New Baby Bump Pics, 30th Birthday and Nursery

Still on bed rest but with a little more freedom. Been getting up and about a little bit but wear out pretty easy.  Many thanks to all who have checked on us, brought meals, visited and prayed for us. We appreciate it more than you know!

On July 7th I turned the Big 3-0! My family came over and celebrated. I camped out on the couch most of the time. It was nice to have some company!

I needed a little help blowing all those candles out! 

The nursery is pretty much complete. 

A big thanks to my awesome hubby, sister and father-in-law for all of their help!!! 

Being on bed rest I could not help in the way I had hoped, but I got good at giving directions. 

Before Pic

We found the crib in Mississippi. The rest of the furniture Andrew and his Dad refinished. I LOVE it!

My grandfather made the toy chest and it was in my room growing up. The dresser belonged to Andrew's parents. The glider belonged to my close friend Melanie and was used in her daughter's nursery. The mirror frame and shelves were made by Andrew and the barn wood he used is from a house his family lived in. I love that each piece has meaning and am looking forward to making memories in this room with Holt!

Progress Pics

Almost Complete: Waiting on our Sweet Baby Boy

Baby Update . . .

Challenging. Humbling. BUT encouraging. That would describe what our lives have been like since the last blog post a month ago. I have been debating weather or not to share what we've experienced the past month. Even though I like to blog to allow family and friends to keep up with us this somehow seemed too personal. A month that shows life is sometimes hard.  But it is real life. I think about people's blog entries and Facebook posts that make it appear that their lives are just flawless and perfect and always FUN. But you know, that is not really REAL. I share with the hope our experiences over the past month will encourage you, and also to say thank you for all of the prayers and support we have received from so many of you. 
I will spare all the details, but  3 weeks ago after a weeks stay in the hospital I have been put on strict bed rest-most likely for the rest of my pregnancy. Strict as in... bed, couch, bathroom. That is it, besides the quick 10 minute shower I get every other day and the weekly check up at the doctor. With this comes the realization that I have to depend on others to do a lot of the things I have been looking forward to like decorating the nursery and also for help with everyday tasks (no lifting allowed).  I went in the hospital at 26 weeks pregnant and now have 11 weeks to go until the Sept. 2nd due date. So that is a little over three months confined to the house. As fun as no work, watching tv and playing on the computer for 3 months may seem...it is not as fun as you would think. With it comes a lot of extra work for my sweet husband and family - doing everything imaginable for me (and without a complaint). Y'all are AMAZING!  I miss interacting with people like I do on a "normal" day, miss going to church and even miss work. With all that said it is without a doubt totally worth it, and I am confident the down side, challenges and inconveniences of it all will completely be erased the moment I get to hold my sweet baby boy! And it is worth it now every time I feel him move or get a good report from a check up.  But at the same time day to day can be challenging and with all of this brings concerns about many things from getting things done around the house to job security, etc. With all that said, we know God has a purpose in all of it and  want to make sure we don't miss out on all that God desires to teach us through this season. We wouldn’t be here if we had nothing to gain from it. 
I feel God at work. Challenging times are interesting. It is only in a season like this that I get what I constantly pray for: and intense relationship with Him where I can sense his presence and where His Word is life and breathe to me. Where the cross is so much dearer. Where His Spirit seems so much nearer. Where I love him more than anything I can see or touch. 
 I have been reminded just how powerful prayer is. For all of you who have been praying: I want you to know that WE HAVE FELT IT and are deeply grateful. We have needed the prayers and are so thankful for those who continue to pray for us daily. I want to encourage you in your faith by telling those of you who have been praying that your prayers have truly made a difference. We are also thankful for all of you who have sent cards, called, visited, or offered to bring a meal. You have NO idea how much this encourages us and helps us out. I will admit, as silly as it may sound, that it was hard to accept the help at first, especially when you are so used to doing things for yourself and your own way (that is pride I guess), but we have needed it and all of you have been a tremendous blessing.  


I have been studying and clinging to this verse, and even though I struggle to believe it all the time, I want to be able to say with confidence:

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do ALL things through him that gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13

4D Ultrasound at 29 weeks and 1 day - Sweetest cheeks I have ever seen...

Busy Month of May

May has been super busy for the Blounts and we are looking forward to capping it off with a trip to the beach for Memorial Day Weekend. I cannot wait to get away for a few days and soak up the sun and RELAX. A mini vacation is much needed for these parents to be.

ROLL TIDE

My sister Rachel graduated from UA with a Bachelors of Arts in Communicative Disorders and minor in Human Development on May 5th.  We are waiting to find out what her next step will be... possibly grad school.  I am confident God has the perfect plan and future for her lined up, so wherever this next season of her life leads I know it will be awesome. We are proud of you Rach!

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Andrew and I celebrated our one year anniversary on May 14th. We have truly been blessed with an awesome first year. I am so thankful to have such an amazing husband and soon -to- be Daddy to Holt!

We celebrated by going to dinner at Bento and to the movie Lucky One.

We saved the top of  the Bride's cake from the wedding and it has been sitting in our freezer for the past 365 days. It was so good the day of the wedding but we did not figure it would be good one year later...and we were right.

Being pregnant and wanting to enjoy the cake...I ordered a fresh replica. It was just as good as I remember!

Andrew didn't smash it in my face like he did at our reception!

MOTHER'S DAY

I turned 24 weeks pregnant on Mother's Day.  Holt (via Andrew) surprised me with a manicure and pedicure that is MUCH needed. Having a baby on the way has made Mother's day extra special this year, and I know Father's day will be a sweet day for Andrew. The best gift though, was feeling Holt moving in my belly and to know that we have a precious baby boy on the way. We can't wait to hold and love on this sweet miracle!

On a side note: Andrew and I went to Old Navy so I could find a swimsuit for the beach ( I was finally successful...yay!) We were the first customers in the store, and upon noticing my bump a clerk led me along a "paper' red carpet they had laid out, handed me a rose and stuck a sticker on my belly that said "My Mommy Rocks".  All of this in celebration of Mother's Day Weekend. It caught me off guard, and gave me the giggles. Andrew and I got a good laugh out of it, but as silly as it was it did make me feel special!

(looking gross... no shower!!)

CAR SWAP

When I say car swap, I am serious. We have played musical cars. My Dad bought my Camry and we traded in Andrew's truck (long story) on a Mommy Vehicle for me. I got a 2010 Chevy Equinox and I love it. Only thing that will make it complete is to have my sweet baby riding in the back seat!

Now we are on the hunt for Andrew's truck. My brother Brad is in Africa for the next 3-6 months (more on that below) and so Andrew is able to use his truck in the meantime. Thanks Brad for the ride!

It was bitter sweet to say bye to the truck (even though that might seem silly) ...but it carried some fun memories from a Ski Trip in North Carolina to our Engagement...

BRAD IN AFRICA

My Brother Brad left on Wednesday for Harvest Mission School in Africa. He will be there for the next 3-6 months. His story and testimony are awesome. He has come so far... from a life in college consumed with drugs and alcohol to a life now changed and sold out for Christ!
God tells us in his word to GO into ALL the earth, that His house may be full! Iris Harvest School of Missions is preparation for harvesting the nations. For this purpose Iris Ministries offers international, three-month missions training schools based in Pemba on the north coast of Mozambique.

You can check out the website and follow Brad's Blog Here:

http://www.irismin.org/missions/harvest/

http://www.bradholt06.blogspot.com/

Some pics from a family get together before Brad left...

KIDS ON THE ROCK

We have had a fun year with our second graders at KOTR. On Wednesday we wrapped up our Spring semester. We will be taking a break from teaching in the Fall when Holt arrives. It was a huge blessing to be able to share Jesus with these kids on Wednesday nights. I hope we made as much of an impact on them as they did on us.

Baby Holt Update

How many weeks? 24

Total weight gain: 11 pounds

Maternity clothes? oh yes

Stretch marks? None yet  
Sleep: not as easy to get comfortable as it used to be... surrounding myself with pillows
Best moment this week: feeling Holt move in my belly and my first Mother's Day. I got a gift certificate for a MUCH needed pedicure and manicure!

Miss Anything? Eating a meal without TUMS.
Movement: Yes! Holt is getting more and more active

Food cravings: still Popsicles
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: Nope
Symptoms: Lots of bathroom breaks, indigestion

Belly Button in or out? Almost out

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Lots of things: Beach Trip, 4D ultrasound in June, getting the nursery put together

Duck Bubble I ordered from Smocked Overstocks.  Daddy is proud to have a hunting buddy!!