World Series

This past Saturday night, Brandon, his dad, and my dad went to the World Series! From what I hear, they had a great time to say the least! They were able to witness the one game that the Rangers won against the Giants!





Pop and Grandy

Thankful for...

This past month, there have been several scriptures from Colossians that I keep coming back to. As the days of our family of two coming to an end, I have been able to reflect on where we have come from and what the future holds. Just looking back over the past 8 months of pregnancy, two very special people in my life have gone to be with our Savior. Back in May, my Pappa, entered those Heavenly gates, and then, my uncle Rue followed shortly behind a week and half ago.

Carson, I know that you will never know these two men, but I want you to know what they meant to me. These men represented what family is all about. They loved our family! When I read Colossians 3:12, (Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.) I am reminded of them. They were men of God. They exemplified these characteristics, especially, "kindness". They lived very humble lives and were willing to provide for others wherever the need was. Both of these men, gave graciously so that your mommy could attend a college that helped shape her and mold her into the woman she is today and for that I am eternally grateful! Both of these men, knew that you were on your way, which puts a smile on my face. I pray that your Daddy and I will continue their example and lead you in a way that truly knows God. You see, it is not about a checklist of just going through the motions. It is so much greater than that! It is about a true, pure relationship with your Heavenly Father, Your Creator!



This picture just makes me laugh! It will always be a reminder of their humor and true love for each other:)!

Our Family Shower: October 3, 2010 (30 weeks pregnant)

This past Sunday, my amazing Christian friends hosted our family baby shower. I can't imagine not having a church family that is always there for us in the times of joy and sadness. I have often wondered if I would ever have a baby shower, so Sunday was an emotional day. Thank you to all of my friends and my family that went above and beyond to make this an incredible day! I love you all!



"The Hostesses": These girls did an incredible job of making this day so special. They created a "red wagon" theme that was sooooo sweet. I absolutely loved all of the little red wagons. The personal touches of his name on the blocks and the UT outfits were great! Thanks again for all of your hard work. You girls are amazing friends!




"Our Family": Thank you all for making the trip to come and celebrate this special day with us. I can't wait to introduce each and everyone of you to baby Carson. Thanks for being so supportive through the ups and the downs! I love you all so much!







Aunt KK anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Carson!

















One of my favorite gifts was these burp cloths made by "Granna". Thank you mom for all of your encouragement and being my rock. Thanks for being an amazing example of a "mom".




You girls always make me laugh!




Thanks to all who came to celebrate our little one!

Blessed by Amazing Friends

This past week, Brandon and I were blessed with the presence of having our friends Josh, Sarah, and their newest addition, Jakub in our home all the way from the Czech Republic. They are missionaries and are here in the States on furlow. This was our first time to see Jakub in person. It was so fun to have a little one in our house for a few days. It is exciting to think of what it will be like when our little one arrives. Jakub was able to try out our highchair and pack-n-play, which was so fun! Jakub's smile is priceless. I am not sure that in 2 1/2 days that I even heard him cry. Thank you guys for coming to visit. It is always an encouragement to have you all around. May God continue to bless your work in the Czech Republic! We love you all!!!




Just look at that happy baby!



Wow! That is a lot of boys! In a few months, there will be one more!



I am so blessed to have such great Christian sisters!

September 25, 2010: Randi's Work Shower

I am so blessed to work with an amazing group of women. A few Saturday's ago, Nikki, welcomed us into her home to celebrate Carson's upcoming birth. She is the ultimate hostess and had made an amazing brunch. Thanks for making this time so special!




29 weeks pregnant







Let the games begin. The girls tried to guess how many squares of toilet paper it would take to go around my belly. Nikki helped with the measuring, but it was Erin who was the winner with a guess of 9 and a half!



Erin graciously passed on a favorite book that she read to her son on many occasions! I can't wait to read it with baby Carson!

Doctor's Appointment

Yesterday, I had my glucose testing for gestational diabetes. Thankfully, the test was not near as bad as some had told me. Maybe it is because I love sweet stuff. Anyway, the doctor said that the baby is weighing around 3 lbs and is measuring perfectly. I will go back in about 4 weeks for my next appointment. After that appointment, I will be going more frequently. Unfortunately, no more sonograms unless medically necessary. So...I guess we don't want to have any more sonograms!

On Wednesday after receiving sad news that a family friend had passed away, I was driving home and observed this....












I think it was the first time that I had ever truly seen a double rainbow, and it extended from one side of the sky to the other. I wasn't the only person pulled over to take a picture, but unfortunately my pictures don't do it justice. I was quickly reminded of God's promises! I am so thankful that I have a living and active God who knows just what we need when we need it!

28 Weeks

Everyone told me that time would fly by after finding out the gender, and they were right. I am officially in my 3rd trimester. I have continued to feel great. I have had some back pain and swolen feet, but other than that no complaints. Baby Carson has been moving around like crazy! I sometimes think he must be having a little party inside of my belly. I absolutely love each movement and thank God daily for allowing me to carry this little one. It is amazing how much you can love someone that you haven't even met yet! I know that the next weeks are going to pass quickly as the baby showers begin next weekend, birthing classes, doctor's appointments, and basketball gets started. I am trying to treasure each day with my husband. I know that the days of just the two of us are coming to an end. We look forward to what the future holds. I am glad that we are in this together. Love you, Bran!!

Chicago 2010

As Brandon mentioned earlier, last weekend we were blessed with the opportunity to go to Chicago with Brandon's parents. This was officially our last trip before the baby comes! We had the best time seeing the tourist attractions, hanging out with friends, eating, going to the White Sox game, spending time with family, and going to the RACE! Here are some pictures of our fun adventure!

DAY 1:


Pop and Brandon



"You sure you both are ready for this?"



Brandon and Pop looking real "cool" at the expo before the big race!









Pop, Mimi, Brandon, and RL at Navy Pier. The weather was great!!!!



Grandy, this is for you! I think it is kind of crazy that this boat is named the Anita Dee. Isn't it also kind of random that her name comes first???



Our fabulous tour guides and amazing friends, soon to be Mr. and Dr. Marquie. Yep, they've been married for two years, but the Dr. thing is new. Way to go, Kelly!!!




Kelly and RL: "You sure you guys don't want to move to Texas?"



"Is that a Kraft macaroni and cheese noodle?" Man, we love Kraft! (especially that Jello, Craig) We have been buying out the stores in the south!



We love to eat! We had the best time "bartering" food for the fondue!

Day 2:


Mr. Geddie, this is for you! We felt no guilt eating this Chicago pizza until we were all stuffed!




Take me out to the ballgame...the White Sox game that is! Sorry, Craig! Maybe they will win next time! Happy belated, belated birthday!

Day 3:


Have you ever left two hours before a big event, only to be stuck in crazy early morning traffic, crammed in a public bus with with not even standing room available, then struck by a truck that takes off the rearview mirror, then had to pull over because not safe to drive, then transfer to another bus, then arrive but only within a mile of your destination?? Well...let's just say that was our morning of the BIG RACE!




Mile 1: You guys look great! Keep it up, Pop and Daddy!




Mile 4: Wow, you both still look great! I can't believe you are doing this!!



YOU DID IT!!!!! Daddy and Pop, we are soooooooo proud of you both!!!!!!!!

Running for our future!!! :)

I wanted to take a minute to report as Dad on our past weekend. I am sure Mommy will post more on it later, but I figured everyone really wanted to hear from me...(probably not, but I am posting anyway!!)

This past weekend Carson's Daddy and Pop (my dad), ran in the Chicago Half Marathon. We had been training since June and had run quite a few miles together preparing for the event. Along the way we both had some struggles in our training with vacations and injuries, but when it was all said and done we both finished and had some great memories together. We ended up with an official time of around 2 hrs and 27 min (We had a little misshap at the last water station or we would have come in a little faster!!!). All said, we averaged about 11 min per mile which actually wasn't that bad for someone as out of shape as me! It was a great experience to be able to accomplish something so significant with your father, and I am sure we will both never forget it. God has created fathers for such a significant purpose in the lives of their children and this weekend reminded me of how the best fathers will do anything for their children, just like God has done for us.

Carson, I hope that someday we will be able to experience something like this together and that you will be able to learn how to be a great father from the examples of your Pop and your Dad!

Here are a few pics from the run...

Carson's Room

This past weekend, Brandon and I worked on Carson's room. Thanks to Brandon's mom, Mimi, coming to help, we were able to get all the paint on the walls and get all of the boards sanded and distressed. A friend of ours graciously came and helped make sure that the boards on the wall were secured. Here is our progress so far...




My gracious grandmother, Nannie, gave us a vintage rocking chair that has been in her house since I was a little girl. We had the comfy chair recovered. Yeah, I know it doesn't look too boyish, but you know a little boy can't have a rocking chair in his room forever! It will eventually be put somewhere else in the house.


"The Before"

"The After"


















In addition to the previous accomplishments, Brandon almost completed re-doing our bargain, $20.00 chest, hung a fan, and graciously helped find a "black" crib. So that is it for now...more pictures to come!