It's A BOY!!!

Introducing Holt Mardis Blount!!!

We had our 20 week check-up yesterday, where we found out we are having a BOY! We are so excited and it was such an awesome experience to see our little boy moving around on the ultrasound! He is perfect and is measuring right on schedule.We cannot wait to meet him in September!

We had a reveal party at my parents house with some of our family. Everyone had to choose a cupcake-pink if they thought it was a girl and blue if they thought it  was a boy. Andrew built a box and I decorated it. We filled it with balloons. After everyone picked cupcakes we opened up the box and the blue balloons came flooding out!

Wreath Rachel made for the front door

 Anxiously Waiting...

It's A Boy!!!

First BAMA outfit from my Granddaddy

First Bubble from Andrew's Mom "Anmonna"

Watch The Reveal !!!

We are blessed to have the love and support of so many family and friends and are in awe that God has chosen us to be the parents to this precious child! We ask that you prayerfully remember us and sweet baby Holt as we prepare for his arrival in  a few months!

Baby B Update...Half Way There!

We asked Scout what he thought...He picked (licked) BOY. We shall see!

How many weeks? 20

Total weight gain: Last appointment was 4 pounds...Think I have added a few more since then
Maternity clothes? work pants, jeans and shorts

Stretch marks? None yet J
Sleep: Lots of bathroom breaks during the night
Best moment this week: Have been able to feel Baby B moving around in my belly a few times

Miss Anything? Eating a meal without TUMS.
Movement: Starting to feel some movement every now and then. Can't wait for more!

Food cravings: popcicles
Anything making you queasy or sick: I think the sick days are behind me!
Gender: We will find out tomorrow!!!
Labor Signs: Nope
Symptoms: Still burping...Can't live without Tums
Belly Button in or out? In but working its way out

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Seeing Baby B on ultra sound tomorrow and finding out the sex!

Fishin'

Warmer weather has finally arrived and we enjoyed this beautiful

Spring Sunday afternoon fishing with good friends!

Baby Blount Update

 

How far along? 16 Weeks

Total weight gain: Will find out Wednesday at my next appointment
Maternity clothes? work pants, jeans and shorts

Stretch marks? None yet J
Sleep: Lots of bathroom breaks during the night
Best moment this week: Went fishing today. We can't wait to introduce Baby B to this favorite activity of ours!

Miss Anything? Eating a meal without TUMS.
Movement: Can’t feel anything yet…but it shouldn't be long!

Food cravings: sour candy, caprisun juice drinks
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still Japanese Food-which I normally love
Gender: We will find out in April!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Still burping...Can't live without Tums
Belly Button in or out? In

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our checkup at the doctor Wednesday

OH BABY!

 

That's Right!! Baby Blount is on the way and due to join us September 2nd!

The Story:

A few days after Christmas I took a pregnancy test (well it ended up being 4 total-haha) which showed the most beautiful blue plus sign I have ever seen! When Andrew got home I drug him in the house and I showed him the positive test. So off we went to Walmart so I could buy another box. I took 3 more...just to make sure!  So I called my doctor and set an appointment. We had to wait a whole month...and keeping it quiet was oh so hard. You have to wait until you are about 8 weeks along for your appointment. Talk about torture!! So, I was pregnant at Christmas and didn't even know it. One of the best presents I can think of! On January 24th we finally had our appointment. Andrew came with me and we were able to see Baby B for the first time on ultrasound and hear that precious heartbeat. It was awesome! At this point we shared the news with some family and it was so fun to watch their reactions! Some cried, some jumped up and down, and I think a few were in shock.

Last week I had my second appointment. Rachel went with me and we got to hear that sweet heartbeat again.  After this appointment we were able to share with the rest of our family and friends and of course, make if "Facebook Official". We are overwhelmed by and feel so blessed by everyones excitment for us and we appreciate your prayers for us as we prepare to be parents, and for Baby B as he/she is growing.

We have been busy rearranging some things in the house, and getting ready to start on the nursery. We have already picked out boy and girl bedding from a cute botuique in Mobile and can't wait to find out the sex and get it ordered.

And yes, I am already sporting a "baby bump".  Andrew takes a picture of me every Sunday so we can watch the bump grow.

How far along? 13 Weeks. Hello 2nd Trimester!

Total weight gain: Half a pound (doctor said this is probably due to all the throwing up!)
Maternity clothes? Actually yes-my old jeans already don’t fit
Stretch marks? None yet J
Sleep: Still pretty comfortable…besides the 2-3 times I have to go to the bathroom every night. Having lots of weird dreams too!
Best moment this week: Hearing Baby B’s sweet little heartbeat at my appointment

Miss Anything? Dr. Pepper and Sweet Tea
Movement: Can’t feel anything yet…but I can’t wait!
Food cravings: Orange Juice
Anything making you queasy or sick: Japanese Food…It has made me sick a few times now.
Gender: We will find out in April!
Labor Signs: Heck No.
Symptoms: Just tired… And Burping-So lady like huh?!
Belly Button in or out? Still in but looks like it may eventually work its way out
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Watching my belly grow and trying out my new maternity jeggins’ and blue jean shorts from Old Navy

Covering Your Husband In Prayer

For all of you married ladies out there, and for single ones too…

I came across this website (Thank You Pinterest) that gives you day by day focuses you can pray for your husband (or future husband for that matter. It is never too early to start praying for your spouse!) If any of you are like me, you want to pray for your spouse but you feel like you are being repetitive or can’t quite seem to think of all the topics you could cover. Well there is nothing wrong with a little push in the right direction. So below you will find 31 Days of Praying for your Husband with scripture reference. So check it out and see what a difference it will make!

Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12).

Day 1 Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2 Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3 Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4 Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5 Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6 Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Day 7 Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8 Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9 Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10 Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

Day 11 Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12 Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13 Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14 Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15 Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

Day 16 Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17 Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18 Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19 Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20 Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21 Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22 Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23 Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24 Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25 Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26 Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27 Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28 Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29 Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30 Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31 Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Tis The Season

We had a BUSY Christmas visiting family and eating way too much!

We kicked off the festivites the weekend before Christmas in McIntosh at MawMaws.

We stuffed ourselves with gumbo, shrimp, oysters, and yummy desserts!

Wii Dance

Making Cookies at Andrew's parents

Next Stop was Collinsville, MS for the annual Hensley Reunion.

One of the best parts of this day is opening gifts and wating in anticipation to see who gets the huge pair of underwear (complete with bells and tassels) that has been going around since before I was born!

Thankfully we were spared!

Andrew got and adapter for the car and I got peanuts.

Oh, but Allison. It was her first time to attend. She is my cousin Reece's girlfriend. She was the lucky winner!

She was a good sport!!

Christmas Weekend (Friday) we had the Holt-Hankins get-to-gether

Granddaddy

 and Gradmama

 who produced the crazy ones below (my dad in the tan and my aunt in the black) who married and...

are responsible for this crazy bunch...

 we can be sweet too...

 Family Pic!

 And of course Allie was there...freaking everyone out!!!

Saturday Morning we had breakfast at Gram and Pops

And we spent Saturday afternoon with MomMom, Doyle and Bud. We scored some of their very own Love's Honey! Delicious!

Christmas morning we started out my parents.

 Rach made us ornaments out of our Wedding Invite and Program!

Last but not least we headed to Leroy for 3 Days of MORE food, hunting, naps and fellowship.

We enjoyed Dinner at Macaroni Grill in Birmingham on  New Year's Eve and then stoped by Stephanie and Mark's in McCalla. We watched Dylan dance to rap music, which was hilarious. Hate I did not get a pic. Andrew did video it but we can't get it to download.

We made it home just in time to to watch the ball drop in Times Sqaure on TV. Then were in bed by 11:30! (can we say old married couple already? haha)

The Blount's were more than blessed in 2011 and are looking forward to 2012 with great anticipation!