Lots of Thoughts

Happy Monday...a little late. ; )

The days have flown by for me since we found out last Wednesday Colson wasn't ready. Would ironing a bedskirt be a little much? Ha! In my defense, Jason and I picked out new bedding for our anniversary, and the skirt was SO wrinkled. It was an easy fix.

I love the brown, white, and cream. Makes me so happy when I walk into our bedroom. ; )

Look who is so ready to meet his little brother!?

I had a doctor's appointment this morning, and all is set for...

tomorrow!!

I could bawl my eyes out, but I'm too busy getting Zach settled for the big day and organizing everything. I'll just keep it in until tomorrow. I'm sure the tears will come gushing.

Do you realize the significance of this day? Reese will have been in Heaven eleven months, and Colson will be coming into our lives. Only GOD could work out something like this. Thank you for your faithfulness and excitement for our family.

I'm off to try to get some sleep. Sure. ; )

I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8

Last Date Night

Last night Jason and I took Zach to fno (Friday Night Out) at our church and met Shannon and Cody for dinner. I kept thinking, "This is our last date night before Colson is born!"

Shannon & Cody

Us

Dessert!

Oh, yes I did. Every bite. Coffee ice cream with snickers in a waffle cone. Delicious!

Z all wound up on our way home

Isn't this picture hilarious!? I've never seen him smile so big. He had a great time playing and loves all this little friends at church.

I don't know why I thought I would have trouble filling our days before Colson is born. There is never a dull moment with Zach. That boy keeps me on my toes, and I love how insightful he is. He talks about Reese and Colson, and I tell him what good a big brother he is. The newest thing for him is potty training. I never wanted to stress about it, and it's going well slowly but surely.

This weekend I already have a new list of things for Jason and me to do, and I think I'll organize Colson's closet for the fifth time. ; )

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.

Habakkuk 3:19

Our Day

Yesterday was a big day for us. Zach had his first ever dentist appointment, I had my amnio, and I was so prepared to share that today would be Colson's birthday.

Zach and I left early to get to his appointment on time. This sight always makes me smile as I leave our house.

I tried to get Z excited about his appointment, but he was so tired. He usually sleeps until eight or later, but since we had to be there at eight he was up early.

It didn't take him long to warm up.

Still a bit in a daze...doesn't he look pitiful?

I had to stand outside the door while the hygienist took pictures of his teeth.

I was so proud of him! He brushed the monkey's teeth,

learned all about the dental instruments, and let the dentist do an exam. Then being the strict mom I am, I let him have a treat when we left...donut holes! I know, shame on me. I promise it's not a habit. ; )

Jason took this before my amnio. I'm trying to be a big girl, but I was really nervous and trying to explain to him that his job was to try to get my mind off of what was about to happen. I talked to my Dad before my appointment, and he said, "Don't worry, it won't hurt me a bit." Haha. Thanks, dad. ; )

The amnio went perfectly. We saw both Colson and the needle the entire time from the ultrasound. So thankful it wasn't bad at all! They did a non-stress test on Colson afterwards, and he responded well and is looking great.

My doctor called me a few hours later to say that his lungs were not ready. I was surprised but had tried to prepare myself for him arriving next week, too. Sigh. I really am fine but could completely break down about this if I thought about it too much. I can't imagine being more ready to meet our new little son!

Surely I have learned the lesson by now that I am not "at all never has been never will be" in control, but I guess I need another week. Or maybe a lifetime. ; ) GOD is good, and He has been so faithful to show Himself mightily in the details of my life that have nothing to do with Reese or Colson. He alone knows the perfect time for Colson to be born, and I trust Him completely.

So we know Colson will be here soon. Now I have more time alone with Zach and Jason, more time to rest, more time to get ready, more time to organize, more time to go crazy...ha!

The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you...

Deuteronomy 31:8

Ready?!

Are we ready? Yes!

Is Colson ready? Not yet.

His little lungs need longer to develop, but he is doing great. I'll post more later about our day but wanted to fill everyone in about the amnio results.

Thank you thank you for praying for us. We feel your prayers and praise GOD for His clear answers even when it's hard. Can't WAIT to introduce our new son to you!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Fourth & Fireworks

What a wonderful weekend we had at home spending time with friends and celebrating the 4th of July!

Our worship service Sunday morning was amazing as we honored men and women in all branches of the military. I loved putting my hand over my heart and saying the Pledge of Allegiance, too. I hadn't done this in a long time.

Jason and I also did a lot getting ready for Colson. Bringing home a new baby can make you do the funniest things. We cleaned out the fireplace, vaccumed under the couch and couch cushions, and I've been organizing our garage shelves. Ha! I know Colson will care less, but at least I'll feel better, right?

It's been fun getting out all of the baby equipment, too. I didn't have a chance to do this before Reese was born since she came early so it's nice to be doing it again. I really can't believe within eleven months I will have had two babies. I'm so thankful my body has been able to handle it.

Saturday we went to the lake with some sweet friends.

Ross, Norah & Kate

Abby, Ava & Mark

Us

Zach's a little antsy to get into the water...I'm trying to teach him contentment. ; )

Zach and Jason tubing

Z and Norah floating around in the tubes

It did rain on us part of the time but we were fortunate to find an empty dock slip to wait it out. Zach jumped off the back of the boat by himself while we were waiting. He's never done this before, and we're so proud of him. It's a big step! ; )

Sunday night we went with some friends to our church's Fireworks at the Crosses. Zach and I had never been, and we loved every second. He did get a little scared during the show, but he'll be talking about it all week. ; )

Weston, Cody & Shannon

Weston was perfect! He just chilled out the whole time.

Our little fam

Stacy with her twins Payton & Parker, Kellen & Jill, Sarah & Owen

Ava & me ~ She is the sweetest thing and smiles all the time. Zach likes to say, "Ava, watch me!" before he does a trick. He's already trying to impress the ladies. Not sure what I think about that!

Abby, Ava & Mark

Waiting for the fireworks...

Z nestled in Shannon's lap most of the fireworks' display. He tried mine, but I guess he didn't have enough room. ; )

Wednesday is the big day for my amnio. I plan to squeeze Jason's hand TIGHTLY when my doctor is putting the needle into my belly. I've definitely been through worse things, but still the anticipation of it all...I'll let you know after we hear the results that afternoon. ; ) Thank you for your faithful prayers!

And remember, I am with you always...

Matthew 28:20

Reese's Name Gallery #21

Happy July!

Suddenly I feel like the countdown is really on. Every night before I fall asleep I think about how many days we have left before Colson is born. I'm hoping it's the 8th, but I'm preparing myself for the 14th, too. I believe in my heart though he'll be here next week. ; )

I've been working through my list (I love making lists), and things are actually getting done. Yay! I'm cherishing my time alone with Zach and Jason and our time together as a family. My dad told me after looking at all my pregnancy pictures he's forgotten what I look like normally. Ha! I'm ready to find that Katie again! I hope she is around here somewhere.

I've been looking through Reese's name gallery pictures and there are still many more to share. I love each one. Thank you so much for sending pictures and letting me share them with everyone.

Marshmellow sticks

Sweet name in the sand in Siesta Key, FL

A bus in Lisbon, Portugal

I've never seen one like this in the US!

The woman who sent this to me is a teacher with a student named Reece. Reece made this for her teacher, and it reminded her of us. The woman emailed, "Your Reese is a loving teacher in her own sweet, selfless way." I agree. ; )

The woman who sent this picture to me was reading a Max Lucado book and thought of us. The name "Reece" is on the bottom left page. She sent us pictures of these pages to honor Reese.

Have a happy and safe weekend!

Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your laws we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

Isaiah 26:8

Nine Months

Thank you for your sweet words. Ya'll are way too kind. I thought it would be fun to share my nine month prege pics with all three of our babies since I'm 36 weeks today.

Nine months pregnant with Zach

Nine months pregnant with Reese

Nine months pregnant with Colson

Zach was born when I was 28, Reese when I was 29, and Colson now that I'm 30. Time for a break please?!

I will wait for the LORD...I will put my trust in Him.

Isaiah 8:17