Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Waiting and Wondering




Well, here it is July 6, 2011. Two days ago, Matt and I celebrated our second anniversary. I can't say it was the most "hyped up" of celebrations, but that could be because I am currently nearly 40 weeks pregnant, waiting eagerly for the arrival of our little girl "Baby K."






























We do have quite an interesting history of July 4ths, though. Our first date was July 4, 2008 on the NCR trail. Matt picked me up from my mom's townhouse where I was living at the time. We biked for a bit and stopped in Monkton to chat for what seemed like a few moments. It really ended up being a couple of hours! I am so glad he brought his camera that day!






Our second July 4th together was our Wedding Day! We were married July 4, 2009 in front of cheering friends and family! Besides a couple memorable glitches (a hidden toss bouquet, no
flowers for the cake, and a DJ who couldn't find our First Dance song!), we had such a memorable celebration. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, in my biased opinion. Pat Goodman encouraged us to "Focus" on what is important, the Brandon and Dixie Underhill lead us in amazing music, and special homemade touches adorned the altar (Gladys Osborne made our Unity candle and my Aunt Cheryl Austin made the white quilt that covered the table. She even used buttons from my Grandma Stayton's button box).









Our third July 4th was our one-year anniversary on July 4, 2010. We had been on a nearly 2-week trip out West and had explored parts of Colorado and Wyoming. For our anniversary, we were in the town of Telluride, CO, on the top of a mountain, dining in a really pricey restaurant called Allred's. I remember being wined and dined and served $14 Truffle Oil flavored french fries. The view was priceless, though! I remember the sun looked so large and red that it was a simply Heavenly experience. Allred's was the first restaurant I ever went to where we had to take a ski lift to get to the front door. :-)

My fourth July 4th with Matt, July 4, 2011, as stated was a bit quiet. Matt and I started the day with a nice breakfast on our deck. I wasn't feeling well, so he made the entire thing! My favorite part was the perfectly-seasoned french toast he made. I told him he was going to put me out of a job! I love eating on the deck, especially under the cabana his family bought for us. If there is a gentle breeze blowing, we like to close our eyes and pretend we are back beach-side at St. John. Ahhhh.... Matt knows by now that all I really want for any special occasion is WORDS. I tell him I better see something written in his own handwriting to feel loved. He always honors this request with a truly heartfelt, handwritten card or note. He wrote me a note from the baby's point of view (which was super cute) and one from his point of view. He also gave me a bunch of music (another love!) and some decorations for the house (also a love!). He knows me well.


The day ended with a small family/friend celebration next door at Paul and Lisa's house, complete with fireworks. Boys will be boys, right?!



Matt and I have been personifying my belly for quite some time now. I like to make my belly talk (using the belly button for Baby K's mouth, naturally). We've given our little girl a personality through our antics. I wonder what she'll really be like. What will she look like? Will she be musical like me or love the outdoors like Matt? Will she be a mischievous soul like Matt or more sensitive like me?






We are so looking forward to meeting this little one. It's surreal to think that the flutters, kicks, and rolls I've been feeling for months now are actually attached to a little person we could meet any time now! It's even more surreal to think that this little person is more than just a little human being, but our DAUGHTER. Wow! Thank You, Lord!






Father, Thank You for the blessing of our daughter. Please continue to show Your care over her, through the delivery, and each day after. May You give us grace and strength to be good parents. Help us to guide her and lead her to follow after You. We praise You and give you the glory for this miracle! Amen.






























































































































































































































































Sunday, February 13, 2011

It's a GIRL!











Tiny fingers, tiny toes, cute little fingers, and a sweet little nose!!! Matt and I got to see God's little miracle moving around inside of me last Wednesday, February 9th! Wow! What a supreme devotion!!!! We were SHOCKED when the tech. said, "Well, I guess you can start buying pink camo." What? Wow! In a family mostly filled with boys, it looks like we are having a GIRL! Our sweet little munchkin is 12 cm long (less than 5 inches!) and weighs 8 ounches (1/2 lb!). Yet even so small, she already has a developed spine, Mommy's big feet, a sweet little button nose, and adorable little legs. She was even trying to suck her thumb, kick me, and making munching motions like she was talking to us. At one point, it even appeared as if she was holding a fake mic to her mouth and singing to us. I can't wait to meet this little miracle! Thank you, God!!!


~Julie








Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Why do we forget?


Why do we forget? Forget His faithfulness, His goodness, His love, His plan? Speaking about forgetting, I even forgot I had started this blog last spring. I feel like I have gone on a trip through Dark Valley, with side trips to Confusion Mountain, and God, Where are You? Cave. However, along the way, I have seen rainbows, felt the warmth of His Sonshine, and seen views that are like secret joys--tucked away in God's creation.

Since I last wrote, I resigned from CCPS, went on a fascinating trip out West with Matt, started a new job as a private SLP at SPEECH PATHways in Westminster, adopted a sweet puppy we named Zoe, joined a marriage group (RBI) through LifePoint, AND BECAME PREGNANT!

The latter was a shock to me, as evidenced by the trip I spoke of. After losing Peanut one year ago and receiving some grim news in the conception department, I began to doubt God's plan for us in the area of children.

Matt didn't, though. I always admire my blessing--my husband--my example of faith and resting in the Lord. Matt has shown me time and time again what it means to rest in the Lord, trust Him, and just be! I am so thankful to be married to such an amazing man!

So, why come back to an abandoned blog today of all days? Well, because today I am in a reflective mood--the same sort of reflective spirit which prompted Caesura's creation in the first place. I am anxious and excited about today! In just 1 hour, 45 minutes, I will be able to see Baby K!! Matt and I have our gender ultrasound today!!! Wow! I am 18 weeks, 6 days today and so thankful for God's provision.


However, the past couple days, I've let Satan's doubts creep in. How could God truly bless me? What if there is something wrong? What if? What if? What if?

My friend Melissa reminded me this morning that THIS is my time for joy! God has brought me through the valley! I need to embrace this time and celebrate His goodness!! Whoo-hooo! Thank You, Lord, for friends like that!

"This is the day the LORD has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24.

God IS good! I am hopeful for today! He loves me! He loves this little one! He loves you! Amen!!

~Julie

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas...

...but does it FEEL like Christmas? What does that even mean??  And, can you believe Christmas will be here in about two weeks? This year,...