Drum Roll Please.....

So over Thanksgiving I thought it would be a fun idea to let the family know whether we were having a girl or a boy. A friend of mind gave me the idea to have a cake made and have the inside be either blue for boy or pink for girl. Since my parents were going to be in town for Thanksgiving I thought why not give it a try. (Everyone thought we were finding out over Christmas so this was a complete shock...)

So I had this 'fall' cake made as a dessert for the yummy feast....

but little did they know that when they cut into it....

they would realize....

we are having a GIRL!!!!!

Thrilled that our surprise worked...

now our world is colored PINK!!!

17 weeks

Ok so this is my first progression picture. I haven't been too good documenting the process but I'm trying to get better. So here's my start...we will see if I keep it up!

*New post below*

Thanksgiving 2009

This year was my first thanksgiving in Orlando. Usually Adam and I travel to Alabama to spend time with my family or we go up to Montana with the Mikkelson's but not this year. My parents decided to come here. I LOVED not having to travel although my only disappointment was that the weather was so warm. I need a break from this heat...good thing we will be heading to Montana the day after Christmas...can't wait for snow!! Here are a few pictures from our turkey day. I'm so thankful for our family. We are so blessed!

Turkey carving!

Mom & Judy

Judy and her mom 'mama jewel'

Bart, Adam, & Dad relaxing before the feast!

Becca & Becca

Grandbeeb (Melissa's mom) & Becca

William

Way too much food on that plate!!

*Ashley, Matthew & Avery were in Birmingham with Matthew's family but we will all be together for Christmas this year. *

I think my favorite part about being home this year was decorating the house the day after Thanksgiving. I LOVE Christmas! Pictures to follow...

A miracle in the making...

I've been wanting to write this blog for quite a while yet have felt a certain hesitancy in putting this out there. Not sure why but here it goes...

On September 1, 2009 I found out I was pregnant. I was at work and decided to take a test because that's what you do each and every month when you are trying. :-) This time I seriously could not believe my eyes...two lines appeared within seconds and I new in my heart that God was at work....

You see Adam and I had decided to take a break the month of August. After our 3rd IUI was unsuccessful we both were certain that taking a break was just what we needed. The emotional roller coaster and the disappointment gets exhausting after a while and we needed to take time off from the doctor appointments, shots, remembering what day it was, etc.... For those of you in this journey you know what I'm talking about!! During this month God worked in our hearts in ways that are pretty indescribable. If you recall from a previous post, August was also the month we were given an opportunity to adopt and through God's infinite wisdom he showed us that wasn't His plan for us. A miracle was in the making....

I called Adam at work and I think I said "There are two lines!!" He was a bit confused since I didn't give him many details and I just screamed "I'm pregnant." He too was completely shocked and responded with "What do I need to do." ...just keep working!! :-) When he got home he was able to see for himself what we both had come not to expect...

The true beauty of the timing of all of this is that it was unexpected!! In our process God gave me a verse that I've treasured in my heart. Luke 1:45 says "blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." In my heart of hearts I knew that one day Adam and I would have children. I didn't know how or when but I knew God was at work and I fought every day to believe, to hope.

My heart continues to break for my friends who continue to struggle with infertility. Many nights I find myself in tears over the losses and disappointments of my dear friends and even some that I don't know that well. If you are reading this and you're the one who's heart is breaking because your still waiting...I get it and I'm so sorry. I know what it's like to be so happy for life given to others yet so sad at the same time. Keep fighting to believe, keeping hoping...and when you can't anymore I pray God gifts you with a community that will fight with you and for you! And if I can pray for you please let me know as I'd count it an honor to walk with you.

So our due date is May 11th and we would appreciate your prayers. We feel so blessed to have such an incredible family and a community of people that have loved us and supported us in so many ways. We are so grateful.

Don CeSar

Last week Adam and I went on a little vacation to St Pete Beach and stayed in the big, pink hotel better known as "The Don CeSar". Adam tried his luck on luxurylink.com and found us an amazing deal. We enjoyed 4 nights/5 days on the beautiful gulf coast. Most of our days were spent beach side with a great book. I was able to go to the Spa where I enjoyed a relaxing facial. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures of us but we did manage to capture the sunsets! They were unbelievable.

It was a beautiful hotel!

The view from our room.

Mom's 50th

On Saturday October 3rd my mom turned 50! To celebrate Adam and I flew in a couple of days early to surprise her at work. Her co-workers (friends) turned their conference room into Margaritaville for a lunch time luau! The look on her face when we came through the door was priceless!

Setting up "she has no idea"

a slide show played in the background

Mom and I with the tiki poll

On Saturday we celebrated with mom's close friends and family at Fly Creek Marina in Fairhope, AL. I am honored to have such an amazing mom and it was a joy to celebrate her special day! Here's to the next 50!! Love you Mom!!!

The birthday queen and her man!

Mom and Aunt Rae Rae

Her favorite son-in-law!

50 looks good on you!

My dad's parents joined in the festivities!

I'm over it! (The Hill)

Happy Birthday!!

some of the Andrews clan!

Sister Kathy, Mom and Grandma!

Wonderful women!!

Closing the night with a special dance! My grandparents so in love... going on 51 years!

Blogger's Block...

So you could say that I have started this post a few times already and deleted it only to start over again...

I've been a bit silent in the blog world but have still been keeping up with all of you (blogs I like)! It's really nice at times to be silent and just listen (or read) about the day to day life of people near and far. I feel like it's a blessing to watch my friend's children grow each day and see the joy they have brought to their families. What precious gifts. I've also been inspired by all your creative blogs! One day I'll discover my hidden talent but until then I'll just admire your skills and craftiness.

Adam and I have managed to stay busy (imagine that). The month of August we spent some time traveling. We were able to spend a lot of time with family, which we always enjoy. I can't really say what took place the month of September. I only know it flew by (work, connecting with friends, etc) and Adam was thrilled for football season to start again. October has been fun so far. My mom turned the BIG 5-0 and Adam and I had the chance to fly up a day early to surprise her for a Margaritaville lunch at her office. She had no idea and the expression on her face was priceless. It was a great start to a fun weekend celebrating her. (I'll post pics later). Last weekend we went to the U2 concert in Tampa which was so AMAZING! If you ever get the opportunity to go, don't turn it down!! And next week we are spending Wed.-Sun in St. Pete at The Don CeSar Resort. I am really looking forward to getting away with my wonderful husband. In August, we spent some time remembering our little one that God decided to take to heaven. August would have marked a year of his/her life and I was feeling pretty sad. We had just found out that our 3rd IUI didn't work and I was just disappointed. My sweet husband, who knows me so well, entered the sadness with me and we both just let go. I wept. He held me and it was beautiful. He also gave me a card he had written to our little one and decided he wanted to take me some place to celebrate our marriage and what the Lord has done in us over the last year and a half. I am looking forward to spending time together. I really am so blessed.

Count your blessings! Count them one by one...