One more day...

I think that my sweet hubs is finally on the mend. We slept in the same bed again last night, (he slept in the guest room the night before because he was afraid he would get me sick). Little less coughing, but a lot of snoring, oh well, at least I had him with me. It was hard to go to sleep without him on Friday night, knowing he was sick and just a room away. We are such losers. Right now we are up watching the history channel, a sweet documentary on the battle portrayed in the movie 300, it was awesome (now you see why I am blogging). Sampson is snug as a bug next to me in the big chair snoozing away. We do have rain again today, so he is not thrilled to have to walk outside with that scary umbrella. Colin is much better at dragging him out the door to do his business. Tomorrow should be interesting since I am going back to work. Sampson is used to me snuggling with him on the couch until 8ish. I think I am going to miss that too. I can't wait to go back to school tomorrow morning and stand at the door as my sweet kids walk down the hall to our classroom. It is going to be so good to be back to work.

I have learned over the past 8 weeks to slow down. God has taught me that it is OK to rest, and relax. He will provide the time needed to get stuff done. He has taught me that I have the best family and friends in the world. He has taught me that it is not about me, I had to rest to protect this little life He has so graciously given us, He loves this little baby more then we can ever comprehend. I have learned that God is so good, and He is always there. Although I know there will come a time that I miss this time of rest, but for right now I look forward to see what is in store the next 22 weeks of pregnancy.

I will post tomorrow about my first day back at work. I may not be able to blog everyday (sorry Kristin), but I will do my best to not slack off.
Em

Lazy Day

Well we have had a very uneventful day. Colin came down with a bad cold yesterday and we decided although he was feeling better, we should probably lay low. He has had the last four days off of work, so it has been nice for him to be able to rest and really take care of himself. I have done my best to take care of him in "sickness." I have made him breakfast, lunch, and dinner, refilled his orange juice, given him meds, and tucked him in our extra bedroom bed last night. I am trying to avoid catching the cold so I don't have to call in sick my first day back to work Monday.

We spent most of the day laying in bed with our little man watching the first season of 24. You can't go wrong with Jack Bauer. Tomorrow we are going to try and look for a chair to put in the nursery, buy the bead board and crown molding, and paint. Colin's dad and our brother-in-law are going to help us install all of it after Christmas!! Yipppeee! We can't pick out pink or blue yet....not until the 23rd.

All in all, a great day at home with the family. I love it when God encourages you to slow down and just breathe.

HaPPy ThAnkSgiViNg

(me and my momma...I love her)

(me and the hubs at Thanksgiving 2008)

(Dad, Uncle Rick, Colin, Stephen, and Mac)

(These poor turkey's don't have a chance with this crew)

(I can smell the sweet scent of fried turkey!)

(We say down to enjoy the much anticipated feast....)

(Dad was nervous Stephen was going to cut into the turkey without him, Rick just couldn't get enough)

(My hubs took care of the birds)

(We had lot's of turkey)

(Then we had to work off all the turkey by playing Wii)

What an incredible day with family! We had a blast frying up turkey's, telling crazy stories, and playing Wii. I am just so thankful that I have such a wonderful family! Enjoy the pictures of our celebration! I didnt get pictures of my mom and Deb cleaning everything off the table, washing the dishes, and being awesome! I was so, so thankful that they took care of all the clean-up.....thanks ladies.

Table is set....

(table setting for Flo)

(centerpieces from Gordman's)

(table for 15 please)

(another angle)

and we are off.....

Today our Holiday officially starts. We have some crazy Stout/Baxter traditions that we must adhere to on the day before Thanksgiving. Since we host Thanksgiving at our house we get to decorate and set up for the family's big feast. This year is a little different since we are actually hosting our biggest dinner yet....15. We have actually rented two six foot tables, 15 chairs, table cloths, and napkins. I love this part and promise to post a picture once we get it all set up. My sister-in-law and mom are coming over around 4 to help with all the decorative prep. Tonight is one of my favorite parts of the day because family comes over to help season and inject the turkey's. (4 breasts/1 whole turkey). Colin and Mac have the secret sauce they create and then rub it down with some really good creole seasoning. I am sure the night will end with some Rock Band and good family time. We are thrilled that the St. Louis Baxter's joined us this year (Rick, Clare, and Stephen....we are sad that Flo couldn't make it). I am also excited because I think that Colin is going to get off work early! Did I mention I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS?!?!?!?

This afternoon before all the madness begins I am going to one of my favorite restaurants with the girls from work. We are off to Saul Good to celebrate the break, friendship, and I am celebrating joining them on Monday!

We have so much to be thankful for!
Em

So Thankful...

Guess what?!?!?! I went into see Dr. Butler, Jennafer, and Joan today just to touch base about my bed-rest, clot, and sweet baby Stout. We got some great news! Dr. Butler has released me back to part-time work starting on Monday. I will be going in from 8-11:15 every day until Christmas break. I go back to the Dr. on December 23rd (find out the sex), and should know if I can be released back to full-time! I am so excited, but a little nervous because I have been so, so cautious over the last 8 weeks. God is going to continue to protect this sweet baby, and I totally trust Dr. Butler and his decision to release me. (watch out, I will be out on the road driving again).

We also heard the heartbeat today (no ultrasound), but a strong little beat. Our nurse Jennafer was in our last ultrasound and she agrees with me at the moment that it is a boy....we won't know for sure until December 23rd. I can't wait!

So many reasons to be thankful this season.......

Sampson , Snow, and 16 weeks....

(First shot, Colin decided it wasn't close enough.... I was all decked out for church. Jewelry and make-up)

(Second shot....little closer)

(Sampson LOVES the snow!)

(Kind of scary picture, but he ran and ran and buried his face in the snow)

(When he first got outside and wasn't too sure yet)

(Today I realized he loves snow....but HATES the rain!)

I am making up for my lack of posting last week. Be sure you check out the next post after you check out all the pix of sweet little Sampson in the snow! He loved it!!

Babies and Birthdays

(The Sisk's)

(The Jennings')

(The Feola's)

(The Birthday girls.....also sporting babies!)

(Colin's awesome seat during the dinner, this is the main reason we are renting for Thanksgiving, we don't have enough chairs)

(The Babies and Birthdays dinner crew)

Tonight was a really fun night with some really good friends. The Stout's, Sisk's, Jennings', and Feola's all came over for dinner. At first we decided to celebrate Katie and Dave and their sweet little guy we have been praying for over the last few weeks. Then Katie called and reminded me that Nakada's birthday was Friday, so she was going to pick up a cake. On Saturday at church Shane told me that Monica's birthday is on Thursday....so dinner turned into a huge celebration of babies and birthdays. I love surprises, especially when I get to surprise others. We had a great dinner of veggie soup, chili and some really rocking appetizers. For dessert we had an incredible ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins that I just noticed was left behind in our freezer.....not good news for the pregnant lady who is craving chocolate ice cream!

I didn't do much today because I really thought I was set for tonight. My amazing mom and dad prepared the soup for me, and since everybody else brought things for the dinner I was good to go. Then I realized once everyone arrived that my table was only set for six....problem when you have eight guests. Colin and Dave had to sit in some not so comfortable seats we had to add to the table at the last minute. Colin you will see in the picture above is sporting a nice lawn chair, and Dave had to straddle our piano bench. Sorry guys, but thanks for being troopers and taking one for the team.

It was a great night, and an early night. This group of friends also values the ability to go to bed around oh....at least 9:00. That is what you call friendship....Enjoy the pix and Nate and Stef know we missed you guys!!

Sorry Kristin....

I didn't realize how neglected my poor blog has been. My mom borrowed her laptop back and our PC isn't working quite right, so blame it on Trish :) Just kidding. We have had a pretty busy weekend. I went to the movies on Friday night to see Twilight, pretty good flick but definately like the book better. Saturday I rested most of the day because we had an awesome opportunity to share our story at church this weekend. Colin and I created a poster that told a brief snippit of our story. Here is what they said.....

Battled infertility for three years....
God blessed us, expecting May 2009.

It was an incredible weekend. I loved spending time with people from Southland's community and hearing other's stories of hope. God is so good! We are off to Lifegroup tonight, so I am going to take me a little nap.

Em

Pumpkin Chip Bread

(Colin and Sampson sacked out in the chair on Monday night)

(Lauren and Jack....so cute)

(Charlie Bug, he came over and told me he was so sad about Taylor, but she was in Heaven and he really liked Sampson)

(Colin keeping his eye on Anna)

Well, those are the cute pix of our Life group I promised. We had a great time Sunday night eating Brooklyn Pizza and catching up.

Yesterday, I went to Meijer to pick up some must needs for the house (toilet paper, paper towels, and all my fixins for pumpkin bread). The walk around the store about killed me, I came home and took a nap. Maybe I am getting too used to doing nothing, that I won't be able to function through a full day without laying my head on the pillow. Colin and I had a nice night in and enjoyed some soft taco's from Taco Bell and Chuck on TV. I caught Colin and Sampson snoozin on the couch.....cute picture.

Today, mom and I have been baking pumpkin muffins and loaves. I have a plan to take some to school tomorrow for all the ladies I work with, and another loaf to Dr. Butler, Jennafer, and Joan next Tuesday. I am going to have to make another batch soon, I have so many people I want to share with! Tonight, our friends Joy and Trent are coming over with dinner and to watch the UK game. We are hoping to stay up until 11 and see the CATS pull off a win!!!!

Cribs, Hutches, Dressers...Oh my!

(we bought the crib, dresser, and hutch on the left. Can't believe we now own baby furniture)

We had a really busy weekend. Friday night was absolutly perfect, Colin, Sampson, and I all piled up on the couch in front of the fire and watch some UK basketball. We didn't really enjoy watching the CATS lose, but we did enjoy the time together snug as bugs on the couch. I got to sleep in to 7:30 on Saturday (because Colin got up and sat with our little man), and almost didn't know what to do with myself. At 10:00 my friend Stef came and picked me up and we went to Nakada's house to look at all of her awesome baby stuff. She is expecting twins in late December, early January and has a lot of good stuff. I sat in her glider as she showes us all her pink and blue outfits, blankets, picture frams, etc. It takes a lot of stuff to have two babies. I am so excited for KJ and Nakada and know little Sophie and Riley are some of the luckiest kids in the world. (they will be in really good shape, and eat chicken and broccoli).

I came home and rested for a few hours and then Colin, Mom, Dad, and I went and bought our baby furniture!!! We have purchased our sweet baby's crib, dresser, hutch, mattress and a night stand. We had to buy all this extra stuff to make it into a full bed some day....who knows. I am so excited about painting, decorating, and getting this nursery ready. Although we aren't 100% sure we are having a boy....I really, really, really think that is what is in my belly. We shall see. I will post a picture of the funiture.

Saturday night I got to go to church and then to KJ and Nakada's couples baby shower. I sat the whole time and enjoyed being around good food and really good friends. It is so nice to sit on somebody elses couch and have a chat. We didn't stay long because Nate and Stef wanted to meet our new addition, Sampson. He went crazy when we came home. He was acting like a real puppy. We had him in his house for a few hours, and he was ready to go when we got home.

Today, while Colin was playing at church Sampson and I took a field trip to Grandma and Grandaddy''s. He loved spending time at their house, and did a great job of going outside to go to the bathroom and chewing on his toys. So proud!!
Our life group just left. We had some good conversations and yummy pizza. I will post pictures of our big night. Charlie loved Sampson, but not as much as Blue Boy.....(Sampson's squeaky toy). Needless to say, I am exhausted and wanting to curl up on the couch with my snoring dog. So that is what I am going to do. Look for pix tomorrow of our Lifegroup dinner.
Em

My Resting Buddy....

(had to throw this one in, our most recent family picture)

(Sampson's favorite sleeping position, notice who has more of the couch)

I had such a great day today. First of all, I have to brag on our new puppy Sampson. He slept thru the night, no crying and no accidents. It was a great nights sleep for sure. He is really getting used to the family routine, and I think that he now knows that he isn't going anywhere, he is a keeper. I usually get up around 6, and we sleep on the couch until about 8 together. I have put a picture of his favorite sleeping position....on his back, feet up in the air, and snoring like a champ. I do my best to sleep, but usually can't get past the snoring in my ear.

Around 8 this morning, Jess and Swilly came over with Chick Fil-A to chat and pray together. It is always so good to talk, and now exactly how to pray for each other. After they left I fell back asleep from 9-10:30, I think the last few nights of little sleep finally caught up with me. My dad took me out for dad/daughter day and we grabbed lunch at the club (Keene Run), and hit the grocery to grab to goods for some veggie soup tonight. I really enjoyed that time with my sweet daddy!! He is the best!

We met back up with my mom (she is equally amazing) at the house and we sat by the fire and played with Sampson and rested. All in all a great morning and afternoon. Tonight, Colin and I are planning on sitting by the fire, eating veggie soup, and making our Christmas list. I am looking forward to a whole lot of nothing.

I am excited that we have been asked to do our cardboard testimony next weekend at church. I know that once we share our story we will have a place to sit and keep my feet up in between services. I am going to pray about that, I don't want to push it too hard..... I am still just so thankful for my family and friends and that God is teaching me to continue to trust Him and follow him.
Em

Need help....TRISH BAXTER DO NOT READ!

I need your help, please see the last paragraph.....Mom, you better not be reading this. Now feel free to enjoy snapshots of Nakada's shower from this past weekend.

(the baby buddies, I absolutely adore these girls and know our kids are going to be buddies too, Sophie may be surrounded with boys!!)

(Katie came over to help out because I couldn't do anything but sit in a big chair..thank you so much Katie. She even came over the night before to clean, along with Stef)

(Jessica made half the food for the shower...she has an amazing hashbrown and breakfast casserole....you the best friend)

(This is Sophie's sweet burp cloth from Kendra White's business Dots and Doodles)

(This is Riley's little burp coth from Dot's and Doodles, thank you Kendra)

(My mom and I made this little diaper cake for Nakada's sweet babies. Mom found the perfect ribbon and Allison Weece hooked me up with the trick to keeping this beast together)

(my mom and dad at thanksgiving two years ago, God truly blessed me with amazing parents)

OK...I know that I have the most creative, thoughtful friends ever and I am need of help. My mom has been pooring her life into mine for the last six weeks, she cooks, cleans, and sits with me through these long crazy days and now I need a way to genuinely thank her. Any suggestions? She doesn't like spa type activities. My mom is the most giving person I have ever met, she hardly ever does anything for herself. I just can't think of anything. Please help!!

December.....

I had a really good report from Dr. Butler, the clot is much smaller, I can start adding small activities to my daily schedule unfortunately that does not include work. I was devastated to hear the news that my next appointment would be in six weeks (20 weeks), and on December 23rd. This means that I will be out of school at least until January. I know that this is ALL worth it, and I don't have any second thoughts about taking it easy, I just really miss my team and class.

Our ultrasound today was incredible! We saw our little bun flip and flop, we heard a strong heartbeat, and another 4D photo. In the photo, we could see our little friend sucking his/her thumb. As for his/her our tech took a peak down under. She told us that right now both boys and girls tend to have things sticking out....when she got where she needed to be she said "but not usually that big." Needless to say, we are leaning toward BOY, but won't know for sure until our next ultrasound.

We are thrilled with the health of our sweet baby, and so thankful for answered prayers. I know that God has a plan during these next few months of down time. We are going to stay near home through the holidays, no traveling (we were hoping to go to Chicago and Texas), but know that we are doing what is best for the baby. I will have some pictures posted tomorrow.

Em

Surprise!!!

My sweet husband came in this afternoon carrying the newest addition to our family. We have adopted a four month, forty pound old english bulldog and named him Sampson. So far, so good. He absolutely loves the couch, and to snuggle up as close as he can to anyone. We have noticed that he snores, has terrible gas, and doesn't really like to go outside.....uh oh! We love him and are excited to have him join the family.

Doctor tomorrow......

So, I have all kinds of cute pix from Nakada's baby shower, but my camera cord is upstairs, and I am downstairs....I will upload them tomorrow. I sound sooooo lazy. The good news is, I head back to the Doctor tomorrow. I have my ultrasound at 11 and my appointment with Dr. Butler at 1. I am optimistic that my bedrest is coming to an end. Wouldn't that be great?? I know that if he tells me I have another few weeks, I will be upset, but understand it is for GOOD reason. This little one is worth it to me.

Jenny Ann, Jason, and Addisyn just left his morning. They are our sweet friends from Atlanta. Addisyn is getting so big (5 months), and full of smiles. She is adorable, and such a good baby. We love having the Barber's spend time with us, they are the best house guests ever. We were sad to see them go, but know we will get to see them over the holidays!

Mom is here today making her infamous bourbon balls. She is currently rolling up the sweet mixture and I am sure we will be dipping them in chocolate soon. She is so good to me, she has already started the laundry and I am sure she will make back up the guest room. ahhh, so nice.

Well, I promise to post pictures tomorrow of the festivities from this past weekend and also and update on Sweet baby Stout.
Em

Preparations...

In preparation for Nakada's shower this weekend my mom took the time to hang the clothes line of onesies behind me in my belly pix. Everyone keeps asking what the heck those are, and I will be posting a much cuter picture after the shower tomorrow. I am in hopes that Nakada doesn't look at my blog at least today.

I feel like I had a very productive day. I was up and ready by 8:00 to enjoy chicken mini's with my friends Swilly and Jess. We had a really good time catching up and encouraging each other.
After they left I finished up my last three report cards....whew! I am thrilled to have all of that complete! At around 12 the Kindergarten team came over for lunch and to chat about what has been going on the last year (seems like it) that I have been on bedrest....okay 5 weeks. We hammered out the final part of our report cards and I headed up for a much needed nap. I don't know why I keep waking up around 3 AM every morning, but I just can't seem to get a good nights sleep, boo! I have had some stretching in my belly and cramping, but still no bleeding which is a huge relief. I think that I also felt a little gurgling last night, which might be baby or might be gas. Who knows? I like to think that it is my sweet one!

Tonight Katie and Stef are helping with the final preparations for Nakada's shower, cleaning and setting up where the food will be. I am so excited to love on my baby buddy and her babies (2, dos, twins!) I will post pix tomorrow of her shower. I am loving my mom's digital camera...thanks momma. She is still doing everything for me...so lucky!

Em

14 weeks....

I am officially a loser, this is my second post today. I was too excited to wait until tomorrow to post these pix. My mom let us borrow her digital camera and we are now able to document my growing belly bump. I have a busy few days ahead and don't know if I will be able to blog. Tomorrow the K team is coming over to finish up our narratives and report cards. Tomorrow night my friends Katie and Stef are coming over to clean and set up for Nakada's baby shower for her twins. We also have some great friends coming in from Atlanta to stay with us for the weekend. Busy, busy....but alas I will take in all the festivities from the couch. Enjoy the pix....
Em

Thankful

Soooo, last night I got to go to church. I went to a program called first Wednesday, which is full of worship and scripture. My mom got there first and say on the first row of the bleachers which was perfect. I can't stand up anymore during worship and I have noticed during the weekend services that if I sit in the middle of the bleachers I tend to be looking at the backsides of the people in front of me. Plus we got there early enough to run into some friends that I haven't seen for a while. It was such a powerful night where I was just reassured that God is in control and He has such an amazing plan for our lives. He will walk through every moment with us, ahead of us, and carry us if needed. I am so thankful for that promise!

I am getting so excited about Thanksgiving! We always host the big event where my family and Colin's dads side of the family come over. This year my aunt, uncle, and cousin from St. Louis aro joining us too! We will have a total of 15 people! We are renting some tables and chairs to accomodate our shindig! It is such an easy day becasue not one person does ALL the cooking. Colin and I purchase two-three turkey's and my brother comes over the night before to season them up. The next morning Mac comes back over to start the frying process. We turn on the Macy's Day Parade and fry all of our turkey's plus and few twinkies. Around 12 everyone starts heading our way with 2-3 sides and a dessert. We end up having way too much food, and we always have sooo much fun! I love our tradition of thanksgiving. Everyone stays until aound 4 or 5 and then we crash!

Too much fun! Sooo, enjoy this beautiful day, I hear that it may be my last one to sit outside and eat lunch and read. Love,
Em

Prayer...

I am so glad that God is in control of our lives and that He essentially knows all and sees all. I am a little nervous about the upcoming change in presidency, but also believe that it is out of my hands and I don't need to worry. God tells us over and over again not to worry, and so I am going to trust that we will continue to be taken care of because we believe in a BIG God.

1 Timothy 2

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

We need to keep our current president and newly elected president in all of our prayers. They have such huge decisions daily and we need to pray that God is in each of those.

Get out and vote!

Colin and I had some friends and family over last night to eat up a delicious pot pie. It was really difficult to walk through all the motions yesterday without Taylor, and a nice distraction to have friends over to watch the UK game. After the game and the company left, I broke down. We usually let Taylor out one last time and all go upstairs to bed. Colin and I had a great walk down memory lane as we laid in bed. We don't know marriage without this sweet pup. We will get through this for sure, it is just really weird not having her here anymore.

Last night as we prayed, I realized I had a lot to tell God and thank God for. I guess it went a little long because when I said Amen, my sweet husband had fallen asleep. He was emotionally drained and exhausted. I love praying out loud together, even if Colin falls asleep.

I prayed specifically for this election today. I pray that God be in the center of this country and His will be done. This is such a big day, but God already knows the outcome. Well go out and vote today and after you do that go snag a free coffee from Starbucks or a free donut from Krispy Kream. That is hilarious....bribes to go vote. My mom and dad are taking me today. A. I can't drive and B. One of them is going to stand in line for me until it is my turn to vote. This seems to be a perk to me today....thank you Lord!

My baby buddies are coming over for lunch today. I cant wait to catch up with my sweet friends. We are also throwing Nakada her baby shower this weekend. (lots of friends and family helping decorate and serve, since I will be stuck on my bucket). God is good, I just love Him!
Have a great day.

For better and for worse....

I would have to say that today has been one of those "worse" moments that Todd Tyler mentioned during our wedding vows. Actually it has been this whole past weekend. I think knowing that we were taking Taylor in today on Saturday made it so much harder on all of us. It was obviously time, she had stopped eating, lost so much weight, and was sleeping all the time. It was not right to keep her around selfishly for us, and have her suffer through the pain. Poor Colin had to deal with my many "breakdowns" over the weekend and he just held me and encouraged me that we were doing what was best for Taylor. He was so strong, so calm, and so brave. He was the one that took her to the vet this morning and stayed with her until she passed. We wanted to be sure the last thing she saw was someone who treasured and loved her. Colin said it was very peaceful and quick. We think Taylor was done...after ten amazing years coupled with so many memories we knew it was time to say good-bye. I am doing really well, and honestly feel a little relieved that we don't have to worry about her hurting, meds, and eating....she is so much better now.

All this to say, I adore my sweet husband and am so thankful for what he did for me this weekend. He is strong, loving, and I am so lucky to have such an amazing man.

em