Oh, How Time Flies By!

I thought that I might do a better job of keeping everyone updated, but it hasn't happened! Sorry:( I am now 25 weeks along, and here are some updates of what has been going on the past 4 weeks...



Here I am at 24 weeks! Yes, the belly has grown! Last Thursday, we had our routine doctor's appointment and everything was great. The baby's heart beat continued to beat strong at over 140 bpm. My next appointment will be my glucose testing in approximately 3 1/2 weeks. At that time, I will also pre-register with the hospital. Yikes! The past four weeks have been great. I have felt really good and thoroughly enjoyed each kick. I am still amazed that God has allowed this little one to grow inside me! What a Creator!



A few weekends ago, Brandon graciously drove me and a co-worker to Arkansas so that we could attend a conference on feeding. Brandon and I were able to stay with Brandon's first college roommate, his wife, and his two kids. We love every opportunity we get to see them. Somehow, we missed out on pictures with the kids this time. They showered us with gifts, including this adorable bag and burpcloths with the baby's initials. We love them! Thank you guys!







After completing the conference, Brandon and I were able to "enjoy" one night in Hot Springs to break up the drive home and enjoy our last minutes before school officially started. I have to say that Hot Springs was not what I remembered it to look like in some areas, but this place, the Sun Bay Resort, hasn't changed. So...mom, dad, and J, this picture is for you! Hot Springs was miserably "HOT" and humid. I have to say that out of my days of pregnancy that was by far the most difficult day!


Shortly after finding out the gender of our little one, we decided to go ahead and tell our families the name we had chosen. I can't tell you how much more real it makes it when you know the sex and have a name! Anyway, we have had our boy's name for about 6 years. So...for those of you...we haven't had the opportunity to tell...his name is CARSON REED!

To Our Little Man:
Carson, as the days get closer, I can't even tell you how much your
mom and dad, can't wait to meet you! We pray for you daily, and look forward to having you in our lives. We started working on your room this weekend, but more importantly, we are using this time to soak up all the advice from those that we have seen raise their boys to become strong Christian leaders. Our prayer for you is in Philippians 1:9-11..."that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." We love you! Mom and Dad

Snips and Snails, and Puppy Dog's Tails

That's what little boys are made of!

On Thursday, Brandon and I were privileged to see our little one! It seemed like forever since our last sonogram! After much anticipation, we were asked if we had any guesses on the baby's gender. Before we could really respond, "B-O-Y" was typed in the computer and placed on the screen! After celebrating and thanking God for the news of a healthy baby boy, we called our families to share the news. Needless to say, they are excited...



My dad creatively decorated the sign in the front of his store to announce his news to the town. Hopefully, there won't be any wrecks on the main street trying to read the message!



The rest of the crew added to the celebration, but it took dad taking me to the sign to notice their creativity despite walking by the room several times. I would say that it was a pregnant moment, but my lovely husband also did not notice the lights, balloons, and decor! Thanks Mom, Dad, Kelli, and Tyler!

"Life's About Changes..."

"Nothing ever stays the same."

This week I have been reminded of this song from when I was younger as we said "good-bye" to our sweet Bella. At 3:00 a.m. this past Monday, Bella took her last breath. It was a rough last 24 hours for the little one, so we were thankful that God answered our prayers. For those of you who know me well, you know that I am not a huge dog person, but I loved my golden retriever (most days). Looking back over the past 6 1/2 years, these are the things that I loved about our Bella...

1. She loved you no matter what!
2. She was always waiting for you to come home!
3. She always listened and rarely "spoke".
4. She always wanted to be with you.
5. She provided a sense of protection.
6. She loved the simple things in life.



As I look back on this list, I am thankful that I have Someone who exhibits all of these characteristics yet He is always constant. He never changes! Yes, life is about changes, but I have a Heavenly Father who always loves, listens, protects, and desires to do one thing. He desires to have a relationship with me.

19 Weeks Pregnant

I am currently 19 weeks pregnant! I thank God daily for each day that He gives me with this little one! I thought that I would be better at taking weekly pictures, but I just haven't made it a priority. I was reminded by a phone call last night that I better update these pictures! Love you, Kelly! At about 13 weeks my sickness started to fade to where I could hold down food! I can't really say that I have had cravings! If I had to choose the one thing that tastes the best, it is fresh peaches! I am thankful that this year, they have been awesome! I absolutely love being in my second trimester. It is a little scary knowing that we have a baby on the way, but each day I am reminded by God's grace and love for His children. On Thursday night, during Bible study, I felt the baby moving for the first time of where I was absolutely certain it was the baby! Yes, it interrupted our study for a few minutes, but it was fun to share that experience with some of my dearest friends. The first time I thought I felt it, I was driving home from work. I quickly called mom to ask her what it felt like. On Sunday, when Brandon returned home, I told him that the baby was moving. He quickly placed his hand on my belly, but I instantly reminded him that it was a little early for him to be able to feel it on the outside. Obviously, the baby wanted to give its daddy a little surprise and immediately stuck some body part out. We were both in shock! I am not sure the daddy-to-be could have been more excited yet frightened! Thank you God for blessing us with this experience. Every day is a joy to be reminded that You are our Creator!

July 10, 2010

On July 10th, my brother married the love of his life, Ashley! They had a beautiful wedding followed by an amazing reception. They were joined by many family and friends!



Sisters of the groom!


Parents of the groom! Isn't she beautiful and isn't he handsome?


It's Nannie! Here is a little peek at the baby bump for those of you who are interested! I realized that we didn't take any full-length pictures with my camera. The photographer was able to catch a cute one of Brandon and I "posing" with the baby!


My handsome husband was one of the groomsmen!


Is that my brother??? Just messing with you, J! It's all fun!


Here is the newest addition to our family! Baby Logan with parents Bobby and Melissa! Isn't he a cutie?

Oh, the Things You Will Do

Well, as you all know now our dog, Bella has been very sick. She was diagnosed with cancer about 4 months ago. Yeah, I didn't know either that cancer is the number one killer in Golden Retrievers. Bella is only 6 1/2 years-old, and we have had her since she was 6 weeks old. So...as sad as it to say...she has been our baby up until this time. The past two weeks Bella has taken a turn for the worse so what do we do? Spoil her! Bella has never been given table scraps until the past month or so. Well, a few nights ago, we made her her own "sloppy joe". She just loves bread, meat, and cheese! So...here is the progression of her 3 second moment of joy!


Bella waiting patiently!





Top bun...gone!



Delicious!

The Update from Colorado

This week has been interesting for the Thomas family and since RL is too busy to be able to tell you about it I guess I will...

Last Saturday Randi's brother, Jeremy, got married and both Randi and I were in the wedding. We started the festivities on Friday and didn't stop till around 11pm on Saturday night. Somehow in between all the requirements for Saturday I managed to run 3 miles (at my best time ever!), drive my inlaws all over Dallas, sell our car, buy a new one, pack for a trip to Colorado, and be in the wedding. As soon as Randi and I stopped tearing up the dance floor at the reception, I drove back to Grapevine and got in a van with 13 teenagers to drive all night and day to Boulder, CO. I will have to admit that I was probably as tired as I have ever been after the drive, but thanks to the blog recommendations of my good buddy Josh Steed I was able to try out some 5 hour energy and it seemed to work pretty well!

I have spent the week here in Boulder/Denver helping our youth group on a mission trip. It has been amazing to see the transformation in the group and myself as we have served the homeless and run away teens of Boulder/Denver. I can't describe to you all of the experieces, but it has really made me think of where my priorities are. Some of you know the story of one of my basketball players named Kaleb, who I was able to bring with me on the trip and it has been an amazing week to watch him grow and serve. Thank you all for your prayers for our trip! We have one more day today that we will be out on the streets and then we will be making the journey home tomorrow. I wished I had the ability to post a picture because I would love to be able to make all of you laugh at my big Colorado mountain man beard that I have going! I obviously have more hair on my face than on my head!! (I know that isn't hard!)

Back home Randi has had a rough week by herself. Bella has been finally showing some of the signs that the end is near. She has not been eating and won't go up the stairs to our bedroom any more. She has been getting sick and is not coming to Randi when she calls for her. My mom has gone to stay with Randi the last two nights to help take care of her through the night, as Bella has required almost constant attention. It has been hard for me not to be there, but I know Randi and Mom are taking good care of her. Randi has also had a full week of work and activities so I imagine she will be relieved when I get home to help take some stress off of her plate.

Now for the part you are all reading this for, the baby.....

Well what do I know, I am just the dad!!! I will let RL continue to report on the baby, but I will tell you that there is a proud Papa in Colorado anxiously waiting for a doctors visit in the near future that should shed some light onto what the sex might be!!! I can't wait and I know many of you can't either. Hopefully RL will be able to post again soon, but in the mean time keep praying for our new arrival, the mother and our poor little Bella. We love you all and are glad to have you following along as part of the process!!

One last thing... (I know this is long and may of you have stopped reading, but I want to share with you one of my lasting thoughts from this week in Colorado.)

Matthew 25:34 - 39

Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?

Most of you know the rest as Jesus talks to those who did not do these things and then says... I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.

~~This is what happens when you send your husband to Colorado, and he decides he needs to grow a beard. Then, he comes home and his wife politely asks him to shave. Then, he decides he needs to try out a mustache but just for a few hours to get a laugh from a friend. Love you, Bran, but I am glad it's gone! RL~~

Doctor's Appointment

Today at our doctor's appointment we received an excellent report. The baby continued to demonstrate a strong heartbeat and was very active. We will be able to find out the sex of the baby at the end of July. I can't believe it is going so fast! Thanks again for the prayers!

Happy Father's Day!

This was a very special Father's Day! We were able to celebrate two exciting events. First, we celebrated my dad being cancer free! God has answered so many of our prayers! My dad has been a trooper going through surgerys and treatments! Way to go Dad! We love you! We celebrated at our family's favorite restaurant, which is a nearby steakhouse. Yum! Yum! It was soooooo good!





Second, we were able to celebrate Brandon's pre-Father's Day. Our baby is so smart that it already bought Daddy a new Bible (to replace the one falling apart) to help guide him/her through it's life!

Florida 2010

On June 9, 2010, Brandon and I were able to get away for probably our last time with just the two of us before the baby arrives. We decided to go back to Sandestin, FL to enjoy the beauty of the ocean that God has created. Even though the ocean had not been tainted by the oil, it was filled with seaweed! Despite the setback, we savored every minute listening to the ocean, reading, listening to music, and hanging out at the pool!




If you have ever been to Sandestin, then you know that this is not typical! For those of you who haven't been, don't let this picture change your mind in the future. Typically, the ocean is very clear!


Here is a picture of the baby bump at 14 weeks!