"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Saturday, January 31, 2009

First Baby Shower!
Today we had our very first baby shower! We have been looking forward to this day all week long! It was a family baby shower given by my two sister-in-laws, Missi and Angela! We received so many nice things and it was great being in the company of our families! I cannot possibly list all of the gifts that Caroline got but she did get her very own pink Bible, piggy bank, crib, boppy travel swing, baby monitor, clothes, receiving blankets, baby wash, shampoo, wipes, diapers, hiney cream, clothes, onesies, sleepers, shoes, monogrammed burp cloths, washcloths, bottle washer, toys, monogrammed hairbow wall organizer, and lots lots more! Her mommy even received a few items! We are so appreciative of all the gifts and are very blessed to have family members that traveled many hours to share this day with us. Thank you all!





Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Yoo-Hoo Feet...Where Are You?
Yeah, week 32! I had my 32 week appointment today! Everything is still looking great! All of my vitals were wonderful- normal blood pressure, 146 was Caroline's heart rate, measuring 32, and finally minimal weight gain- yes only 2 pounds! Ever since my last appointment I tried doing some things differently- I changed my breakfast cereal- from Cinnamon Toast Crunch to Frosted Mini Wheats, I've been drinking less milk and more- yes even more water (with a little, I mean a lot of Crystal Light flavoring), eating less yogurt and snacking on more fruit. I feel like I am going to turn into a Pink Lady apple (they are the best in case you've never eaten one). I was in and out of the doctor's office in 20 minutes.
I came home from the doctor's office to find Sam drawing polka dots on one of Caroline's walls. I was really excited to see how these polka dots would turn out. After dinner Sam began to paint them and I love it!! He's still not finished but he's worked hard on them all afternoon. He's really excited about being able to draw and paint them- when he's finished I'll send more pics! We ordered our baby furniture last Friday and Sam just got the call saying that it was in! So tomorrow we'll be making a trip to Babies-R-Us to pick it up! Oh, I am so excited!
Here's a couple of pictures! My belly is well- BIG! We just had our maternity portraits taken and from them I think my belly looks like the shape of an egg- it makes me laugh to look at it! We had fun taking those portraits and I can't wait to get the prints we're ordering!
I think in the beginning of my pregnancy I've shared some typical "pregnancy symptoms". Well today I got a new one! This morning I woke up and could barely walk- it was more like a wobble from a stretching pain/sensation "down there". As the day progressed I found myself beginning to think that I was waddling- yes, yet another stymptom that I said that I would never get- Waddling! I wasn't bothered by this symptom- somehow pregnancy has calmed me down a bit- because another friend said that she had this same symptom! I did however mention this "pulling/stretching" ache to my doctor and he said that this was very normal and that it would only get more dramatic. I'm thinking that I'm going to be in a wheelchair because it REALLY hurts to walk- however I'm not complaining! Also, look at the last picture- what do you think it is? This is the my view of my feet Yoo-Hoo Feet...Where Are You! I use to be able to see my whole foot now its only a mere peek of the toes- another thing that makes me laugh! My belly doesn't just affect my view of my feet- I need help getting up off the floor, I can't easily bend over, I'm unable to shave my legs, put on socks, tie my shoes, and squeezing through spaces is almost impossible! I love being pregnant! It's fun to see and feel all of these exciting and new changes!
Caroline is a busy bee! The doctor asked me today about her fetal movements- was she moving a lot, etc. Since my last appointment she's gotten a lot busier. He told me that she would be moving less often now because of the amount of space she's inhibiting! Her kicks are really hard and I'm feeling them on both sides- I'm thinking at times that I'm being kicked near my back almost (I've read in the famous pregnancy book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" that I would feel harder kicks because there is more fluid than baby)! Also, my ribs- my poor ribs- at times I think they are going to break. Under my right rib is her favorite hang out spot! If you look closely you can tell that she's hiding there- most of the time!
Also, here's a picture of me and Mr. Kitty! He's noticing that his mama has changed- he seems very attached to me- he NEVER wants to sit on my lap and tonight he just decides that he has a big pillow to lay on! He's so sweet! When Sam works in Caroline's room he just walks around her room and meows!
















Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Maternity Photos
On last Saturday we took maternity photos with our photographer! Here's the link and password to get on to view them:
Here's the log-in for
collages.net:
Go to www.collages.net.
In the "view an event" section, enter username: Melissa and Sam, Maternity
password: 10292
I'm still getting use to them! Its hard seeing yourself this way- I feel very vunerable!! Patty, our photographer recommended that we wear dark pants and said denim would be best; however I didn't realize that she'd be getting me in my tennis shoes (I wore those for comfort)! Let me know which is your favorite! I couldn't wait to take the ones with her blanket, blankie buddy, and her toy Raffe!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Out of the Double Digits!
Nine weeks to go and I am so excited! Today I met with HR at my DO to discuss my maternity leave! My last day for this year is Friday, March 20th! I have enough leave to take the rest of the year off if she doesn't come any earlier than March 13th! I am so sad about leaving my children- this is by far the best group of children that I've ever taught- but then I'll be getting Caroline!!
Tonight we're picking out pink paint to go above the chair rail! Originally Sam was wanting to have the brown and the navajo white but I told him her room wouldn't be complete without the top part being pink (even though he's already painted with the navajo white). Sam's also going to polka dot one wall to match her bedding with a deeper shade of pink. I can't wait to see it all finished!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Working on Caroline's Nursery!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Caroline's Take Home Dress!
I've been told that Caroline needed to be frilled up when she left the hospital for home! Sam and I did a little shopping today for her and this is what we found. Its not a Feltman Brothers dress (which is what Melinda and I wore) but we thought this one was a lot cuter and cheaper!! We had fun picking out this little white smocked dress (with bonnet) and thought that we'd use it for her dedication too! I know it looks a little big for a newborn but the saleslady told me that they don't run any smaller than 3 months and my oldest sister assured me on the phone that this size would be just fine- I'm needing a lot of reassurance these days (but if its too big then we'll choose another "Fru fru" dress).
While we were shopping Sam found this very cute watermelon jumper that he just had to have for Caroline even though it was more pricey than I thought we should pay. He told me that he wanted to pick her out something on his own and that his little summer jumper would be cute on her- how could I say no (even on sale it costs more than the take home dress)!
We had a lot of fun shopping for our baby girl!


Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Here we are: Week 30!
Today I had my 30 week appointment! I was weighed (we'll get to that in a sec.), had my blood pressure checked- it was normal, and had my belly measured- which measured exactly 30 weeks- we're right on schedule! I love going to my appointments- some people hate going to doctor's offices but I actually don't mind (yep, even going to the dentist doesn't bother me). Sharon- the nurse tech, as usual today checked my BP, weight, etc. Sharon is so nice- she's the kind of person that you could sit and talk with all day- somehow during my appointments she gave me the nickname of trouble- I don't know why- hope I haven't asked her too many prenatal care questions- but it seems like everytime my visits roll around I have a ton to ask- I like to be very informative! So, Sharon did her usual- then she weighed me- now up until my last visit I wasn't too, too, too concerned with my weight- the doctor's don't have any issues with my gaining 8 pounds in 5 weeks and then another 8.5 pounds in 4 weeks so why should I be? This time when Sharon weighed me she didn't tell me right away the weight gain number (I think she was hoping that I'd forget), so I had to ask her- she joked and said, "I'm not telling you." So I told her the whole story about how I've cut back- didn't think I was eating too much to begin with but it was a start. So she eventually told me my weight gain number and I nearly fell over from joking laughter- you know the kind where you laugh at yourself- putting hand over chest while at the same time not wanting to actually believe what you're hearing? Well this was me when she told me that I'd gain 6 POUNDS- mind you in 2 weeks! So we're at a total of 29.5 pounds. Oh my goodness- but I know it's for Caroline! A friend called me tonight and wanted to check on my appointment and she told me that she talked with a girl from church whose is 33 weeks pregnant and has only gained 6 pounds. I'm thinking wow- she must not have ever had those cravings- and yes they do exist- in the beginning it was pickes and cheese then on to garlic bread- ask Sam about the late evenings run to The Pig for some good ole' garlic bread! So after Sharon broke this news to me and I recovered it was time to see Dr. Holladay! He wasn't at all in dismay about my weight gain. In fact he said everything was great- weight, blood pressure, etc. After hearing Caroline's heartbeat my mind simmered down some about the weight issue and I'm only back on the issue so as to write it here. There's always tomorrow to start walking more (this is what I'm telling myself so as not to feel so guilty)- I guess walking the track at recess duty, in the building after school, and in the neighborhood isn't enough! I've come to the conclusion that you're body is going to do what it's going to do whether you like it or not- even stretch marks fit into this category (I'm knocking on wood because as of now I' don't have any on my belly- just other places)!
Here's some 30 weeks pictures of me. Yes, I'm in my pajamas! One of the things that Dr. Holladay told me to do was to prop my feet up as soon as I got home from work. Yes, I'm starting to swell but its minimal and he said its very normal to swell during pregnancy- "it just comes with it"! So when I told Sam this today he immediately told me to go sit down and prop my feet up and even told me after using a pillow that they were not up high enough- I told him that I didn't need anymore back hurting issues and that using another pillow would only make me ache more!! He's so funny! So that's why in the pictures I'm in my pajamas! I was relaxing for the evening very early- I even went to the mailbox in my pj's! So he's starting to take over the cooking! His house chores lately have become extensive- from cleaning the whole house each week, tending to the yard- which if you know Sam- this is his favorite hobby anyways, and to now the cooking! He's a great chef by the way! Ask him to make his chilli for you sometime!
Caroline- she's so active! I don't understand how someone so tiny could really kick and move as hard as she does in such a little amount of space. Her routines are the same and have been since week 24. She's very quiet and still in the afternoons- she's most active in the middle of the night- I've become her punching bag in the wee hours of the morning- she's getting all those Caroline stretches then-, mid-morning, and early evening. Except for right now she's all bulged over on one side and my belly looks whoppsided- its really neat to look at and especially feel!
The nursery is being painted- and coming along nicely! We're going to be ordering her furniture within the month! I'm becoming very excited!!
I return for another visit on January 28th for my 32 week checkup. I'll keep you posted!

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Caroline's Nursery- A Work in Progress!

Here's Caroline's daddy and granddaddy measuring the nursery for chair rail! Afterwards the chair rail and crown molding were added to the nursery for accents! We still have a lot to do in 11 weeks and I'm so excited about seeing the nursery complete!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Week 28- First Week of 7th Month
Today I had my 28th week appointment! I saw Dr. Stands today and he was just terrific! He was very nice and he answered all of my questions for this visit. I'm beginning to have indigestion (YUCK), some swelling-mostly when I'm working (I'm on winter break right now), and my belly size (just wanted to make sure that my belly isn't bigger than 28 weeks! Dr. Stands measured my belly and told me that I was measuring exactly 28)! He said that my belly size was perfect and right on target and even told me that I looked great!
I also took and passed the glucose sugar test with "flying colors" as Sharon, the nurse tech said. I was very nervous about this test in general even though my sugar has always been low, but when Sharon read my levels I was a happy girl! My hemoglobin was also great- Sharon said that I should not be tired since it was so high. I told her that I haven't even taken a nap in the afternoons since being pregnant- for one if I did I wouldn't be able to sleep at night and since I'm teacher I need lots of sleep!
Okay, okay the weight part- I've gained another seven pounds- for a grand total of 23.5 pounds. Now this does not upset me but I'm thinking that I'm going to increase my walking minutes to 30 minutes each day instead of just 20. I'll keep you posted on how this is working out for Caroline and her mommy!
At today's visit we were also able to record Caroline's heartbeat on the Build-A-Sound device from Build-A-Bear (I'll insert the build-a- sound device into the bear I make and forever I'll have Caroline's heartbeat)! In last month's blog I mentioned that it didn't record, but we have it now. I'm going to download it on my computer from the device, this will take out the static, and then I'll re-record it and then a friend and I are going to Build-A-Bear to make bears for our babies. I'm so excited. Now the trouble is- what name do I choose for the bear I make? I'm so excited and can't wait to do this!
This was the last visit for every 4 weeks! Now my appointments are scheduled every two weeks until I'm 36 weeks and then it'll change to every week! So my next visit will be January 14th!
I hope everyone has a happy new year! God Bless!




Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!

We hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas! We sure are enjoying this day! Earlier in the week we had Thaxmas with my dad and stepmom and today we're headed to Orangeburg to spend the day with the Leviners. On Saturday we're headed to Chester to have Christmas with my mother and stepfather.
Caroline got so many things for Christmas- from books, to clothes and shoes, and even a rocking chair! We're so thankful to our family for thinking about her this Christmas. Next Christmas will be such a delight for me and Sam as well as our family! God Bless!

Caroline's Rocking Chair from her Nanny and PC!


Melissa and Sam

Monday, December 22, 2008

Sam's work held their annual Christmas party on December 22nd! This was a special party for me and Sam because I was presented with 2 pink roses- one for me and one for Caroline! How sweet of his company to think of us! We ate a very delicious meal and I enjoyed all the desserts!


Saturday, December 20, 2008

Caroline's Blankie Buddy!
Here's Caroline's Blankie Buddy- monogrammed! We got it from a friend this summer- thanks Fran- and waited to have it monogrammed until we knew what we're having! I hope Caroline loves it as much as we do! Just like Raffee, this blankie buddy (we'll let Caroline name it) is waiting for her arrival and sits on my night stand!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Family Christmas Fun!
For sometime now Sam and I have wanted to attend the Wednesday night church services at our church, but because of work, etc we were unable. So last Sunday I noticed in the bullentin that there would be a "Family Christmas Fun" time for tonight. So we decided that we wanted to go and it would be our chance of finally getting to go on a Wednesday night. Well tonight we got the chance to go for some Family Christmas Fun! The set up was this- eat dinner and then choose from a host of different activities and sessions to attend- we were excited!
So as we're eating and more and more people begin arriving, Sam looks at me and says, "we're the only ones here without children." I look around and see this to be true (however all the evening's events were in the Children's Ministry Building) and I'm not making the connection yet that this event was for children and their families. I noticed an older couple and point them out to Sam- they of course do not have children. So we finished up eating and then began to plan our sessions- I chose- family portrait, live nativity- yes with a real camel, sheep, baby, and more, craft on making your own nativity set, and Christmas caroling. So we head off for the first session- family portrait- we're still not noticing other childless couples, but we keep moving around to the different sessions. Finally, before we conclude our first Wednesday night church event we head to the "make your own nativity". As we're there we're noticing that at every every table there's a family and yes with CHILDREN. We didn't leave because we were in the middle of gluing baby Jesus down in raffia for straw on our manger scene. As we're gluing in the front of the room another family decides to join the craft and they head straight for our table- a woman announces- that tables taken for a family of two! I started laughing and told Sam to hurry up we'll glue/make/fold the rest of the nativity scene at home. So we leave- we get as far as the hallway and this girl- about our age- asks us if we had a good time and I laugh and tell her we did but we believe that we came to the wrong event. She laughed and said that it was fine and that at least we got to tour the new children's building- which by the way was very nice (she even commented on the arrival of our baby as to make us feel better about coming). So we head home laughing all the way. When we got home I went straight for the fridge where I post all the church's monthly events from the bullentin. The evenings event read "Children's Ministry Family Christmas Fun"! I told Sam what it said and we began to laugh hysterically and he said from now on he'd be in charge of the church event nights!
Oh, well we had fun-but the Sunday bullentin just said "Family Chritmas Fun"! The best part was we never once felt out of place and all the people were so nice to us!
Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 09, 2008


Caroline received her very first Disney World gift today! A former Leviner's Lamb, Griffin, along with his parents Wil and Rachel and oldest brother Trayton, brought back from Disney World a special pink Minnie Mouse hat with Caroline's name embroidered on the back! This was such a special treat and I can't wait to take Caroline's picture with it on!

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

24 Weeks


Here's my belly at 24 weeks! I can't believe I'm already this far along. I've been doing very well and I'm feeling fabulous! Caroline is beginning to be very active and I'm feeling her move more throughout the day instead of just in the mornings and nights! Its such a wonderful feeling and now Sam can even feel her move!
We've started cleaning our her room and getting paint swatches so we can match it with her bedding. I still have no idea how I want her room- stripped, polka dots, one color above the chair railing and one below. But I know that it'll come together. We're super excited about becoming parents and we know the Lord is going to bless us in so many ways!
16 weeks to go! Thank you for your continued prayers!
Love and Prayers,
Melissa and Sam

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

23 Weeks 6 Days
Today I had my 24th week appointment! It was very exciting- I got my application packet to fill out and return ASAP for my "admission for pregnancy" before I deliver as well as the wonderful Glucola to drink for my 28th week appointment for my glucose test. When Dr. Holladay took one look at me today he said that I was blossoming very nicely (I took this as a compliment because I'm so proud of my growing belly)! The rest of the appointment was very quick. First, I was weighed- I've gained not only 8 pounds but 8 and half pounds this time. I was shocked at the fact that I gained 8 pounds during last month's appointment and now 8.5 this time- for a grand total of 16.5 pounds. Dr. Holladay wasn't concerend but told me to partake in Yoga for pregnancy (I didn't do Yoga prepregnancy but I'll give it a try pregnant- this should be very interesting). I asked about walking- again- I wanted to make sure it was safe for Caroline and he said that I might feel aches and pains but she won't! When I got home from the appointment, feeling guilty, I took a 20 minute stroll in our neighborhood. It was actually very nice although the weather was chilly- this I didn't mind so much. I tried to promise myself that I would try this walking/yoga thing- at least if I'm thinking about it I won't feel so bad then for tasting that Tastefully Simple apple dessert in my fridge (Yum! Yum!).
For the rest of my appointment Dr. Holladay measured my belly which he said was perfect- 24 centimeters and I got a flu shot (never have I had the flu but taking the shot while pregnant would be just an extra precaution).
The highlight of my visit was when I had the chance to record Caroline's heartbeat! A teacher friend of mine, Lynn, gave me this Build-A-Sound recorder from Build-A-Bear. This makes it possible to record the baby's heartbeat and have it inserted into a Build-A-Bear for Caroline. In this way I'll always have her heartbeat! Before leaving the nurses said that if it didn't record this time then next time they'll hook me up to a different machine and can get a better recording for me. Well, I was disappointed when I tried to replay it for the nurses and it wouldn't work. So I'm going to have to get a new recorder and hopefully during my 28th week appointment we'll have a recording of her heartbeat!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Caroline's Bedding

Here's Caroline's Baby Bedding! It's pink and chocolate brown! After finding out that she's a girl we began the search for the perfect bedding for our baby girl! I pondered several other options before my oldest sister, Rhonda, e-mailed this bedding to me! It's perfect. All of the other choices were wonderful but when I first saw this one I knew it would be a great addition to her room. When we thought she was a boy baby the bedding seemed much easier to pick. Being pregnant has made me very indecisive- this also includes picking out baby furniture which we've looked at over and over. Sam and I went to Babies R Us again and looked/picked out baby furniture (Sam made the ultimate decision since I couldn't seem to). We are going with the color black, sleigh crib, a dresser, and a glider rocker for now. We're still pondering the need for the adorable chifforobe and chest of drawers!

Friday, November 07, 2008

Morning Message for Leviner's Lambs
This was the morning message that I posted today announcing to my children that I'd be having a girl! Weeks before, I read the book "Our Teacher's Having a Baby" by Eve Bunting. After reading the book to them the children wanted to know what I'd be having- I told them a boy! They were very surprised to get this morning message after hearing that the baby was a boy and now it's a girl! They even liked her name- Caroline Faye Leviner!

Thursday, November 06, 2008

"Children are a gift from God; They are His reward." Psalm 127:3
Today was a very exciting day for me and Sam! Not only was today our 20th week appointment but we had a little surprise during our ultrasound. We found out that we're not having a boy but a precious sweet little girl! The ultrasound tech checked out the baby's organs, bones, brain- all the major features and then she couldn't wait to tell us what we were having. This was the same ultrasound tech that said at our 11 week appointment "off the record but its a boy". As she was looking for her "parts" she said I hope that I am not going to disappoint you but you're having a GIRL! We knew at our 11 week appointment that the baby's sex was not 100% for certain so we waited until this appointment to have it confirmed! We were not at all disappointed because we were just told the most wonderful news that any expecting parent would want to hear- that is that our baby's ultrasound looks normal and the baby looks great! She weighs 11 ounces and is in the 31 percentile! She was very active during the ultrasound- I haven't felt much other than flutters but you could tell on the screen that she was moving a lot- so the 3D pictures that she took were not of her best "features", so I didn't include those here!
After our appointment we hardly could get out of the door before we started calling our parents and close friends. Some asked if we were in shock about finding out its a girl rather than a boy. Our reply was no! We didn't care what we were having as long as the baby was healthy. This has been such a blessing!
Our daughter's name will be Caroline Faye Leviner. We'll call her Caroline! I've always liked the name Caroline and Faye is my mother's middle name! Sam now gets to rethink the whole nursery theme- he's thinking pink and brown- I'm thinking black and white with hot pink or lime green as trim! Sam has really gotten into the nursery theme- especially when we thought the baby would be a boy so now he has to rethink the color of the walls and all the art decor that he wants to paint/draw on the walls! I don't think a jungle theme will do for a princess!
I was also pleased to know that I'd gained some weight- but I didn't know that it'd be so much in five weeks- a mere 8 lbs! I saw Dr. Ridenhour today and she asked me about what kinds of things I'd been eating (I brought up the weight subject) and I told her yogurt and lots of milk for snacks. I haven't been eating sweets and I thought that eating lots of fruit would curb my appeitite but I really love milk! So she says to not overdue the calcium intake and that I could walk if I wanted to- Sam and I were beginning to start the whole walking routine but its never been established. So she says she's not worried this time but that if I gained 8 lbs before next month's visit then it'd be a bit of concern!
We are so thankful that we got a good ultrasound report! We are still praising the Lord for this wonderful and exciting news! Our next doctor's appointment is December 2nd!





Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Possible Nursery Theme!
Paradise by Cottontale Designs

Thursday, October 02, 2008

I can't believe I'm already this far along- 15 weeks 1 day. I love that my belly is starting to grow! I have been feeling flutters for several weeks so things are definitely stretching and expanding! We both can't wait to feel the baby move! Sam asks me everyday when will he be able to feel the baby move! It won't be long- a few more weeks for me and maybe even a few more after that for him!Today I had my 15th week checkup! I love going to my OB- Dr. Holladay- at SC OBGYN. I love the whole practice- the nurses, lab techs, everyone! I'm seeing a practice at Baptist Hospital (where I'll deliver) and I am blessed to be in such great care! Dr. Holladay has taken really good care of "us" all throughout the pregnancy so far and I was especially impressed that he called my gastroenterologist twice to check on me when I was going through the C-Diff (don't forget to take a probiotic if you ever should need to be on an antibiotic). A lot of my friends, neighbors, and family (Dorothy) attend this same practice and I've heard wonderful stories about labor and delivery (still nervous about that part but not so much when I think about how well I'll be taken care of and that I'll get to see and present our little angel to you all).
Dr. Holladay was very pleased with today's visit. Baby's heartbeat was strong and in the 150's, I looked great (these were his exact words), and my weight was wonderful- still hadn't gained any but I know it'll come! I've been eating the same but drinking tons of water and milk and of course eating fruit and yogurt for snacks- I'm not much for eating sweets and besides they're not good for you or the baby- although vanilla whipped icing and cake from Publix sounds great right now- last week it was garlic bread. Although I love to drink an occasional Coke- its out of the question now and I'm so craving one! After I have the baby I told Sam I want the biggest cheeseburger and Coke from Rush's! Rhonda- I'm sure Darren won't mind doing this little errand! I go back in five weeks for my big 20 week appointment. I have an hour scheduled ultrasound- where they'll do all the measurements and get a "good look at the baby" as Dr. Holladay puts it. We'll also find out the sex for sure although the pictures show that baby's a boy! We both didn't care whether the baby was a boy or a girl as long as the baby of course was healthy, but I come from a long line of girls (I have only one boy cousin), and getting to be the mommy of a boy baby is so exciting!
I'm attaching a picture of my belly which I never thought I'd do (that's why I'm only sending it to the girls) but its so darn cute I couldn't resist and besides I'm proud of my little baby bump (I accidentally scratched my side and belly with my fingernail so that's why you see some red marks)!
Thank you all for praying for us and thanks Aunt Sue for calling Sam and checking on me this week!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

I'm Growing!

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Sam and I did a little shopping for baby last night. These are the very first items we bought. Raffe is baby's first toy from his mama and daddy.



Junior Crane Operator- perfect for when Sam takes baby to Blue Star!

Raffee!

Thursday, September 04, 2008

We're Having a...
Well, you decide! Look at the third picture and you can tell what we're having! We had our second OB appointment today and we were thrilled when we saw what we're having! The ultrasound tech said they can't really tell the sex until I'm 20 weeks along but off the record the ultrasound showed us what we're going to be blessed with in late March! I'm 11 weeks 1 day today and I can't believe how fast the baby has grown since our first ultrasound at 6 weeks 5 days. I had to have an ultrasound so early because of complications from antibiotics called C-Diff (google it to find out what it is- but my advice is to stay away from antibiotics). I've been very ill since early July but after this round of "good" antibiotics I hope to be well very soon! Thanks for praying for me!
I was a nervous wreck before the appointment thinking that something might not be right with the baby since I've been on a very strong antibiotic for the past three weeks. But when we saw the baby- the ultrasound tech said baby was healthy and developing wonderfully- this was music to our ears. Sam really enjoyed seeing the baby- he was grinning from ear to ear the whole time and couldn't stop commenting on all of baby's little tiny features. The Lord has truly had a hand of protection over the baby- its been a fighter since its mama's been so sick- proving it to be 100% LEVINER!

"Life's most precious moments begin...
When a baby captures your heart.
For all the wonder now and
the wondrous days to come".