HMB: First 4 Months

I could fill up pages and pages describing how our life has changed since Holt arrived on August 29th. We have had ups and downs, smiles, tears and sleepless nights. I would not change one thing about it, even the hard moments, because it has grown us and continued to mold us into the family God would have us to be.

It seems like the days were long when I was on bed rest anticipating his arrival, and now here we are and Holt Man will be 5 months old next week! Can time please slooooow down? It is so much fun watching Holt grow and learn and discover new things. Seems like everyone is always so excited and anxious for him to reach the next milestone, and we are too.

Makes me think of that Trace Adkins song that says:

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

And I believe it, So I am soaking up and savoring each and every moment!

He likes loves: EATING (the kid is in 12 month clothes and we are just approaching 5 months old) , snuggling (like Mommy and Daddy), bath time (when he is older we will probably have to drain the tub dry to make him get out), toys that light up or make noise, car rides (car seat = instant sleep. he is usually out by the time we are halfway home from daycare and we only live 5 minutes away), watching tv, and when Daddy makes any kind of animal noise or plays the "motorcycle" game with him.  Holt man has the most adorable laugh you have ever heard and fat cheeks you just can't help but squeeze and kiss on. He can poot and burp like a grown man. If he wraps his hand around your finger or yanks your hair you will discover that he is super strong. He is constantly blowing bubbles and making noises with his mouth. His slobbery wet kisses are the best!

Can you tell we love this child or what? We are MORE than blessed!

What is AMAZING to me is that GOD  knows all of these details about Holt even down to the number of hairs on his head.  HE created him this way. And he knew our story from beginning to end before having children was even a thought in our minds.

Psalm 139:13-16 Reads:
 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.

I prayed these verses over Holt every day while I was pregnant, and  I pray now that he will walk in the fullness of all God has for him on earth. I pray that his life will make an impact for the kingdom and in eternity.

Introducing Holt Mardis Blount

Holt Mardis Blount

Born on August 29, 2012 

7:14 PM

7 pounds 10 ounces

20 inches long

After a day full of labor Holt arrived via c-section. He brings so much love and joy into our lives and we are incredibly blessed to have such a precious son! The blog posts will probably be few and far between for a while... We would rather spend our time loving on this sweet baby... most importantly between the feedings, diaper changes, laundry and spending time with family....well there is just not much time for the blog!

All Checked In At The Hospital

 Love At First Sight

First Family Pic

With Our WONDERFUL Nurse

We are settling in at home and spend most of our time napping, feeding and snuggling!

Napping With Daddy

 Dinner Time!

Home Stretch

We are in the home stretch and are excitedly awaiting Holt's arrival.  Just a little over 2 weeks until the due date. It is so surreal to think we are about to be parents. Since we are so close to delivery the doctor has officially taken me off of bed rest after 11 weeks at home. He has encouraged me to try to get active and gain some strength but I have VERY little. Bed rest helps the baby so much but as I have discovered takes SO much strength and energy away from Mommy after little activity. I am trying my hardest to be active but the smallest things absolutely wear me out-showers, laundry, etc. Bed rest has taken it's toll physically, mentally and spiritually. So I am very much looking forward to the end of this season and the start of a new one with our Baby Boy. Prayers are GREATLY appreciated as we wait for Holt's arrival- for me to gain some strength in these next few weeks, for a healthy delivery,  and for us as we anticipate becoming first time parents. 

   Bags are packed and ready to go. Of course I have a Bama outfit packed for Holt, just in case he comes during the 1st football game of the season-it is very possible. 

Maternity Pics

A few weeks ago we had maternity pictures made. A big thanks to Brittany Benton Massey for pampering me by doing my hair and makeup (since a simple shower wears this bed resting Mama out) and to Jennifer McAteer for capturing some beautiful pictures! Here are some of our favorites:

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