Carter's Birthday in Pictures

No words right now, just these pictures... which tell the story beautifully.

Last day as a family of 3

This is me 31/2 years ago on the day I delivered Caroline. Don't know what else to say, but WOW...I was big. Here I sit 31/2 years later, with the same outfit set out to wear, and so much more nervous than the first go round. Yes, I have decided to go forward with the induction tomorrow morning. Even though I am nervous and have been an emotional basket case, I do feel at peace with the decision.

I'm not sure what it is that I'm so worked up about this time. Labor wasn't bad with Caroline, and although the adjustment to life with a baby was tough, I did okay. Maybe I just know what to expect....I know that although labor can be pain free (as it was with my first) it is long and tiresome, and recovery can be rough. I know that as soon as this little guy enters the world, our lives are forever changed. I know that after today, Caroline's life as she knows it will be completely altered. Of course the addition is a gift to Caroline, nothing is better than siblings, but I can see that understanding taking a while to settle in with her. Caroline, my Mom, and I spent our final day without baby on an outing to Six Flags. My little wild child Caroline loves the place and can't wait to be tall enough to ride everything! Taking her today provided us fun times and made some lasting memories of the final day before Carter!
Finally, here is a picture of my sweet first born 3 1/2 years ago. My prayers is that we see a similar pink, plump, precious, and perfectly healthy baby tomorrow afternoon.

38 weeks

Here I am before church on Sunday at exactly 38 weeks. I really can't complain, my pregnancy has been complication free, I am still feeling fine and on my feet most of the day working. My only true discomfort is awful heartburn and reflux when I recline at all....which as you can imagine causes me to be up most of the night. I am tired, but I guess adrenaline and natural motherly instincts are kicking in to keep me going. I won't lie....I've wanted to avoid induction and wait until my body does its thing naturally this entire pregnancy, but now the anticipation is killing me. I can't wait for baby Carter to be here and I am excited for the entire birth experience again. The day I had Caroline was the best day of my life to this point.

My doctor got me thinking even heavier about induction today when he told me he is leaving town Wednesday and won't be back until that following Tuesday, which is past my due date. I love my doctor and really want him to deliver. (If you live in the Mansfield area, I highly recommend Dr. Krombach!) He said he would induce Tuesday the 11th, so I am thinking and praying on that right now. I am still not 100% at peace with it, but am seriously considering it. One thing that is cool is Carter's birthday would be 10-11-11 and Caroline's is 7-08-08.
Maybe if I do induce and don't get the whole rushing to the hospital in labor experience this time, I can convince Justin into having a third and finally get that experience! ;-)
As for now, I'm off to enjoy possibly the last weekend of being a family of three. We've got some fun stuff planned with Caroline and I'm looking forward to some leisure before life gets really busy!

Seasons

Life to me feels like an ever revolving cycle of seasons. I remember times as a child when my Grandma was ill that I would hope and pray that the feeling of sadness and darkness would pass us by and that she would be healed. I remember that everyone around me seemed to have no worries, their lives were filled with happiness and light, and how I wished that for my family. I was in fourth grade when Grandma was ill and I vividly remember the heaviness that surrounded my life.

I didn't understand suffering and pain then, and I still don't... but I know these seasons and times in our lives come and go.

Personally, I am in a season of joy, anticipation, thankfulness....but I look around me and am observing so much pain, suffering, and loss to so many very dear to me.

Maybe God brings the rain so we can really recognize and appreciate the light and blessings in our life. Maybe it exists so that we will turn to Him, the only shelter we can seek, in an unfair and troublesome world. Honestly, I don't know....I'm rambling, my words seem few and so irrelevant in a time filled with great hurt and loss.

This past week, one of my childhood friends and sorority sisters, Lindsay Lewis, was taken way too soon. She passed after a brief but serious illness. She leaves behind two very young boys, her loving husband, Gabe, and tons of family and friends that adored her.
As you can see she was a beauty, but more than that she was a gentle, caring soul that brought happiness to those around her. I have not seen Lindsay much lately as our busy lives have taken over, but from our years as friends I know she was so loved and loved many in return. This tragic loss has left me questioning everything, wondering why someone so young with a full life ahead of them would be taken so quickly. The funeral today was heart wrenching, but powerful in that it made me recognize the gentle grasp of this earth, and that we are to prepare for an eternity with our Creator. I no longer want to take life and the blessings in life for granted. I want to treasure every moment and day with the ones I love. I no longer want to put off or be too busy for quiet time and Bible study. I want to truly live, to live without anxiety over the seasons this life brings, and focus on the important people and things around me. We were never promised peace here on earth, but we are promised a peaceful, perfect eternity with a loving God. I am so thankful for that and I put my hope and faith in HIM.


This weekend, although I had a heavy heart, I was grateful to celebrate Justin's birthday with his side of the family.
Here's my little sunshine, and our newest bundle of joy Madelyn Grace.


Grammy with her babies!
Thank you Lord for the gifts of this earth and the promise of eternity.

Wedding Weekend

September 10th, one of my dearest friends Shannon got married and I was a part of the big day. When she asked me to be in her wedding, I had either just found out I was pregnant or was days away from finding out...I can't really remember. Anyhow, I was really nervous about being so pregnant in a wedding, but it turned out fine for me and the wedding weekend was perfect in every way.
We spent Saturday all together getting dolled up for the big night. We all had our hair done and surprisingly everyone was happy with the outcome...that seems to never happen. Shannon and her mom had snacks at the hotel and we sat around, ate, put on makeup, watched football, and got dressed for the evening. It is so fun and such a treat for me to spend a long day around good friends.
Shannon almost ready to go!
We arrived at the church around 3:45, took pictures, and prepared to walk down the isle! I had to get my dress all sorts of altered for it to fit me right, but in the end I liked the way it looked! Here are all the bridesmaids ready to go!
The beautiful couple!

The reception was held at the Arboretum and was absolutely flawless. Every detail had been planned and well thought out! The band was fun and the food and cakes were so good! It makes me sad...but happy for them of course.... that most of my friends are now married and the weddings are coming to a halt, we always have so much fun and it is a good time to catch up with old friends! It's hard to believe, but Justin and I are working on our eighth year of marriage!

Celebrating Baby Carter

Last week my precious friends hosted a baby shower for Carter and me. I couldn't have been more grateful, especially considering he is my second, but every baby is a gift and needs to be celebrated.
Andrea Mulkey made the cupcakes. They taste amazing and she customized the toppers to match Carter's room. Adorable!
Lots of good for for a preggo who is always hungry!
Caroline attended the shower with me because all of my babysitters were at the shower and Justin was out of town hunting! She behaved and played really well with Andrea's son who was also there. Little did she know, but my Aunt Carol brought a gift for her too. Caroline spent the remainder of the time playing with Baby Alive.
My sister Andrea Spencer and me! Lots of great Andrea's in my life.
Sis, Mom, and Me. Do we look alike?
My lovely friends who all have babies around the same age as Caroline. Also, Jalei is expected a son three days earlier than me!
Carli, Karley, and Shannon...dorm friends. Great memories with these ladies. Shannon actually got married this weekend, so I got to celebrate her all weekend.
The beautiful hostesses who made this shower special!
Sweet little shower attendees.

Thanks to all who came, sent a gift and/or well wishes, and to all those thinking and praying for us during this exciting time. I am 35 weeks today and with all the contractions I am beginning to have, I beginning to wonder if I am going to make it to 40 weeks. My goal was to go past my due date for optimum time off, but as long as he gets here healthy I am no longer picky about much else.

Baby Love

Cousin Love!


Baby Madelyn Grace Moon was born Monday, August 29, 2011. She was 6 lbs 12 oz and perfect in every way. Baby and Mama are doing well! We can't wait to watch her grow and get to know who she is. The Lord makes beautiful things!