12 Days...

As you all know, Barrett has taken our youth group and ten willing chaperons on a cross country mission trip to New Mexico. The group left early Friday morning and will not be back until Wednesday, June 23rd. Please continue to pray for Barrett, the youth, the chaperons, and the people this group will touch. They seem to be doing well and are diligently working and having fun. On the home front, I've been busy but trying to rest. My sister was in town until today and she took marvelous care of me. Every time I turned around, she was doing something with the house or dinner or the dogs. I loved having her here, not just because she helped me so much, but to spend some quality time with her. Sisters are so nice to have. My mother is coming in today to spend the rest of the week before they sweep me up the mountain to hang out with the rest of my family.
Chloe seems to be doing well. She is moving quite a bit now and her movements are big ones. I can see her and feel her at many points in the day. Yesterday we went swimming at a church member's pool and Chloe loved the water and sunshine. She moved around and kicked (or punched) like crazy. I imagined her with a huge smile on her face relaxing as if she was on a float. Swimming is a beautiful thing when you are pregnant. You feel weightless and relaxed.
I guess that is all the news for now. Chloe's room is pretty much done and we have all of the basics ready to go when the time comes. Love you all and thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend we had a great time traveling to Wilmington to see friends and family. We got to stay with Matt and Kristen and their three adorable kids. Our goal was to get rest and clear our minds before we begin the final stretch. With Barrett getting ready to leave on the Mission Trip and me, well, being huge, this weekend was a perfect get away. We spent a day on the beach soaking up sun and enjoying time without having to chase Chloe around. I fell asleep on Matt and Kristen's couch twice...sitting up, which means I was very relaxed. Coming back to work was hard with that taste of summer but it was nice knowing that school will be over soon and the real summer will begin. Our next doctor's appointment is Tuesday, a week from today. We get measured and weighed. The last time I measured at 33 weeks...but don't be alarmed. Apparently being vertically challenged means that your belly sticks out more than others. We will keep you updated with any news. Have a great week!

Not too much longer

It is amazing to think that in a few short weeks, Chloe will be gracing the world with her presence. Barrett and I are getting more and more excited. Our bags are pretty much packed for the hospital and at this point we are seeing the doctor every two weeks. Chloe is continuing to be very active and is a night owl. All that we have left to do is get Barrett back from his mission trip safely. He leaves on June 11th and will be back June 23rd. No worries...my family is splitting the time and keep me company while he is gone. As for baby news? No news is good news. Mary Elizabeth got curtains made for the nursery and they are adorable. We are in the process of getting those up. Otherwise, we are healthy and excited. Thanks for the prayers and thoughts. We are so lucky to have all of you in our lives.

A Couple of New Pics

Pictures coming soon

This past Friday, Barrett and I took a trip down to Statesville to see Chloe. Our doctor's visits have rendered no good pictures of Chloe as she has either hidden herself or it has been too early to see things. However, this go around was amazing. We went to a place called "Watch Me Grow" and it specializes in 3D-4D Ultrasounds. We were able to see our daughter clearly. She has Barrett's chin and eye brows and my nose and mouth. We aren't sure about her eye shape yet but I think they will be Barrett's as well. She is BEAUTIFUL! Apparently she loves to suck on her bottom lip, wrist, thumb, and her feet. She balls herself up on my left side above my bladder and cuddles. It was crazy to watch her kick and roll and actually feel it at the same time. She even opened her eyes! Our session was 25 minutes and we got a DVD of the Ultrasound, a CD of still photos, and three printed one. We hope to put some pictures on the blog very soon. I can't express in words how special this experience was. Barrett and I fell in love with her and as soon as we got home, watched the DVD and laughed about her quirkiness already. We can't wait to see her for real in just a couple of months.

Our church threw us a shower on Sunday and we were literally showered with gifts. I have never seen such a pile of presents in my life. College Avenue has definitely become family and you can tell by the many gifts and sweet pieces of advice they have given me. When Barrett walked into the fellowship hall, he gasped. From diapers to strollers, we are being taken care of. We feel so loved!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! I promise that pictures will come soon. We love you all!