave his marriage of 38 years for another woman. In this process he "walked away from the pulpit, his faith, and his family". She has now been trying to rekindle her relationship with him these few years. The third and final woman had an alcoholic for a father. He was physically there but not really there. He was physically abusive to her mother. And emotionally abusive to his kids. Eventually her mother kicked him out and he dropped out of their lives.

Listening to these women brought up a lot of memories and feelings from my own childhood. Silently I wept as I listened to the happy and sad stories told my each woman. Surprisingly I found something in common with all three. The main focus was how parental baggage affects not only your childhood but also your adulthood. It affects how you handle all relationships. Especially your marriage. As I can speak with experience. It teaches you how to fully trust and share with those you love. Your parents are your example! As I'm sitting there listening I'm thinking of my own personal struggles with baggage and the healing process you have to go through. Someone asked me, "What did Michael say to you that helped you through it." He didn't. It was all God! He's the only one that can fully meet my needs. All Michael could do was sit by and remind me constantly how much he loves me and that he was not going anywhere! Going through that process helped me depend on and trust Michael more. I love him and trust him more everyday! Especially now that we are expecting our own.

I sat there thinking how happy I was that I have complete faith and trust in Michael. I was at peace knowing that while he may not be a perfect father, he will be the father God wants and expects him to be. The father that I pray he will be. I also pray that I will be the mother that God wants and expects me to be. I pray for the faith and wisdom for us both to guide this child down the path to God. And look forward to seeing what will come.
I've unpacked my baggage and moving forward, no looking back!!

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

I don't know what's so wrong with this picture.
Mom looks like she's having fun.
Baby looks like he's having fun.
What's the problem?

Week 19: The poop factory is now open

Baby's development in pregnancy week 19: Your amazing little baby is now around 10 inches in length! If this seems a bit shocking, you’ll be relieved to know they’ve not actually grown over 3 inches, but that their little legs are now straight enough to be measured. This is when doctors begin measuring growth from head to toe, (no longer “crown to rump” or CR). Lanugo (little hairs) covers their whole body now, trapping that charming cheese-like vernix caseosa (see week 18) to the surface to the skin. This week your lil’ babe will start on an appetizing diet of amniotic fluid which they are now capable of swallowing, digesting, and passing the fluid as far as their tiny “large” intestines. Fortunately for you, this nice little lump of baby-poop won’t be coming out while they’re still in your womb. Some time shortly after they’re born, this fun lump will become the first in a long line of baby poops. (What finally comes out— commonly known as “meconium” to the science world, will be black and sticky, and you’ll be very glad it happens only once!)

And how's mom doing? Unlike generations of women before you who were taught pregnancy was practically an ailment (10% of women DID die in childbirth back then), we now have scientific evidence that exercise is a good thing when you’re pregnant. In fact, most physicians recommend continuing or starting a pregnancy-friendly proper exercise can do a lot towards increasing your overall flexibility (at a time where your body wants to stiffen up) thereby somewhat reducing the pain and tension during labor exercise regimen. Walking, running, swimming, weight training and yoga (see week 20) are all good for your heart and overall physical stamina during this physically challenging time. Not to mention proper exercise can do a lot towards increasing your overall flexibility (at a time where your body wants to stiffen up) thereby somewhat reducing the pain and tension during labor. Last but not least, exercise can keep you from gaining unnecessary amounts of weight (which you’ll have to fight off later after birth if you don’t do it now). Obviously, you’re going to want to avoid sports where you are at risk of falling or being hit in the stomach. Basically, stay away from sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, and skiing. Instead, opt for the pool, weight room, and/or yoga class. We’re not saying you should stress yourself out trying to be a world-class athlete, but if you’re eating right and getting enough sleep, exercise during this health-critical phase of your life, will keep your collective energy levels higher and increase your feeling of well-being, as well as ensuring that you and your baby are in top physical and mental condition.

It's funny... sometimes I have to remind people that I'm only pregnant and not handicap. Not that I don't appreciate being pampered now and then. Until I'm laid up in stirrups, when I see that something needs to be done and I'm capable of doing it, move over!

On the move!

We've got some catching up to do!

Michael and I went to the Ranger game on Friday with David and Natalie. We had such a good time, even if they didn't win. I'm pretty sure Baby Dot had fun too! In the seventh inning someone hit a homerun. (I can't remember his name.) We of course were very excited and screamed and hollered. When I sat down I could feel this overwhelming movement. I looked excitedly at Michael. I wasn't 100% sure if that's what it was. Was it the dinner I inhaled at Sonic? Or it might have been the half-eaten bag of cotton candy. I sat there with crowd yelling around me and said to myself. It has to be the baby.

Me: Michael, I think I can feel the baby!
Mike: What? (It was very loud!)
Me: I think I'm feeling the baby move! (Louder now.)
Mike: Are you sure?
Me: I think so?
Natalie: What's the matter?
Me: I think I'm feeling the baby move.
Nat: (Squeal of joy!) Are you serious!?!?
Mike: What's it feel like?
Me: It feels like she's doing somersaults in my tummy.
Nat: Can you feel it on the outside or just the inside? (As she reaches over Michael to feel.)
Me: Just the inside! Oh my goodness I want to cry!

I was so excited. David said later that night before we left their house. "Since you felt the baby move tonight that must mean she's a Rangers fan."

I'm also thinking Baby Dot may or may not be a fan of the preacher. Michael and I finally went back to church, after a couple weeks of backsliding. It was obviously a sermon we were supposed to hear. I feel like he did it just for me. The series is on Baggage. This week is was emotional baggage. At one point the preacher was getting a little bit louder and I felt a very distinctive kick. There was definetely no mistaking that move! I'm not sure if Dot was saying "amen" or "quiet down, I'm trying to sleep".

Lastly, Sunday night as I'm getting settled into bed I'm reading and have a set of headphones on my belly, per Michael's request. (Michael has loaded a huge list of music into his mp3 player that he wants me to play for the baby. It's a mixture of Christian, Classical/Choral, and his favorite movie soundtracks. Star Wars anyone!) Well, I'm laying there and I began to feel a thumping or tapping on my belly. I wasn't sure if it was Dot or the headphones. I pick up the headphone to see if maybe I have them up too loud and the "speakers" are thumping. But they weren't. Again, it was Baby Dot. It is so amazing that go from not feeling anything to a weekend of movement!

Our God is an awesome God and has created this amazing baby for us!!

Week 18: Your cute little greased piglet

Baby's development in pregnancy week 18: We have two more ounces! Your "getting bigger-n-better by the minute baby" is already up to 7 ounces and 6 inches! This is a big week for their baby skin. There are now two distinct layers—the epidermis (or the surface skin) and dermis. Currently, their skin is covered with a greasy, waxy, cheese-like substance, known as vernix caseosa. Sure, it sounds pretty nasty, but this mixture of fatty secretions covering your little swimmer from head to toe is the best way to protect their oh-so-thin skin from bruising and abrasions as well as chapping caused by amniotic fluid exposure (and your little one is swimming in that stuff!). Still don’t like the fact your little darling is currently slathered in fatty cream like a greased pig? Well, you know the birthing process? Where you have to push something the size of a watermelon out a hole the size of a grape? That adorable little greased piglet would have a lot harder time getting through the birth canal without the vernix caseosa. Fun fact for momma’s with baby girls: it’s a uterus within a uterus! Your little girl will have developed a uterus and vagina canal by the end of this week.

And how's mom doing? POP! If you haven’t yet, you will soon be seeing the last of your inn-y belly button—until after you’ve pushed your little monkey out. If it’s getting difficult to breathe, you can thank your not-so-small belly for squishing your lungs—which will be more and more cramped for space as the pregnancy Keep in mind that as you grow (and grow and grow) in size you produce more blood (for both of you), which lowers your blood pressure. So standing up quickly and/or occasional fast movements may cause slight dizziness or lightheadedness progresses. Not that this is surprising as everything else in your mid-section is getting properly squooshed as well. (What else is new?!!) Keep in mind that as you grow (and grow and grow) in size you produce more blood (for both of you), which lowers your blood pressure. So standing up quickly and/or occasional fast movements may cause slight dizziness or lightheadedness. This is totally normal, but means you shouldn’t be too quick to jump to your feet when your team scores a goal. It's better to just punch the air in excitement or clap gleefully. One more fun pregnancy symptom to add to the list: you are producing more melanin, which can cause dark patches of skin to occur on random parts of your body. Don’t worry—these dark spots (unlike your parent’s age spots) will retreat soon after birth.

Always thought this was okay until they got teeth.

Then it just hurts! OW!! Charlie bit me!!

Sad news: Kleenex warning

I'm very sad to say that our family has experienced the loss of a family member. My sister and her husband are enduring something no expectant parent wants to experience, the loss of a baby. On Monday night Barrett and Jennifer rushed to the ER to confirm their fears. She was in fact miscarrying at seven weeks. Tons of tears have been shed and lots of hearts crushed.

We as a Christian and believing family know that God is now holding that baby in His arms. And Jennifer will get to meet him one day. (She was hoping for a boy.) I detest the word "fetus" that the doctor used several times that night. We believe that beating heart was a baby and we are now experiencing the loss of a family member. We also know that this is not the end of the book for the two of them. Only God knows what's in the next chapter. We can only sit and wait to see what's next.

Sometimes we forget about the men in this situation. Barrett will need lots of love and prayer too. Please keep them both in your prayers. Also, pray for the surrounding families as we help them and one another with this loss.

Week 17: Grow Team Grow!!!

baby development in pregnancy week 17: Don't be too shocked but... your baby is EVEN bigger than it was last week, not to mention getting cuter, and smarter every day! As you’ve come to expect, there’s no shortage of growth and development this week: your fantastic little bean stalk has added yet another half inch to their overall height-- making them nearly half a foot long! Their little limbs have reached (or are within one week of) their relative proportions, and will continue to grow evenly with the rest of the body after this week. Reactive listening has begun for your baby, even though their ears are not yet structurally complete or fully functional. Meanwhile, different parts of their astonishingly complex brain are developing to process your little one’s hearing and other senses, (you know, sight, smell, taste and touch). Mind boggling factoid of the week: if you’re going to have a little girl, her ovaries have already produced millions of primordial egg cells, which, within a few weeks, will develop into actual eggs! Phew… just wait till she’s a teenager eh?

Pickles? Seriously, how cliche!

Well I got my second batch of blood tests back and everything came back normal. **SIGH**

That is a big relief for both of us. Not that the results would have changed our mind about the baby. We're just glad that's one less hurdle for us to get over. Next month we find out what the sex of the baby is. We have a poll up for everyone to vote. Please do so we'd love to see other people's predictions!

Also, for some reason I am slowly getting away from my Spanish rice and beans craving and have moved on to pickles. Seriously! Although I'm sure Michael will be very grateful I'll be backing down on the beans. You know the old bean tune? Well, it definitely rings true when you're pregnant. I'm just saying!

One last thing: A PERFECT STRANGER TOUCHED MY BELLY TODAY!
I'm barely getting used to the idea of my family doing that. When family members have reached to touch my belly it didn't bother me. I love my family and I'm glad they are just as excited about the baby. It makes me laugh a little when they touch me, but I feel the love just the same. Michael and I went to Subway tonight. Of course I asked for tons of pickles! The cashier reached over the counter and touched my belly! "You're eating for two right? Then you deserve the foot long!" Seriously! You didn't touch the fat woman's belly that just left, she ordered a foot long too. What made it okay to touch mine! For those of you who don't know it, I'm a "this is my space, that is your space" kinda gal. Maybe I should get these t-shirts I found online!

• "I am not Buddha. Do not rub my belly."
• "Unless you helped put the baby in here don't touch my belly!"
• "Rub my belly and I will barf on you."
• "You can touch my belly if I can punch your face." (Extreme, I know, but hilarious!)

This last one is my favorite and would only be perfect if our suspicions of our little one are true!

• "Yes, I'm pregnant. It's a girl. I'm due in September. No, you can't touch my belly!"

Michael's ParentingTip of the Week

If your in to having a face full of vomit, then by all means, chunk you baby in the air like a basketball.

Your pregnancy: 16 weeks

How your baby's growing: At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.

Random Easter pics

We went to Michael's parent's on Good Friday. His mother taught me how to cook chicken fried steak. I didn't burn anything and it tasted great.

Don't worry folks, Michael has the fire department on speed dial!






The gratuitous flour on nose shot.

I had to look like I was working hard! Really his mom did most the work. She is an awesome cook.










Baby Dot's first Easter basket. It also had treats for Daisy, Gretchen and Frito inside the eggs.

Thank you so much Uncle Dave, Aunt Nat and cousins Reba and Cowboy!










Michael and I cheesing for the camera.

We needed an updated picture of us. It’s been a while! Sorry no belly shots. Although my mom did take a picture that made me look seven months pregnant rather than just four!







Gran playing with Reba and Cowboy.

These are David and Natalie’s “kids”. My mom always loves playing with the grand-dogs. It’s just dirt and slober. It will wash off!







You ate my roll you dirty rat!

Funny thing at lunch!Cowboy ran up to Michael’s tray and snatched a roll right off! It was the funniest thing. Michael just couldn’t believe it. Natalie’s dad commented as if he was Cowboy, “next time, I’d like some butter!” Michael ate like an inmate the rest of the time protecting his food. I think he’s still bitter!








What’s it gonna be?

We went to visit my Memaw for a little bit. She has been dying to do the needle test to predict the baby’s sex. Of course we had to give her a hard time about it. I kept blowing the needle everywhere. You’re never too old to get slapped on the hand by your grandmother. Even if it’s just a tap!







The needle says…

Girl! Michael of course gave his two cents. “I didn’t need a needle to tell me that. I told you, Jesus told me we’re having a girl.” What a goober.

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

Sorry it's late. Was at Mom and Dad's most of yesterday!

FEEL THE BURN BABY!!! FEEL THE BURN!!!

15 week doctor appointment

I had another doctor appointment today. It was very quick. He checked the heartbeat of course and everything sounds great. The heartbeat varied from 146-154 bpm. He said that was a very good beat but it can't determine the sex, no matter what anyone else tries to say. LOL Sorry to disappoint.
We also took blood to check for things like Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis and etc. I will admit that going into the appointment I was a little apprehensive because of the screening. Michael and I had already decided that no matter the results we of course would continue with the pregnancy. We just pray that everything comes out okay and that He continues to watch over us during this journey. My next appointment will be April 28th to determine the baby's name! We are so excited to find out if we are having a boy or girl. Let's pray they aren't too shy and are ready to introduce themselves!

The Lyon pride expecting an addition!

Barrett & Jennifer Lyon

July 28, 2007

Now that all the important people have been told, I'm happy to announce that my sister and her husband are expecting their first! God has blessed them with a big surprise. The word surprise can't even begin to describe hers and every one's reaction! I don't have any details yet except that her first appointment is April 9th. I do ask that everyone say a special prayer for her. Every pregnancy needs prayers, but especially this one! She's my baby sister (25 yrs old) and very special to me. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be pregnant with. Although, I have been told that sometimes pregnancies happen in threes. Is it still too soon, Natalie? **WINK**

I've included some pictures. Some sillier than others.

LOVE YOU JENN!

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

This just makes me hungry for a Turkey Leg.

And apparantly because of this hearty diet of large poultry, the baby above has learned to defy gravity!

Your pregnancy: 14 weeks

How your baby's growing: This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

How Great Thou Art

I know some of you remember that old time hymn "How Great Thou Art". This is one of my favorites. It was also one of my papas favorite song. Every time I hear it I get a little emotional and think of him. I have such fond memories of sitting in his church at a young age hearing him preach and sing this song. He had such a powerful voice it could give you chills and it definitely kept your attention! This Sunday morning, while driving to church, this very song came on the radio. As I'm tearing up my thoughts immediately go to him. "Is he proud of me? Does he know I think of him and miss him? Is he just as excited about the baby? I wish he was here to meet him/her." I've heard this song so many times, but yesterday I really listened and focused on the words being sung.

verse one:
O Lord my God when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power through out the universe displayed.

While trying not to ruin my mascara, I realized just how blessed I am. The same God who created the heavens and the earth. The One God who created the infinite universe. Our God who tells the flowers when to bloom and the sun to shine. Our loving and forgiving God who sent His one and only son to die for our sins! My God, who created all things, took time out of His "busy schedule" to create in me a small, precious gift of life! My God is an awesome God! I suddenly felt so small in His presence. Believe me folks, He was there in my car! He hears my prayers, pleas and cries. He sees my joy and my pain. He carries me through the roughest parts I can not handle on my own. How blind have I been to my blessings? It was all becoming so clear just how much I have taken for granted. God gives me so much and I sometimes forget to thank Him.

Thank you God for allowing me to wake up this morning and a bed to sleep in tonight. Thank you Lord for giving me such an amazing family. Those who have gone ahead to be with You and those who are here. My family guides me in Your wisdom to continue on the path to You. Thank you dear Lord for my beautiful husband who loves me unconditionally. Our faith and marriage grows as we see the miracles you perform in our lives daily. Thank you for his strength and patience. Dear Lord, thank you for each of my wonderful friends. You have placed them in my life for reasons they may not even know. Thank you for my job and the ability to provide for my family. Thank you for everything!

"Then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee.

How great thou art, how great thou art!"

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

What works for puppy should work for baby , right?

Your pregnancy: 13 weeks

How your baby's growing: Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.

This is how I'm feeling today. I can't explain it. Just listen!

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week!

Britney did it and look where that got her!

Your pregnancy: 12 weeks

How your baby's growing: The most dramatic development this week: Reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over two inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.

Saturday I went to Dallas to hear Dave Ramsey speak at Reunion Arena. Some of you probably don't know who this is. Until after Saturday I didn't either. One of my moms told me I should go see this guy and that I would really learn a lot. My brother and sister-in-law also raved about how great this guy was. All they told me was that he helps people with their finances and uses the bible to explain a lot of his theories. I thought, why not? What have I got to lose? I'm already broke. The doors opened at 11:30 and the "show" started at 1:00. (My brother told me I should arrive two hours early. I was still oblivious to why you'd have to be so early but I did as suggested. Boy am I glad I listened!) We, my sister and her husband came also, arrived around 10:30. There was already a line forming! Who is this guy?!?! While standing, in the cold, Dave Ramsey came out at some point to talk to the people waiting. Everyone was so excited. I'm still clueless. What is so special about this guy? Well, we finally get in and get amazing seats. By noon I'm still thinking we got here way too early. You can hear the buzz of excitement in the arena. I thumb through the workbook they gave us at the door and think to myself, "There's homework?". I'm slowly realizing while waiting that this guy is a pretty big deal! They have a big stage with three screens behind it showing clips of a radio show he does and a t.v. show on Fox Business News. I pull out a book to read while we're waiting. At 1:00 the show begins and they are showing clips of Ramsey on lots of different news and talk shows. (ie. Larry King, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Oprah, etc.) Freakin' Oprah?!?! Who is this guy? And why am I just learning about him? As I look around me I then notice that the entire ground floor and the first upper floor of seats (where we were) were completely filled. The second floor of seats was also nearly full! Again, I'm so glad I listened to my brother!

Well, Dave Ramsey comes out on stage and the crowd goes nuts! You would have thought you were at a rock concert. He's obviously been doing this a while because he worked that crowd like a pro. And a wonderful sense of humor to boot! Well, he begins to go through his "Baby Steps" to becoming debt free and I'm in awe of how simple it all sounds. I can already hear some of you... "another get rich quick scheme", "he became a millionaire selling tickets to stupid people", "you will always have debt"... I said all those things too before going in there. After sitting there listening to his story of becoming a millionaire, going bankrupt, and then digging himself back out I was thinking to myself, "Come on man, how do I help myself? What are you going to show me today that I haven't already heard?" He showed me! He did it in a manner that didn't feel impossible. That feels very realistic. That uplifted me to have more faith in my God who won't abandon me because I've screwed up. I just need to call on Him to guide me through this change. I can't go into detail of all his steps. We were there five hours! How do you condense that into a blog? I can say that one of the easiest ones was to cut up all your credit cards. Thank goodness Michael and I were ahead of the game on that. He shows you how you can become completely debt free and not have to live off of any credit ever again. Sound unbelievable? Not when you look over his steps. They are so simple! One of many things I can say is I love the reality of his plan. He doesn't try to convince you your debt will disappear over night. He reminds you that it is going to take time, discipline and lots of prayer. You just have to remind yourself all things are possible with God. I highly suggest you look up Dave Ramsey. Get some books or catch his radio show where ever you are. He was absolutely amazing! He will open your eyes to new possibilities. I'm no longer afraid of our debt. I'm ready to tackle it head on!

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

Hey, it worked for our niece and she loved it!! The dogs got a bit jealous though.

New sport! Watermelon balancing...

Today was another doctor's appointment. Have I mentioned I love my doctor? He is a Christian man and so is his staff. And boy does it show. I have been so at ease every time I go in. They are the best office I have ever been to. I thank God that He has blessed me with such a nice and easy going doctor. I don't know if I'd be so calm about stuff if he wasn't. But, enough about him. I'm starting to sound like a stalker!

The doctor said that I'm progressing nicely. We didn't do another sonogram but I did get to hear the heartbeat again. It has increased to around 155-160 bpm. The baby also seems to be very active right now. When the doctor first put the doppler on my tummy he found the heartbeat pretty quick but then it went away. He ended up moving the doppler all over trying to find her again. Finally after a minute or so he found the beat again in a totally different place! Already I can tell I'm gonna have my hands full. Other than that, it was an uneventful appointment. He answered several questions for me, which is always great. I asked him about sleeping on my tummy. He said it's fine now while I'm not big. "Eventually you just won't be able to sleep on your stomach." Of course that makes complete sense. Can you sleep while balancing on a watermelon? There are so many "old wives tales" that you just have to make sure. Tell me if you've heard this one: Don't raise your hands above your head. Really? What goodies have you heard?

Week 11: Just plum cute!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 11: (fetus in third month) Maybe you’ve noticed… your baby is a super-duper grower! Your lil' fetus will be gaining a substantial amount of weight this week and has already achieved fruit-size-status comparable to a plum. What's more, your little scientist is already starting to explore their body, focusing most intently on touching their head, and especially their face and mouth. Their mouth in particular will provide them with hours of entertainment. This happens not only because your baby is gaining coordination, and is therefore able to move a hand on command, but also because their palms have gained sensation and can actually “feel” what it touches.They're also developing their swallow reflex this week. And lastly, your baby's smelling and other olfactory senses will begin developing this week, which when combined with the maturing taste buds, will provide your baby with their first experiences of taste and smell.


How's mom doing? Someone commented that they didn't like the textbook information I provide each week, but we do. We love learning what's going on inside me! God has blessed us with such a wonderful gift that I'm in awe of all the changes that take place week to week. As far as how I'm feeling, I'm doing good. I think I'm finally past the morning sickness and exhaustion. Every now and then I feel a little cramping, but I know that just means my body is making room for Baby Dot. I'm excited about getting to shop for maternity clothes this weekend. Too early you say? Explain that to the seams and stitches on my jeans! It's mostly pants I'm noticing the difference. To know that I'm to that point is so exciting to me. Write that down, because now will be the only time I'm excited about gaining weight. I try to be good about what I eat and drink. I haven't had any liquid caffiene since I found out I was pregnant. But, I do consume a piece of chocolate when I want one. I have learned to limit myself to one or two pieces though. For those of you who know me best, you know that's been a feat!

Well, I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow and look forward to updating everyone! Keep in touch guys! We love to read your comments. They really brighten our day.

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

While picking your own nose may be fun,
I'm pretty sure your baby doesn't want your finger in theirs.

Happy Birthday Caine!

I would like to give a shout of congratulations. My cousin Melissa has welcomed her third child! How lucky is she? :o)

Justin Caine McAskill,II was born Saturday, Feb. 9th. He weighs 6lb. 9oz. and 19" long. Since he is the second they will be calling him Caine.

Love you Melissa!!

Your pregnancy: 10 weeks

How your baby's growing: Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

Kids crack me up!

Michael's Parenting Tip of the Week

Baby's head is still soft, and therefore, not conducive to picking up like a basketball.

Your pregnancy: 9 weeks

How your baby's growing: Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.

How your life's changing: You still may not look pregnant even if your waist is thickening a bit. You probably feel pregnant, though. Not only are morning sickness and other physical symptoms out in full force for most women, but you may feel like an emotional pinball as well.Mood swings are common now — it's perfectly normal to feel alternately elated and terrified about becoming a parent. Try to cut yourself some slack. Most women find that moodiness flares up at around six to ten weeks, eases up in the second trimester, and then reappears as pregnancy winds to a close.

"What's in a name?

That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

People have been asking if we've picked out names. Some may say it's too soon. We only told a select few until we could decide for sure what we wanted. We preferred to go the traditional route. And to also use names that mean something to us. Some people are superstitious about sharing baby names. But we aren't, so here goes...

If it's a boy, we decided on James Daniel. James is a Huffstetler tradition that goes way back. It's Michael's first name, his dad's, his grandfather's, and so on. Michael wanted to keep up the tradition of the first name and I've always loved the name Daniel. So wahlah.

For the girl's name, we came up with Dorothy Paige. This is also a very special name for us. From the very beginning we have been calling the baby "Baby Dot". Because of the first sono. I reminded Michael that Dot was a nickname for Dorothy, a name I had been thinking about. He said he had been thinking about it too. This is also my great-grandmother's name. She's a special person to us both that I wish we could see more of. She lives in Kansas City, MO. (Fun fact: Grandma Long, as we call her, is 93 and can bowl like a pro! She has also chased off a burgler with a plunger. But, that's for another post.)

Today I thought I'd see what these names mean. Dorothy was the only one I did. To tell you the truth, it solidified my decision to use this name. Dorothy means "gift of God". Tell me you got goosebumps, because I sure did! I lost interest after that to find out what the other ones mean.

So, there you go. I know that was a long explanation. But, when have you known me to give a simple answer?