Guilty or Not Guilty? A working mom's guilt

    To all the guilt-ridden mommies out there. I feel you. 110% feel you. As a "teacher-mommy" I've felt the guilt creep back up on me the last two weeks. Even more so tonight when I was unpacking the groceries my husband bought. Why would groceries bring on guilt? Because it was Lunchables, fruit cups, Gogurts, and other lunchbox goodies. My heart hurt at the thought of me packing their lunch boxes for another lunch not at home. 

But you know what? When I was starting to take that guilt trip, God reminded me of a few things. 

1. I'm working to help contribute to being able to provide for my babies. My husband coaches & I teach. Unless he gets a call from the bigs to coach, I'll keep my day job. 

2. God gave me a calling. While I wont be there to give them hugs before their naps and smiles when they wake up, I'm giving hugs and smiles to other kids that need them. Since I was little all I ever wanted to be was a teacher. I love the quote (roughly) "I hope when I stand before God I can say that I used all of the talent He gave me." And I truly hope that. 

3. While that guilt tries to sneak up it is often crushed by the sound of goldfish being poured on the carpet, cups of water being dumped out of the tub, or screams over who's cup is which. (Those were just before lunch..I'll leave the rest for your imagination.) Don't get me wrong, I love being home with my two toddlers but man, the days have been long lately! (I commend you ladies that do it!) I don't think God called me to be a SAHM. At least not during this season of life. 

    As a product of 2 hardworking parents, one a teacher with summers off & one a Fire Marshall that could be called out at any moment, the result is appreciation. I now know the struggle of late nights and early mornings with others depending on you. I'm not scarred from having working parents and don't remember any time of "neglect" due to their commitments.

    So whether you're a teacher with summers off, a hairstylist with a different schedule each week, or a heart surgeon that could be called out at any moment. don't let that guilt sneak up on you. God created us all for a purpose. Some of our purposes are for us to be SAHM while others are split between being a working mommy. Now, go change the world mommies! (Or diapers, whichever happens to come first!) 

"Wash me clean from my GUILT. Wash me from my sins." Psalms 51:2

Life With The Maxies...we're back!

   Well, it has been over a year since my last blog post. I have always had a passion for writing and my blog allowed me to do just that. However, “Life with the Maxies” has definitely been happening over the last year!

Here is a quick summary of all of us:

Kyle: This last school year finished up his fourth year at PCS. His baseball team finished as conference champs! (Go Bobcats!)
He will graduate with his Master’s degree from University of Miami this December. (YAY!)
He is about to head into Junior High football season. (I know, it’s crazy. I just got my husband back and I’m losing him again! “For the love of the game…”)
Kyle has become a Deacon at Venture and serves in the North Venue every Sunday. I love being able to serve beside him!

Julia: As of next Monday I will enter my fourth year (wow!) at Earl Travillion Attendance Center.
Last year I was appointed as our school’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System) chair. I will continue with that this year as well.
This past Sunday I wrapped up leading my Summer Growth Group, which was a great experience. I also serve with Kyle in the North Venue on Sundays.
One BIG thing I started this summer was 3 day a week, 6 a.m. workouts at Versus. I have fallen back in love with working out. I LOVE being able to see results! Hopefully (fingers crossed I can keep it up during the school year—5 a.m. classes…yikes!)

Kolt: Both kids have stayed with me all summer and I have loved having this time with them. Kolt will begin Pre-Kindergarten (3 yr. olds) this August. He will go three times a week half a day. We are so excited for him to enter this exciting chapter of his life. He also wants to play a type of sport this fall. We’re thinking Soccer but not quite sure yet. He continues to have a passion for all things baseball and hunting (I wonder where he gets it from?). Kolt attended his first Bible School “by himself” this summer (really with Mrs. Jill). He learned so much and REALLY enjoyed his time on stage at the end of the week.

Kylee Jo: This summer Kylee Jo (Sissy) turned TWO this summer and has become much more verbal and can definitely stand her own ground (not that she ever has too). She loves to play with her baby dolls and must always have her (pretend) cell phone and sunglasses. Currently, she is in a very independent stage, wanting to do everything all by herself. We can already see that she loves to be a “little mama” and take care of everyone and everything. We love seeing her little personality come to life.

    I really cannot believe the summer is already over. Where did the time go? The kids and I made frequent trips to visit daddy at his baseball field (mainly so we could just get out of the house). Of course we made several weekly trips to Kyle’s grandparents for us to look at the cows, pick berries, play in the kiddie pool, and just run around outside. We made one trip over the Fourth of July to my grandparent’s house in Albertville, AL. So many sweet and fun memories were made as well as a couple of sleepless nights for this mommy! Also during July we loved being able to attend and volunteer during “Summer Experience” (Bible School) at Venture. We have only been able to make it to the library once this summer but plan to go back this Thursday. The kids and I have enjoyed going to get snow cones and slushies to cool off after being out and about in the heat.

    As summer once again comes to a close like it always does, I can only pray. I am trying my best to take my study of “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” to heart. I’ve already looked at mine and Kyle’s planners for the next few weeks. Crazy doesn’t even begin to describe them. (Especially since I know there will be so many more things added to them with time.) I pray that God helps me take it all in stride. I pray that I will go to Him when I am weary and I will allow Him to give me rest. I pray for my husband as he takes on just as much (okay, really more than I do) as me in the next few weeks. Somehow he never lets the stress get to him or he doesn’t let it show quite like I do. I pray for Kolt as we let him into the world for the first time. I pray for us as parents. That we have prepared him enough. I pray for Kylee Jo as she has less time with her brother during the week and she makes all of her adjustments with ease.

    Even with summer coming to an end I do love the season of fall. Pumpkin patch (my favorite), trick or treating, cooler weather (sometimes), hunting, and I think that’s it. Oh yeah, one more thing. FOOTBALL SEASON! (I already have Alabama’s schedule in my planner. Who can blame me?! ROLL TIDE!) I can’t wait to attend different football games and go tailgating with friends this fall.
“And suddenly you know…it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings.”

“Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go...

            When I typed my last blog, I honestly was 100% positive that I had written about Kylee Jo’s baby dedication. Once I looked back at my archives, I realized I haven’t posted anything in 2015! Mommy fail. Better late than never, right? I seem to say that in most of my blogs now days.

            Kylee Jo Maxie was dedicated to the Lord on January 18^th, 2015. She was dedicated by Kyle and me, as well as her brother at Venture Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Family and friends were there to help witness and celebrate in this special occasion. The verse we chose for Kylee Jo is Psalm 139:13-14 “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 made wonderful, I know that full well”. As with Kolt, we chose a verse during to pray during my pregnancy. The verse that we prayed during my pregnancy with both babies was their dedication verse.

            Kylee Jo is our little miracle baby and a fighter. We praise God for placing His loving hands on her once she entered the world 4 weeks premature. We have witnessed scarier situations to those around us, but our this was our baby girl in the NICU for her underdeveloped lungs. However, God’s plan was for her to lungs to grow stronger each day and to come home with us in exactly one week.  During this time we had our faith in God because we knew that He was the one that created her in my womb and that she was wonderfully made Him.

            Almost 9 months later we have a happy, healthy, and loving baby girl. She has the sweetest personality and is the perfect last piece to our family. We are thankful for those that love her and pour God’s love into her. Dedicating our baby to the Lord is also us asking for help from the church as well, to help raise a Godly woman. I cannot wait to see the things the Lord does in her life. She already has a precious story to tell and we know God has so much more to add.

                                      
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he grows old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

             

Making Up for Lost Time

            I finally have a moment to catch up and breathe. It is spring break for all of us and both of the babies are napping. It seems like all it has done so far in March is rain! All of the rain has unfortunately required Kyle to cancel and re-schedule several baseball games. Despite the rain I am thankful for the signs of spring and warm weather. Our babies are growing more and more without us even realizing it is happening, it seems. Here are some updates to get caught up:

             Kylee Jo is 8 months old and I feel horrible that I haven’t been able to post monthly blogs for her. She is sitting up and rolling around all over the place. She is very (VERY) vocal. Kylee Jo loves to watch her brother play and tries to “get” him all the time. So far she is not a picky eater and likes all types of baby food. She has eaten mashed potatoes, spaghetti, Vanilla Wafers, crackers, and most recently, Jell-o. Kylee Jo also loves to drink other people’s sweet tea. Kylee Jo is currently suffering through teething. She has about four bottom teeth trying to come in at once. She has never been a fussy baby so this has been different for us. One thing that seems so make her the happiest when she is hurting are crackers. She loves to chew on Ritz crackers or saltine crackers. We’ve noticed since the first couple of months that Miss Kylee Jo is in no hurry to do any type of physical activity, which is fine with me. She would much rather kick back and watch television. We know that once she starts crawling, there will be no stopping her. Especially if she tries to catch her bother! Kylee Jo has recently started waving and loves to say “Hey” when someone walks in a room. She also loves to clap and in her own way say “yaaayyy!!”.

            Kolt has changed and grown so much since his second birthday.  He has become much more vocal and his vocabulary has widened. It seems as if Kolt never slows down (and we do have people ask us that question). He is all boy, all the time. Kolt is still going to Mrs. Jill’s house every day and he loves being there. I love asking him, “Who all was at Jill’s today?” and he begins to name everyone. Kolt still LOVES baseball and LOVES farm animals. There is no denying that he is his daddy’s son. He loves to “shoot” the deer and bobcat on our living room walls with his play gun. “POW!” is something we constantly hear. While he is all boy, he also has such a sweet heart. He loves to help. His favorite “chore” to help with is unloading the dishwasher. He will get out the dishes and put them in their correct place. If he cannot reach where they go, he stands and waits for us to help him.

             I love seeing our babies personalities come to life. They are definitely nothing like each other. Kolt takes after me in the sleeping department: go to bed late, sleep late. Kylee Jo is like her daddy: go to sleep early; wake up early, with a smile I might add. Kolt and I, not so much! Kolt is more active while Kylee Jo is more laid back. They both love being at church and I am so thankful for the people who make church such a fun experience for them. Hopefully we will all three get to go to one of daddy’s baseball games soon. I’m not sure how I am going to explain to Kolt that he can’t be on the field with his daddy. However, I do know I will definitely be bringing his tee, bat, glove, and ball along! I wanted to list a few of each of their favorite things:

Kolt: 2 years 3 months

Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite T.V. Show: Bubble Guppies
Favorite Book: The Bible
Favorite Colors: “Geen” and Purple
Favorite thing to Play: Baseball
He really likes: being outside to fish, ride the four-wheeler, checking deer cameras and just playing

Kylee Jo: 8 months (9 months on the 23^rd)

Favorite Food: crackers
Favorite T.V. Show: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Favorite Book: anything we read to her
Favorite Color: mommy says it’s pink : )
She really likes: to sit in the floor and play with her toys while watching Mickey Mouse, Sophia the First, or Jake and the Pirates

           

This Spring I am leading my first Growth Group at church and am thoroughly enjoying it. We still have a few weeks left along with our service project of helping at The Field House, a homeless shelter here in Hattiesburg. This summer I would love to participate in another marriage growth or parenting Growth Group. We are planning for Kolt to attend Venture’s day camp during the week like last year. He had so much fun! : )

I have loved spending family time together this week and it has made me anticipate summer even more. I know we will have so much fun with the kids this year. It’s so hard to believe in a few months we will be celebrating Kylee Jo’s first birthday. We are looking forward to celebrating her first Easter in a few weeks. As the school year begins to wind down it feels like we go nonstop. But whether we are moving are in slow motion or warp speed, it’s still Life with the Maxies!

“Choose today whom you will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord…for He alone is our God.” Joshua 24:15b, 18

5 months and then some...

  Another month has passed and our sweet baby girl is now 5 months old. Saying that I am behind on my monthly blog is an understatement. But, here I am now. Kylee Jo’s personality is really starting to shine. She is rolling over but her favorite thing to do is pull up by using someone’s fingers so she can sit up and see everything. She is not a fan of being on her tummy. Kylee Jo is definitely our laid back baby. She doesn’t like to do much work and would rather be kicked back enjoying a bottle and watching TV.  Kylee Jo loves trying to grab her feet and she gets quite mad when it doesn’t always work out. She has also started noticing her hands and will just stare at them while opening and closing them. She absolutely loves when someone is talking to her and she will “talk” back and giggle at you. Her new favorite thing to do is “fake cough” until someone says something to her..haha. Kylee Jo has also had her first tastes of baby food but wasn't as crazy about it as Kolt was. 

    It is amazing to already see the difference in our kids. Kylee Jo takes after her daddy in the sleeping department and Kolt takes after me. Kylee Jo likes to go to sleep between 6:45-7. However, she is ready to play around 5:30 in the morning. She would rather go to sleep early and wake up early. Her brother on the other hand, likes to stay awake as long as possible and sleep late the next morning, just like me.

    It is once again my favorite time of year. I love the fall and Christmas seasons. We went to the pumpkin patch again this year and had so much fun. Our family will celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday at Kyle’s grandmother’s house with his family. I am excited to celebrate Kylee Jo’s first Thanksgiving and Kolt’s second. I have planned for our elf, Buddy to make his grand appearance Friday morning with a fun breakfast. Kolt may not remember this in the years to come but I know he will love waking up to the fun things Buddy has planned for him on Friday morning.

   We have Kolt’s birthday party set for the first Saturday in December. He is having a farm themed party. Our little man is obsessed with farm animals so we thought this was fitting. We also have planned for Kylee Jo’s baby dedication to be in January. We are looking forward to celebrating in Christ with our church family. There is so much to look forward to in the upcoming weeks, including baseball season. It will be here before we know it!

    I pray that all of our family and friends have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas season. But I also pray that we remember the true meaning of this season and that is Jesus Christ! Without him, we truly would have nothing.

“Give thanks with a grateful heart.” Thessalonians 5:6

She thinks daddy is so funny!

"Yawn" - what she really thinks of these pictures.

"If I could just get that camera!"

Half way to 50

“Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” Luke 1:45

    Hello 25. I see so many different posts on social media encouraging women to complete “bucket lists” by the age of 25. I also see posts discouraging women from “marrying at a young age”. Every woman is different. In my case, my “bucket list” is completely different (like take both kids to the pumpkin patch) than those posted and I married at what some may see as a young age (I was 22 but I married an "older man" ;) . But guess what? I couldn’t be happier!

    The past few years have without a doubt been a whirlwind for me. College, marriage, moving/first baby (same weekend I might add), new job, second baby. WHEW! While I would like to say that all of this was a breeze that would be a lie. The hardest for me would have to be the move to Hattiesburg. I was so excited for my husband and his new job opportunity; however, I was at home with a new baby and not having any friends in this new town. During this time, my relationship with God was strengthened. I prayed for Christian friends for our family. I tell Lacey Wade all of the time, “You and your family were an answer to my prayers.” She will never know how much I cherish our precious friendship. While we are together our families can laugh at each other because we go through the exact same things.

    Another answered prayer was being hired as a first grade teacher at a local school in Forrest County. I am blessed to say this is my second year doing something I love. I love teaching and always have. Is every day easy? Absolutely not. Do I love the extra hours of work I do after work? No. But I never dread going to work and that is not something everyone can say.
    My babies bring such joy to my life. I get “sympathy looks” all of the time when I am out with both of them by myself.  I wish I had a dollar for every time someone says, “Mmm, you’ve got your hands full!” Yes I do, but my hands are full of love. My house is always a mess, toys are everywhere and the kitchen isn’t clean. But I can tell you I have two happy children that don’t care how messy or clean the house may be. If you ever drop by for an unexpected visit, don’t even think about judging my home!

     My biggest answered prayer was officially answered on June 16, 2012. I had prayed for God to send me the right man. I was tired of waiting and being let down. Once I finally handed it over to God (and this time I really did), When I least expected it, along came a boy from Mississippi. From that day forward, I was with my best friend. Believe it or not, I may not always be the easiest person to live with but he never lets it show. The saying “I never knew how much I loved your father until I saw him with you” is so true for me, except times two. I could not ask for a better father for our two children. He takes everything in stride while I am a stressed mess. It is so funny how opposite we are about things. I do believe that opposites attract.

    One thing I absolutely cannot leave out is Venture Church (previously First Hattiesburg). This church has been an answered prayer for our whole family. I remember Kyle and I having conversations when we moved to Hattiesburg saying we would never go to a church “that big”. However, we were led to try it. I am so glad we did! It’s been over a year now that we have been members of this amazing church.  We have made such wonderful friends and built relationships with other believers. The most important to me is the children’s ministry. I have never had to worry about my babies being in the nursery. I know without a doubt they are being cared for and loved on (and maybe just maybe spoiled). We had to run by the drug store last Sunday on our way to church. We had to pass by the mall on the way. When we went past, Kolt began to cry and point at the mall. He thought the mall was church and that we weren’t going. (Yes I know, our church must be big for him to mistake the two). I love that our children love going to church. I hope it always stays that way!

      So for anyone who thinks turning 25 means you have so many things to do before you get married or before you turn 30, stop and make sure you are following God’s plan and not your own. My journey has been amazing thus far and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the future.

Happy 2 months Kylee Jo!

    Happy two months (a couple of weeks late) to our Kylee Jo. The past two months with this sweet angel have been wonderful! She is such a good baby! I have to admit; Kolt’s first two months resulted in many, many long nights due to his colic. I was very nervous that we would experience this again. Thankfully, she has had no complications since coming home from the hospital! (The NICU was enough!)
    Kylee Jo loves to sit in her nap nanny and watch TV. While she sits up, she kicks her legs like she is ready to run and catch her bother! Lately brother has been sitting by her to read and share his toys with her. She loves the interaction! She can now give you the sweetest smile. I love to catch those on camera!

    A couple of weeks ago I took both of the kids to watch daddy coach his first Junior High football game of the season. I vowed I would never take the kids in a double stroller, but as Julia Cartee told me, “Never say never!” I somehow managed with both kids and that train of a stroller. The following Friday night we all went to the PCS varsity game. Kolt watched the game every minute we were there! He loves to watch football.

   The amount of love Kolt has for his little sister makes me want to cry just thinking about it. He doesn’t like when she cries and he wants someone to help her right away. He loves to bring her anything HE thinks she might need, like a bottle, her poppy, or burp cloth. Lately he has been wanting to share his food with her. Last night he put a bag of gummies in her nap nanny with her. That says a lot since those are his favorite snack!
    Some of our upcoming plans include more football games and tailgating at a Southern Miss game. I cannot wait until October to take both of the babies to the pumpkin patch! Fall is my absolute favorite time of year since there is so much to do with the kids!

“Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

2 month picture!

I love that sweet smile! :)

At daddy's football game

Before church one morning! :)

Happy one month Kylee Jo!

   Wow, a whole month has passed since we welcomed our sweet Kylee Jo into the world. Like her bother, she decided to come on HER time. Also like her brother, she came a month early. As many of you know, Kylee Jo spent her first week in the NICU at Forrest General hospital here in Hattiesburg. Despite having to go to the NICU, she was a fighter and made major improvements every day. Exactly one week later we were able to bring our baby girl home. I tell people it shouldn’t count towards how old she is when she isn’t here with us!

    Our family has adjusted very well (much better than I had ever hoped for) to having a new baby. I spent many nights praying for Kolt to smoothly adjust to having his baby sister home and God heard my prayers. He is such a good big brother! Kylee Jo is a very easy baby so far. You just better have her bottle ready when it is time for her to eat!

     Kylee Jo typically eats every 3 hours and will eat anywhere from 2-4 ounces. Usually she likes to eat, burp, and go back to sleep. When she isn’t eating or sleeping she loves to look around with her bright eyes (especially when Kolt is around!). She loves to try and hold her bottle on her own; I think to make sure we don’t take it from her!

     I will be going back to work when school starts, which for me is August 1^st.  This may seem fast to some but Kyle and I both feel that this will better for everyone in the long run. Since she came early she will be 6 weeks old when I start work. This summer has both helped us and spoiled us. We have been able to adjust to many changes during a more relaxed time. However, I know that once school starts we will all have to hit the ground running. Kyle and I will both be working and Kyle coaches Junior High football.

    As much as I have enjoyed the time off this summer, I cannot wait for fall. This is my new favorite season since having Kolt. I cannot wait for all of our family activities such as visiting the pumpkin patch and attending football games. Kolt has loved attending “church school” twice a week for half a day. He has so much fun and is completely worn out once he gets home. His two new favorite activities are coloring and playing with his Leggos. It’s amazing how much he has grown intellectually over the past few weeks. I will definitely miss our morning cuddles in the recliner watching TV, once school starts.
    I know I have shared this many times but words cannot express how amazing my husband has been to our babies and me the past couple of months. Towards the end of my pregnancy I was so miserable and Kyle would help with whatever he could. He also put up with my many many cravings that would hit at all times of the day (and night!). Once Kylee Jo arrived, he alternated taking care of Kolt and spending hours in the NICU. If there was a cord hooked up to Kylee Jo, Kyle knew exactly what it did and why she had it. He amazed me with his knowledge of the situation. I didn’t think it was possible but my love grew for him even more that week. I will never be able to thank him enough.

   As the summer once again comes to an end, I know I have so much to be thankful for. Thank you to all of our prayer warriors during a time that was both scary and stressful for us. You will never know how much your prayers were felt and appreciated.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.
Psalm 28:7

Happy 1 month Kylee Jo!

(These are not the best pictures considering mommy is in a lot of pain tonight!)

Our precious babies!

Our baby boy looking so sweet!

A basket full of love and cuteness! 

I love this family picture of us!

Happy 4th of July!

He loves playing blocks with da-da

Sweet boy coloring with mommy

Kylee Jo all dressed up at church!

Bringing home Kylee Jo

  Well, if it is in God’s plan, tonight is our last night at home as a family of 3. Tomorrow we will bring Kylee Jo home, as she turns one week old. I can honestly say this past week has not been as hectic as I feared it might have been. I have been given a peace that I know only God can me. We have been so blessed for our baby to be in amazing hospital NICU (that her Pops helped design). The doctors and nurses have treated her as if she was one of their own. It has also been a blessing that we live only a few minutes from the hospital. I know not everyone with a baby in the NICU is as fortunate.

    We cannot even begin to thank our prayer warriors enough. Just knowing that people are praying for you and your family makes such a difference. I know that God has heard every single prayer for Kylee Jo and for us. Just because we are brining her home doesn’t mean the prayers have to stop!

    I really cannot explain how amazing my husband has been this week. It honestly brings tears to my eyes as I think about all he has done for our family. From the minute Kylee Jo was taken from our hospital room Monday evening, he knew every single detail about her situation. Not only has been amazing with Kylee Jo and staying at the hospital with her but he comes home and is amazing with Kolt. He has done so much around the house and even tackled Wal-Mart with Kolt just to give me a break.
   We know Kolt is going to be a great big brother but also know it will take time for him to adjust. I pray the transition will be smooth for him. He loves to look at pictures of “Jo Jo” on my phone. For anyone wondering why we call her “Jo Jo” is because that is the name Kolt has given her since I was pregnant. It melted my heart the first time he touched my stomach and said “Jo Jo”. I think he has finally realized she is not in mommy’s tummy anymore. He did so well visiting her at the hospital this week. It has been good practice for him to see her gradually.
  I know our baby girl is a fighter and God has had her in the palm of His hand. We are so thankful to Him for making her strong and well. I pray that she continues to only progress from here.

I think this verse is even more fitting our baby girl now than before - “I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 14

Sweet Summer Time

   We are so thankful it is summer time for the Maxies! I love being able to spend more time as a family during our “off” season. I am also very thankful for a summer break the further along I become in my pregnancy. Kyle held a baseball camp last week at PCS and he does summer workouts during the week. Kolt gets to start going to church daycare two half days a week next week. We are excited for him to make new friends and know he will have a great time!

   I am now seeing the doctor once a week to check on Kylee Jo. As of right now, we still have the same due date, July 20. She is roughly measuring 5 pounds and 5 ounces as of the ultrasound last Thursday. I have been very determined to make sure we are ready any day, after Kolt surprised us so early last time. I am so thankful to be in the same town as my doctor and hospital this time! I am 35 weeks this week. A few things to note from this pregnancy: a lot more heartburn lately (hopefully she is working on hair for mommy to put bows in!) and I am very, very uncomfortable. I know I am getting on everyone’s nerves around me, constantly complaining! It’s a hot summer!

    Over the next few weeks, besides waiting on Kylee Jo, we plan to enjoy time in the pool we got for Kolt, attend our awesome Growth Group on Wednesday nights and relax (because in a few weeks, our lives will be even crazier…for the better!). We can’t wait to meet our baby girl!

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God will help her, and that right early.” Psalm 46:5

Enjoying National Donut Day!

                                                       
                                         

Trying on hats in Target with Daddy & Mommy

I love my new pool!