This is just a short & sweet blog today....
Through-out my pregnancy all 31 weeks I haven't had 1 cup, glass or can of caffeine. Now, normally when not pregnant I didn't drink a lot of pop anyway but have always enjoyed a coke or cherry coke once a week as a treat. My biggest guilty pleasure is SWEET TEA!! I think that's me tapping into my old Georgia roots. Lately, I have been thinking about sweet tea and how badly I wanted one from McDonald's (my fav) and whether or not I should feel guilty that I made it this far without having it. Then I thought about it yesterday while talking to my sister in law Rachel, I want Evangeline to taste what Mommy thinks to be the best drink ever. I've enjoyed making things for her that I know she likes by the way she moves around & kicks. This is my time with her and to share with her my favorite things.
So, tonight on his way home from a LONG day at work, Daddy is bringing Evangeline & Mommy home a McDonald's sweet tea. I know we'll enjoy!!
Hope all is well with everyone reading this. Thank you for your continued support for us! We are thankful for all our family & friends.
Mommy & E
Friday, June 24, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Reading, reading and more reading...
In the last few months I have taken back my love to read. Sense then I have finished 2 1/2 books that have really helped me through these days. I have always gravitated toward the 'Christian Self Help' books. I thought that I would share the ones that I have read recently and that I would HIGHLY recommend for reading.
My first one is 'What to do when your world is falling apart' By: Richard Exley
It a wonderful book and a short read that was given to me by our Pastor. It really helped me to keep focus on the Lord through good and bad times and to remember that He loves us so much more then we will ever comprehend. Through the very rough and hard times in our life's He will never leave us or forsake us. He will pull us through, just lean on Him.
My second book is 'I Will Carry You' By: Angie Smith
This book came highly recommended by many people at my In-Laws church. In fact we as a family were given several copies. (That should tell you how much this story means to me & just how much I was meant to read it). Angie and her husband Todd (from the Christian singing group Selah) went to their 20 week appointment and received the same news almost to a tee as we did. This book made me ball my eyes out each chapter but helped me just the same for she was telling my story. I didn't think that I would have the courage to read it right away but He gave it to me and I was thankful! Angie also has a blog that she started around the same time in her pregnancy 3 yrs ago. It's called Bring the Rain.The crazy thing is, I met her last fall and had no idea about her story and defiantly had no idea that I would be going though it months later. This is the song that Angie and Todd wrote for their little girl Audrey. It is so fitting and my anthem...
I Will Carry You
There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?
People say that I am brave but I’m not
Truth is I’m barely hanging on
But there’s a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this
So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen me
To carry you
Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says…
I’ve shown her photographs of time beginning
Walked her through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love her like this?
I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen Me
To carry you
My third read (that I'm not quite finished with) is 'Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God' By: Shelia Walsh
I love this woman! I have had the pleasure to hear her speak twice and got to meet her last December. All I have to say is any woman should pick this book up! Her testimony is awesome! I'm excited to finish this book and talk more about it later.
More importantly of any book that any of us can read is the Bible! I have been pouring over scriptures daily and out of everything this gives me my peace and encouragement that I absolutely long for! Making time for Him during the day is a must and I encourage you all to do so if you're not all ready. He loves you!
Ending with another read for the day: 'Egg Book' By: Golden Books
This is what Josh (Daddy) read to EJ today. I think she liked it because of her movements. :) I love the fact that we are reading to her. It's great for Josh to be able to connect with her. Reading is important at any age!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend! And Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! Especially EJ's Daddy!
In Him...
Katie
My first one is 'What to do when your world is falling apart' By: Richard Exley
It a wonderful book and a short read that was given to me by our Pastor. It really helped me to keep focus on the Lord through good and bad times and to remember that He loves us so much more then we will ever comprehend. Through the very rough and hard times in our life's He will never leave us or forsake us. He will pull us through, just lean on Him.
My second book is 'I Will Carry You' By: Angie Smith
This book came highly recommended by many people at my In-Laws church. In fact we as a family were given several copies. (That should tell you how much this story means to me & just how much I was meant to read it). Angie and her husband Todd (from the Christian singing group Selah) went to their 20 week appointment and received the same news almost to a tee as we did. This book made me ball my eyes out each chapter but helped me just the same for she was telling my story. I didn't think that I would have the courage to read it right away but He gave it to me and I was thankful! Angie also has a blog that she started around the same time in her pregnancy 3 yrs ago. It's called Bring the Rain.The crazy thing is, I met her last fall and had no idea about her story and defiantly had no idea that I would be going though it months later. This is the song that Angie and Todd wrote for their little girl Audrey. It is so fitting and my anthem...
I Will Carry You
There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?
People say that I am brave but I’m not
Truth is I’m barely hanging on
But there’s a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this
So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen me
To carry you
Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says…
I’ve shown her photographs of time beginning
Walked her through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love her like this?
I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen Me
To carry you
My third read (that I'm not quite finished with) is 'Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God' By: Shelia Walsh
I love this woman! I have had the pleasure to hear her speak twice and got to meet her last December. All I have to say is any woman should pick this book up! Her testimony is awesome! I'm excited to finish this book and talk more about it later.
More importantly of any book that any of us can read is the Bible! I have been pouring over scriptures daily and out of everything this gives me my peace and encouragement that I absolutely long for! Making time for Him during the day is a must and I encourage you all to do so if you're not all ready. He loves you!
Ending with another read for the day: 'Egg Book' By: Golden Books
This is what Josh (Daddy) read to EJ today. I think she liked it because of her movements. :) I love the fact that we are reading to her. It's great for Josh to be able to connect with her. Reading is important at any age!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend! And Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! Especially EJ's Daddy!
In Him...
Katie
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Our journey with Evangeline Joy!
Hi Friends & Family!
This is the first time that I am actually speaking out to everyone other than our close family & friends. I have had a lot of people ask me over the last few months what was going on with our little baby and how things are. Most of the time I would give just a short answer and move on because it is too hard to talk about and to repeat myself over and over again. So, here goes our story from a few months ago to the present time.
Josh and I along with our moms went to our 20 week check up to find out the baby's gender. Like any other couple we were like 'boy or girl'...soooo exciting! I really never cared what the gender was. I also wanted one of each, so to me I just wanted to hear who this little person was and finally speak the name and go shopping! No one ever told me that the tech would go over ALL the body parts and organs. I guess like any other person I would just ASSUME that of course all of the organs would be there. Josh and I had a book that we read weekly about 'what was growing & how to pray for your baby'....So, we were in the room for not even 2 mins when the tech stopped and said 'I need to go and get your doctor'. I thought 'how odd is that'. The doctor came in and looked at our baby and shook her head and said 'I see no kidneys or bladder', did your water break?' I told them no. They stopped the process and referred us to the hospital that next day for another ultrasound. I went all night drinking more than 15 glasses of water and going to the bathroom on the hour due to thinking that would bring back the fluid for my baby. Not thinking correctly in knowing that with no kidneys or bladder there will never be any anionic fluid for my baby. Let's just say I got no sleep that night!!
We woke up and went to the hospital for our 2nd ultrasound. The tech was very thorough and looked for 45 mins trying hard to find little organs. After looking she went and got the head doctor and brought him back to us. He gently sat us down and told us the news that NO PARENT should EVER hear. 'After looking closely with your baby and barring a miracle your baby will not make it after birth'. BAM a punch in the face. I literally stopped breathing. The room was spinning and the 4 of us just sat there crying. Needless to say I don't remember too much for the coming weeks after that. I remember that a min felt like and hour. Time stood still. Josh took charge like most men would and made calls and emailed family and friends. Josh quickly became my rock, my voice and my protector. I didn't want to talk to anyone. So, maybe this will make sense to some of you, why I didn't talk or wasn't seen around for a while. My heart was broken. Nothing to say. I can also tell you that yes, right now I am more talkative, I have my days that I want to talk and be seen and I have those that I don't. That's completely normal. I can be honest and say with what we are facing that there will be a time again that I may be that person that doesn't want to talk. It's not going to be easy folks!! I will tell you all that EVERY text, email and facebook that came in warmed my heart and made us feel so loved and supported.In the future PLEASE keeps those coming! They are what got us through the day along with all the prayers!
From that day on my life has completely changed for many reasons. When you get hit with news such as ours, it will quickly make you think about how you live your life. I will NEVER take life for granted again. I never took this pregnancy for granted because it's a miracle and a life. But I took everyday things for granted that I now see differently. Also, my personal relationship with my Lord and Savior has changed. I have been a Christian since I was 14 yrs old. This experience has made me change every bit of how I view Him, love Him, talk to Him and want Him. He is my peace. I honestly do not know what people do in difficult times without God. I just cannot fathom it.
So, 10 weeks later and a roller coaster of a life here we are. Today we went in for my 30 week ultrasound and we were ready to meet our little kicker. I already knew going in that the baby was a girl. Just bonding with my baby I could feel it. Mommy's intuition! For the past 10 weeks there hasn't been a day where I haven't prayed/beg the Lord to heal my child. I was really trying to keep an open mind knowing that the diagnosis would probably be the same but was praying for a miracle. The same tech in the same small room that we were in months ago looked and pushed and poked at us. The diagnosis is still the same. She came to the conclusion that since there was still a lack of fluid/and movement with the legs, she didn't see a 'boy part' and was able to tell that we are having a GIRL. Sweet little Evangeline Joy Wilcox. Who Mommy and Daddy love very much and enjoy all the time that we have with her. Not taking a second for granted and loving all of her movements. So, without further ado.... introducing our Princess Evangeline...
Before you were conceived, I wanted you, Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were here an hour, I would die for you. This is the miracle of life. - Maureen Hawkins
Please stay tune for more of my blogs to come! It a great way for me to talk to everyone and to keep all up to date and if you all know of any woman that is going through something similar that needs someone to talk to or just needs encouragement then send them my way. Lots of love!
This is the first time that I am actually speaking out to everyone other than our close family & friends. I have had a lot of people ask me over the last few months what was going on with our little baby and how things are. Most of the time I would give just a short answer and move on because it is too hard to talk about and to repeat myself over and over again. So, here goes our story from a few months ago to the present time.
Josh and I along with our moms went to our 20 week check up to find out the baby's gender. Like any other couple we were like 'boy or girl'...soooo exciting! I really never cared what the gender was. I also wanted one of each, so to me I just wanted to hear who this little person was and finally speak the name and go shopping! No one ever told me that the tech would go over ALL the body parts and organs. I guess like any other person I would just ASSUME that of course all of the organs would be there. Josh and I had a book that we read weekly about 'what was growing & how to pray for your baby'....So, we were in the room for not even 2 mins when the tech stopped and said 'I need to go and get your doctor'. I thought 'how odd is that'. The doctor came in and looked at our baby and shook her head and said 'I see no kidneys or bladder', did your water break?' I told them no. They stopped the process and referred us to the hospital that next day for another ultrasound. I went all night drinking more than 15 glasses of water and going to the bathroom on the hour due to thinking that would bring back the fluid for my baby. Not thinking correctly in knowing that with no kidneys or bladder there will never be any anionic fluid for my baby. Let's just say I got no sleep that night!!
We woke up and went to the hospital for our 2nd ultrasound. The tech was very thorough and looked for 45 mins trying hard to find little organs. After looking she went and got the head doctor and brought him back to us. He gently sat us down and told us the news that NO PARENT should EVER hear. 'After looking closely with your baby and barring a miracle your baby will not make it after birth'. BAM a punch in the face. I literally stopped breathing. The room was spinning and the 4 of us just sat there crying. Needless to say I don't remember too much for the coming weeks after that. I remember that a min felt like and hour. Time stood still. Josh took charge like most men would and made calls and emailed family and friends. Josh quickly became my rock, my voice and my protector. I didn't want to talk to anyone. So, maybe this will make sense to some of you, why I didn't talk or wasn't seen around for a while. My heart was broken. Nothing to say. I can also tell you that yes, right now I am more talkative, I have my days that I want to talk and be seen and I have those that I don't. That's completely normal. I can be honest and say with what we are facing that there will be a time again that I may be that person that doesn't want to talk. It's not going to be easy folks!! I will tell you all that EVERY text, email and facebook that came in warmed my heart and made us feel so loved and supported.In the future PLEASE keeps those coming! They are what got us through the day along with all the prayers!
From that day on my life has completely changed for many reasons. When you get hit with news such as ours, it will quickly make you think about how you live your life. I will NEVER take life for granted again. I never took this pregnancy for granted because it's a miracle and a life. But I took everyday things for granted that I now see differently. Also, my personal relationship with my Lord and Savior has changed. I have been a Christian since I was 14 yrs old. This experience has made me change every bit of how I view Him, love Him, talk to Him and want Him. He is my peace. I honestly do not know what people do in difficult times without God. I just cannot fathom it.
So, 10 weeks later and a roller coaster of a life here we are. Today we went in for my 30 week ultrasound and we were ready to meet our little kicker. I already knew going in that the baby was a girl. Just bonding with my baby I could feel it. Mommy's intuition! For the past 10 weeks there hasn't been a day where I haven't prayed/beg the Lord to heal my child. I was really trying to keep an open mind knowing that the diagnosis would probably be the same but was praying for a miracle. The same tech in the same small room that we were in months ago looked and pushed and poked at us. The diagnosis is still the same. She came to the conclusion that since there was still a lack of fluid/and movement with the legs, she didn't see a 'boy part' and was able to tell that we are having a GIRL. Sweet little Evangeline Joy Wilcox. Who Mommy and Daddy love very much and enjoy all the time that we have with her. Not taking a second for granted and loving all of her movements. So, without further ado.... introducing our Princess Evangeline...
Please stay tune for more of my blogs to come! It a great way for me to talk to everyone and to keep all up to date and if you all know of any woman that is going through something similar that needs someone to talk to or just needs encouragement then send them my way. Lots of love!
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