5 years!

Sometimes I really can't believe it's been 5 years! I mean partially, it feels like it's gone by so fast, but on the other hand, it feels like we've known each other forever (I guess because we were friends for 2 years and dated for 4 before getting married)! I truly feel blessed when I think about what an "easy" marriage we've had especially in comparison to others'. I mean of course we've had our ups and downs, but for the most part I feel like it just keeps getting better! It really is a blessing to have a husband that challenges me to be more Christ-like through his patience, determination, and generosity. It has also been such a blessing this year to get a preview of the kind of father he will be to John Marshall. Since having Casey here, Joey has matured in a way I could have never imagined - he's so confident as a "father" and yet still humble enough to seek and listen to my input as well. It's been really neat to open up a new aspect of our relationship where we really team up and seek God's wisdom together about our family.

I so look forward to growing old together and see how God will continue to bless our family! I love you, babe, and feel so blessed to be your wife!

Help!

Any of you moms out there have horrific heartburn when you were pregnant? It is literally making me sick! The dr. said they might could call me something in, but I'd rather not take a prescription if possible. Any suggestions? I've tried all the OTC antacids - they used to work, but have quit. And it seems to do it with anything I eat or drink!

The Revealing...

So I figured I'd reveal Baby Taylor's name to the blog world. We've been telling people, so most of you probably know, but...

It's John Marshall Taylor. We'll be calling him Marshall. Joey's dad's first name is John and Joey's middle name is Marshall, a family name. We've actually considered this name for a long time, so it's neat to finally put it to use! Joey says he already takes after his daddy, picking on and poking at me since he pretty much kicks all day long! Should be interesting to see what he's like! We can't wait to meet him!

It's a......

BOY!!!!!!!!

We are so excited! I don't think either of us had a preference, we were mostly just so happy to see healthy limbs and organs. I do know, though, that this little guy's daddy is happy to have a little one to teach how to hunt, ride 4-wheelers, and fix things! He's already such a blessing! It's so miraculous to think about how God knit him together and already knows all the plans He has for our little man.




We're still deciding on a name...have one that we both like, but aren't fully committed to it yet, and there's still a few others on the table. We'll announce it when we decide!

As far as the nursery goes, if anybody knows of anywhere I could find an older white (wood or iron) crib, please let me know!

Lovin Spring at our House!

Spring means busy outdoors for us, but I love the results! Plus, I felt Baby T. move for the first time (and constantly since!) the other day! We find out boy or girl next Monday, so exciting!!

The boys were busy doing this...



building a fence, and putting up my new (well old) gate.


Lots of planting...



Even a garden! With tomatoes (cherry, big boys, and romas), strawberries, and okra!


And my little mini herb garden with parsley, basil, yellow bell pepper, and chives to come...

Showing

So at almost 17 weeks I finally have the evidence to show that there's been a lot going on! (If I wear tight clothing, that is!)



It is becoming so overwhelming how much I want to know the gender of this little one! I actually don't have a preference at all, I just want to know!! So funny how spoiled we've become with technology, huh? Won't have that ultrasound for another several weeks though.

Planned a beach trip for June, so hopefully I won't be massive by that time! Will keep you posted!

Busier and Crazier

Things are about to get even busier and crazier around here...



God has blessed us with a Baby Taylor to be born in September! 9/10/11 is the due date, so that makes us 13 weeks!

We have had to keep in mind what a blessing this is because, let me tell you, it has been a doozy! Found out I was 4 weeks pregnant when I was battling the flu! Rough! Then had some issues and had to take progesterone supplements until recently. Have had what I thought was horrendous evening sickness (which we think and are experimenting to see if it's issues with vitamins). And add on a bulging disk in my back and asthma problems! Whew! I am definitely so thankful everything is healthy so far with the baby though. It is hard to not be anxious with all of that going on, even though I know (in my head, probably need to work on the heart part) that God is sovereign and has a plan greater than I can imagine for our family.

I was hoping for a cooler ultrasound picture to put up, but evidently I won't get that until 21 weeks when we'll also be able to find out the gender (beginning of May). It has always amazed me to see how babies grow and develop, but it's even more miraculous when it's happening to you. Such evidence of a Creator.