Meredith's 1st Gift

I went to the mailbox today and look what I found! A precious monogrammed sleeper. Aunt M strikes early. I am so looking forward to hairbows, ruffled bloomers, and dresses.

On My Heart

1. My cousin Brooke Thomas was diagnosed with breast cancer and would appreciate any and all prayers. She is a wonderful woman of God, a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. We are praying that she kicks cancer's butt. She is writing a beautiful blog about her journey. Her posts are very inspiring and show her heart. It would be so very nice if you would stop by and let her know you are praying for her here.

2. Some very dear friends of ours that we have been praying for are getting a precious baby. They have been through the fire of infertility and would love your continued prayer and encouragement. I have been on cloud 9 since hearing their wonderful news. They are going to be fantastic parents. I personally can't wait to see this sweet baby we have been praying for in their loving arms. I have already cried tears of joy for them, and I know when I see them I will have tears streaming down my face. To see their journey and to show them some love visit their blog here.

16 Weeks

How far along am I: 16 weeks
Clothes: Still wearing most regular clothes and a few maternity things. I am at that stage where my regular pants are too tight, but maternity clothes are a little too big as of right now.
Cravings: I am loving sweet stuff right now: cheese cake, cookies, and snickers bars. I also have times when french fries hit the spot.
Loving:  I am excited to know that Meredith is healthy and strong. That I am feeling better and have more energy.
Not Loving: Trying to keep myself on my sides to sleep at night. My hips have been bothering me so side sleeping becomes trying.
Looking Forward To: Many more healthy checks at the doctor. Feeling baby girl have bigger movements.
Anxious About: Keeping up with two busy little ones, raising them the way they should be, and the weight gain that will be in my future.

A Few Things

1. It has been crazy busy lately for us. We are finally moved into our new place. If you need our new address either email or put a comment below with your email. Moving stinks in so many ways. We now have to find a home for all of our stuff. I sometimes wish I had powers like I Dream of Jeannie or Samantha from Bewitched. I don't of course and will be organizing for the next week or two.
2. I had an OB-GYN appointment today. Our doctor did an ultrasound and it looks like we will be welcoming a bouncing baby girl come February 26th. Bring on the bows and dresses.  Her name will be Meredith Estelle Box. The name Meredith has been our girl name for a really long time. Estelle was my Granny's name and is very special to me. I will do a baby bump photo for 16 weeks hopefully by Sunday and post so all can see my little bump.

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

1. Charles has an obsession with trains and he is addicted to watching this 9 minute train clip. Every time we go near the computer he says trains. Meaning I want to watch the train clip. When we go home for Christmas we are checking out the Misty Mountain Model Railroad Museum in Blairsville, GA.

2. Charles is also into trucks and cars. When we drive down the road he has to tell us if it is a truck or car. If it is an 18 wheeler he says big truck. Conversation in the car: " truck, bye bye truck, where did the truck go, I don't see it, I don't know." This is repeated like a broken record, but it is very cute when he gets all excited.
~I really don't have much to say on planes other than he can spot them at various times. He has 3 toy helicopters.
~Are these obsessions of boys from a young age or what?

A Coach Like No Other

I am grieving a very special man. He was an inspiration to me starting back in 6^th grade. His name was David Kellar. I will not tell a lie. I was terrified from all the stories of mile runs and the crazy hard 50 true false football test. I came from an elementary were physical education was running like 5 laps around the gym then playing freeze tag, duck-duck-goose, and simple easy games. So when I got my schedule for 6^th grade and saw I had Coach Kellar I was beyond scared.  I quickly realized that he expected hard work and lots of effort. I have no idea in what he saw in me. I barely could do a mile under 10 minutes when I started his class, and in three years my mile never got below 8 minutes, but I was in the best shape of my life in middle school.  He choose me to be a huddle leader of all people.  A huddle leader would get equipment together before and after class and to lead stretches and exercises. We also took attendance on the bus ride over to the recreation department.  I got close to this awesome man during my three years in his class:  the first year because of sheer luck and the last two because I went up to him on the first day of school asking him to switch me to his class.  He retired the same year I finished 8^th grade, and I will never forget him coming up to me and saying how much he enjoyed having me in class and that he wished me the best.  Over the years I continued to stay in touch with him. He was a major reason why I went into education majoring in middle grades. While in college I was able to interview him and the main thing he reminded me of was to demand respect, be though, and the kids will respect and enjoy being in your classroom.  I can only hope to be such a well-respected and loved teacher. So when I was sending out wedding invitations around 8 years ago he was at the top of my list of who I wanted to invite.  I was so honored to have him at our wedding it made the day so much sweeter. I will now treasure the picture of him, me, and Mrs. Elrod even more. I hope my children have a teacher just like him one day.  I will never forget him and I would like to thank his family for sharing him with all of us. I will think of how healthy he is now running the streets of gold now smiling down on us. May God comfort his family and all that loved him.

If you are trying to find out visitation and funeral arrangements check here. You may also share your stories of Coach Kellar.

Charles' 2 Year Photos

I decided to try my hand at taking Charles' 2 year photos. I believe they turned out pretty well. I know I am a novice in photography, but I would love to learn some professional photography tricks.  Here are some of my favorites of our sessions:

I decided to do photos on two different days on purpose. This little guy would have never made it through a wardrobe change. Having two days about a week apart gave him a nice break. He is such a ham in front of the camera.

Labor Day Weekend Review

We had a great long weekend. Friday night the band performed their halftime show playing Beatles' tunes for the first time this season. Saturday I spent most of the day feeling just plain gross and green while Patrick accomplished packing boxes. We also enjoyed some SEC football. Sunday was a great day. We celebrated Jesus and all he has done for us and the message was about how Jesus is greater than our shame. Sunday evening we went to Jenna's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding for a very precious couple. We wish you many happy years together.

Our Labor Day was filled with hanging out at the house and packing up boxes. We sold our house and will be moving out very soon. Pray for our family as we go through this process of getting packed up and moved. Charles will be in for some changes soon too. When we move into the apartment he is going to be moving into a big boy bed. I hope this is an easy transition since he is really great with his bed time and nap time in the crib.

Last night we celebrated Labor Day with friends and some tasty food. We had beautiful weather after last week being scorching HOT! Last week also made me absolutely ready for Fall. Each year Fall becomes more and more of a favorite season for me. I  just love the weather, the trees changing colors, college football, Halloween costumes and candy, and Thanksgiving and all the delicious no calorie food with Black Friday shopping the next day! Cheers to the arrival of Fall.