week 19 and name reveal

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! His or her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that  he or she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to him or her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 7  inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. It's arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of it's body now. The baby's kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on it's scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on his or her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

We have decided on a boy name and girl name. It wasn't that hard really, since we talked about baby names when we were dating. If we have a boy we like the name....

We chose Ryland for two reasons. One, because it is a little different but not too different that it can't be pronounced or spelled out easy. Two, because Jeff's middle name is Ryan, and we thought it was close so he could be named after his daddy.  The middle name Scott is also chosen for two reasons. Jeff's dad's middle name is Scott. My brothers name is also Scott. We really like sticking with the family names.


We also decided on a girl name, if our little one is a girl, her name will be....

We chose Audrey because we like the classic name, and because my great grandmother's name was Audrey. I never met her, but she raised my papa who is one of the most amazing men I know. So I know she was a wonderful lady. She would have to be to have so many children who grew up to serve the Lord. The middle name, Ann is after my mama. My mom's middle name is Ann.


There you have it. Names. Oh the fun!

Baby D week 17 and 18 + 2 year anniversary

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — his or her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and the baby is around 5 inches long from head to bottom. He or she can move his or her joints, and its sweat glands are starting to develop.

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he or she weighs almost 7 ounces. He or she is busy flexing his or her arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His or her blood vessels are visible through his or her thin skin, and its ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from its head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around its nerves, a process that will continue for a year after the baby is born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Two year anniversary pictures... 18 1/2 weeks pregnant :)

The day I married my best friend!

Two years ago today I walked down this long aisle. This is the same aisle I walked down when I asked the Lord to come into my life as an 8  year old little girl. The same aisle I walked when I felt a calling to the ministry when I was in seventh grade. The same aisle I walked to have people pray over me for mission trips, VBS adventures, and endless church plays. I know the church is the people, but this church holds a special place in my heart because of the many memories this aisle holds.

I met the man of my dreams my freshman year at college. We had been at school for maybe 24 hours when I saw him. We had a brief conversation and when I walked away with one of my best friends arm in arm.. she said "you like him" (and I did) I can't really explain it, was not love at first sight.. but he was quite intriguing with his trumpet in one hand, Liberty t-shirt, and sweet smile. (Get ready for picture overload)

June 16, 2010 is a special day in our lives. Jeff proposed over a waterfall while we were doing one of our weekly bible studies. Later he had a scavenger hunt planned for me at Liberty University where we spent most of our days together. It was so special.

Then one of the best days of my life. May 21, 2011. My mom and I prepared for this day for what seems like forever. She did so much to make my day extra special! Here are some of my favorites.

These girls are so so so precious and mean so much to me. I really would not be who I am today without the influence of these lovely ladies, and their parents. I am so thankful that I had the amazing opportunity to learn from them and love them. God is so good.

 My best friends. Some of these girls I have known since I was two. Most of them I have known since sixth grade. All of them have done some sort of bible study with me. I am 100 percent sure that doing a bible study with friends draws you so much closer. I Thank the Lord daily for these lovely ladies and I can't imagine life without their friendship!

 My man is simply the best. He loves me despite my flaws. He cares for me when I am sick, helps me when I am confused, teaches me when I am reading my bible,  and encourages me when I have had a bad day. I love him more and more each day and I am looking forward to many more years to come!

Here are a few snapshots from our one year anniversary. God has been so very good to me. I am SO glad I followed His plan for my life instead of my own. Proverbs 16:9

Happy TWO year anniversary Jeffrey! I am so thankful to be your wife, and soon the mother of our child. What GREAT things happen when you follow God's plans and not your own.

Birthday Girl!

So, I know this little girl who stole my heart the moment I met her. She loves Jesus, she loves people, and she demonstrates that better than anyone I have ever met. This girl is not so little any more... Actually its her Birthday and she is growing up MUCH to quickly!

Rebecca has one of the biggest hearts of anyone you will ever meet. If you need something, she will be the first to come and help. She is so sweet because she lets Jesus truly radiate throughout her life.

Rebecca challenges me to be a better person. She encourages me with her sweet prayers and texts messages to keep me going when I have had a bad day.

Rebecca is one of the most talented young ladies I know. She can sing, play guitar, and is learning to speak Spanish. One day I might grow up and be like her.

Not only is she beautiful and kind, she is also brilliant!.This kid graduated first in her class and shook it off like it was nothing!

Rebecca is not afraid to have fun. She is a member of several bible studies that help others and are serving based, but she also knows how to just have a good time and enjoy being with people. It is a true gift because everyone she meets loves her!

(And now for the more recent photo.. just for kicks and giggles!)

Look how we've changed! :)

I think it is safe to say that I love this kid. She makes my heart happy. She teaches me what it means to really serve, and she loves me despite all my flaws. 

Happy Birthday Becca! I hope you had a very special day filled with all the things you enjoy! I am looking forward to hanging out with you again soon! LOVE you MORE!