And the Gender is...

BABY GIRL! That's right, next June (or May if she decides to come a few days early) Trey and I will be welcoming sweet little Kathryn Elizabeth Holmes into the world. We will call her Kate.

At our Wednesday appt, we were supposed to only hear the baby's heartbeat and check my weight, blood pressure, etc. We decided to see if Dr. Haddock would let us take a sneak peak to try and find out the gender. I'm 16 weeks at this point, and most doctors like to wait until at least 18 weeks. But it is Christmastime, and we thought we could appeal to this if she needed convincing. Only, no convinving was needed. When Trey asked, Dr. Haddock said "Sure, I have no problem with that. Let me just make sure Jules (the sono tech) has some free time." Easy enough. And sure enough, Jules was busy but so willing to accomodate us. I just love my doctor and her staff.

It was so fun seeing our little one bounce around on the screen. She is one active little baby now. It was difficult getting an accurate heart rate reading because she moved so much. And she looks like a little baby now!! The first three sonograms we saw (weeks 7-9) she was just a little peanut on the screen. Now she has a head, arms, legs, and a belly filled with food from her mommy. It took Jules a little while of shaking my tummy to get our little girl to uncross her legs...she was just a little modest. We didn't mind waiting because it was so neat watching her. I don't know how people really understand those sonograms without help. Sometimes I couldn't tell what was what until Jules explained it, and sometimes I couldn't even tell after she explained it! When Jules said, "This is a little baby...GIRL!" we were both shocked. We are having a girl. Wow.

It all seems so much more real when you know the gender and have a sono picture of the profile of your baby. When we got home from our appointment, I went straight to Wal Mart and walked around the baby section, looking at all the sweet little girl clothes. I laid awake most of that night thinking over and over, "a little baby girl, a little baby girl." I can't believe it. I just knew we were having a boy, for no other reason than I just thought that's what we were having. I am so excited to have a little girl, though. Really, all I want is a healthy baby, and I'd be thrilled to have a boy or a girl. What a blessing that the Lord is giving us a sweet little girl!

Kate is named after her grandmother (Kathryn is my mom's middle name) and her aunt (Elizabeth is my sister's middle name), two godly women who have been instrumental in my life. Her name means "pure" and "consecrated to God." Exactly what we want our little girl to be! I look forward to watching Trey be the daddy to our sweet girl. He is going to be amazing. He is already madly and tenderly in love with her. It is so precious.

Thanks for your prayers and for sharing in our excitement. We love you all!

A Life Lesson from Wesley Adam Mills, Jr.

Last weekend (Saturday after Thanksgiving), Trey and I went to a funeral for our friends' baby who died in the womb. At their 2nd trimester ultrasound, Welsey Adam was diagnosed with a terminal illness called anencephaly. Wesley survived a 31 weeks in his mother's womb, at which time the Lord called him to Heaven.

As we prepared to drive to the funeral (we were in Odessa so had to leave at 5AM to make it on time to the Fort Worth funeral), I prepared myself mentally and spiritually for this service. There would be a tiny casket, and it would hold the body of a stillborn baby. With all the fears I've battled this pregnancy, I did not want this to be another way Satan gets hold in my life and robs me of the joy this pregnancy brings. Even as I prayed, I felt God comforting me.

The service was a beautiful one. While the loss was real and difficult to grasp, there was such a palatable reminder of hope throughout the service. Psalm 139 struck a chord in my spirit as they read and proclaimed its truth. Even before we are formed in the womb, God in all His wisdom and love has our days numbered. This brings me such comfort. What happened to little Wesley Adam wasn't some cosmic accident. His life wasn't a waste. Though brief, his 31 weeks in the womb proved powerful and glorifying to the Lord. People have heard of God's redemptive love because of the Mill's story. And God's grace has sustained them through this difficult time. That little baby boy, loved and cherished by the Lord, was not once alone or forgotten by God. There was no need to fear, ever, for God had everything in His control.

All the fears I've battled before and during this pregnancy do not take this Truth into account. Fears do not recognize God's power, knowledge, and involvement in our lives. Our little baby in my womb is completely in God's control and sustained only by His life-giving power. Nothing can harm our baby without God's foreknowledge. I can rest in that. And I can also rest in the fact that whatever comes our way in the future, whether it pertains to our children, our jobs, our family, whatever comes our way, at that time God's grace will sustain us. Just as He has graciously sustained the Mills family in this terribly difficult time in their journey. Today has enough worries of its own for me to be fretting over what may or may not come tomorrow. I have to trust, I have to faith in God that when those storms in life come, He will be there to sustain us with grace, hope, and peace. He is enough.

Week 13 Survey

Well, it's about time I start these surveys. I guess I've really been waiting to get out of the first trimester before I started them, and today officially marks that day! Praise the Lord, it truly is a day to celebrate. So I will be adding these surveys every now and then, and maybe once I start showing I'll even post some baby pics. At this point, showing is only noticed by me...I definitely notice a difference, especially with certain pairs of pants. But every one else says they don't notice a difference. Anyway, let the survey begin! (I borrowed this survey from my friend Mary Lindsey...thanks ML!!)

How far along? 13 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I lost weight in the 1st trimester (about 4 pounds) and am now at my normal weight, maybe I've gained a pound now?

Maternity clothes? Nope, but I have had to retire some of my work pants that had no "give" room

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: I'm starting to get my energy back after the 1st trimester and not need two naps a day and bedtime at 8:30PM. Now I just need a power nap in the afternoon and can stay up to 10PM and still feel aware of what's happening around me

Best moment this week: Celebrating Thanksgiving with Trey's family and officially entering the second trimester!

Worst moment this week: Still experiencing nausea at different points in the day. It's getting better, as it lasted all morning and into the afternoon most days in my first trimester. Still, I'm thankful for every symptom, even those uncomfortable ones. It means my baby is growing and healthy!

Movement: Not yet

Food cravings: fruit, pizza, yogurt

Gender prediction: I'd say my gut feeling is boy, but I'll take either gender. I just can't wait to hold and care for that precious bundle!

Labor Signs: nope

Belly Button in or out? in

Wedding rings on or off? on

Weekly Wisdom: Taking every thought/fear captive to the Lord and trusting HIM to take care of our little one. He is the Giver of Life and can handle growing our bambino!

Milestones: Finishing the first trimester!!!

Baby Holmes 12 Week Appt!

Well, we have reached that milestone - we made it to the 12 week appointment! Dr. Haddock told me yesterday that we are now out of the high risk for miscarriage phase, which brings such a peace and happiness to my heart. We heard little Baby Holmes' heartbeat yesterday at 162 bpm. Our next appointment in 4 weeks will be similar, just checking my weight and the baby's heartbeat, then our appointment in January will be another sonogram and finding out baby's gender. I can't wait!

Trey and I have been busy cleaning out and organizing our two bedroom, one bathroom home. I like to think of us as non-pack rats (thanks mainly to my husband), but still we've accumulated quite a bit of junk! We have sold some of it on Craig's List and eBay, we've donated some, and we've thrown away the rest. Trey and I now share a closet (he was in the guest bedroom closet), and our bathroom has some empty shelves/cabinets ready for the many baby items we will be accumulating over the next several months. The baby room/guest room is another work in and of itself. We've rearranged it some, but it just looks puny and pitiful in my opinion. We'll definitely need to paint (probably a neutral color since this is the church's house and I don't want to repaint when we move!). Also, the church is working on getting us a fence in the backyard so the dogs can have a yard to play in and we can have some privacy. I'm really excited about that.

More updates in the future. Love to all!

Eating My Words

For those of you who know my love of dogs, you should know that I've always wanted a Great Dane, since the young age of 8 or 9. And yes, I still do want one, only we can't afford to feed one at this time in our lives! You should also know, though, my lifelong dislike of weenie dogs. I've been known to call them "a waste of a dog" and other such mean phrases. And yet here I sit with two little weenie dogs snuggled up on the couch with me. How did I get to this place???

Let me explain. Two Christmases ago, my dad decided it was time the get a dog for him and mom. They ordered a little dachsund and named him Buzz. I flew home for Christmas excited to see a new puppy but leary of the fact that he was weenie. Well, the unexpected happened - I fell in love with little Buzz. That's right, I couldn't help it. He is the cutest little guy with such a fun personality. He is also a mini weenie dog, which I really like. So fastforward two years later, and you find Trey and I finally able to get a dog. We have wanted one for so long but have never lived in a place that we could own one. Now the time has come, and I actually wanted a little dachsund. Then the insanity sets in. We decided to get two. That way they always have someone to play with.

So let me introduce you to the two newest members of our family, Pete and Dapple. They are brothers, 6 months old. We love them. They have such fun personalities!! And they snuggle up with their momma so much, it is the best. Most of the pics are taken when they're sleeping because it is almost impossible to catch them still enough when they're awake!!

Burke loves holding the boys. Here he is with Dapple.

 

Dapple

Pete

 Trey LOVES his boys!

Playing "Where's Waldo" puppy style :)

First Doctor's Appt and Fun with the Lewis Kids

This past Thursday Trey and I trekked back to Dallas to meet with our doctor for this first time (our last appt was just a sonogram). It was so awesome getting to see the growth of our little baby in just one week. The littlest bif measured at 8wks 2days, putting him/her a little ahead of schedule. We didn't change the due date yet; we'll get a more accurate reading at later sonograms. The heart rate was 166 bpm, and it was again like music to my ears to hear. Dr. Haddock is such a blessing. She's very encouraging and patient with all our(my) questions. She told us I'm considered a low risk pregnancy and everything looks great so far. That was so great to hear! Of course I trust the Lord and the promises He's placed in my heart, but at the same time, hearing that reassurance from a doctor sure feels great. Probably my favorite part of the appointment was at the end, when Dr. Haddock was about to leave. Trey stopped her and asked if we could pray for her. She agreed and came over, and he reached out for both of our hands. There we sat, in the doctor's office, hands joined with our doctor praying over her. It was a special prayer I know the Lord placed on Trey's heart. I could tell it meant a lot to her as she left, too.

Our next appointment will be November 18, and we'll hear the heartbeat again (no sono this time, though). Be praying for us over the next few weeks as we wait patiently for that appointment. It will also mean huge celebration to me, as we will be officially out of the first trimester. Yay!

In other news, I have been blessed with many opportunities to keep my niece and nephew this week. On Wednesday I even got to go with Marilee on her class field trip to the Wit's End Ranch. It was a blast driving her and her little friend Isabelle there and watching them play and explore on that ranch. Probably the most rewarding part of the day was when I dropped her back off at school and she couldn't hug and kiss me enough when I was leaving. I love being a part of that little girl's life! Trey and I also got to keep both kids while Lee worked today. It was great practice for us, but unfortunately Trey didn't get the chance to change any dirty diapers, so there's definitely more practice to be had :).

More updates to come in the future. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support as we continue on this journey. The Lord has been so real and evident in our lives, and it's a special time I hope to always remember. Love you all!

The Littlest Bif of All

For those of you who spend any amount of time around Trey and I, you know that we call each other "bif" or "bifkin." It's a nickname his dad used to call Trey and Lee, and it's one we all still use. You also may be called bif at one time or another, as it is a term of endearment applied to all those we love. Well, today I would like to introduce you to the littlest bif of all, Baby Holmes!!

That's right! Trey and I are PREGNANT! I have dreamt about this day for so long, it hardly seems real. But after hearing that little heartbeat yesterday, there is no doubt in my mind what miracle of God is happening in my womb right now. We will be 7 weeks along tomorrow, and I am loving every minute of it.

It's definitely been quite the journey already, and we haven't even reached 2 months yet. The excitement and craziness all started when I went home to Georgie for the weekend of Sept. 24-26. On that Monday morning (I was 5 days late, still in GA), I was having my quiet time and filled with so much anxiety over whether or not I was pregnant. I was fearful that if I was, it would surely mean another miscarriage. After praying (and feeling rather nauseated while I laid there), I decided to run to Kroger and get a test. I came home and took the test, and almost immediately it showed a positive result. I was shocked.

Before I took the test I told myself that if the test was positive, I would wait and tell Trey in person the next day...but riiiiiiight, that didn't happen. Immediately, I called Trey. It was just too unbelievable to keep to myself. After calling Trey, I also called Gretchen since she was already back at school and I wouldn't get to tell her in person. The fun came when I ate lunch with mom and Jason at school. I got to tell both of them in person. I showed mom a picture of the positive pregnancy test (the one to the right), and well, you can see the rest:

And if that wasn't awesome enough, I also got to tell my dad in person that night at dinner! After telling mom, we were so excited and just knew we had to tell dad in a fun and creative way. That afternoon we ran to Target and bought two sweet little onesies (one boy and one girl since we don't know which yet!). At dinner I gave dad the onesies wrapped in a gift bag. Unfortunately the video is rotated sideways and I can't figure out how to rotate it, but it's still pretty great, so enjoy anyway!! Also, I enjoy dad's annoyance at first because he wants to eat instead of open presents. Haha, don't get in the way of a Jones and his food!

Trey told his sister that night we found out. We wanted to wait and tell his parents in person when we see them October 23, but after all the following happened, we decided to fill them in so they could be praying and know what was going on in our world. I guess we'll just have to tell them next time in a really creative way!

When I flew home Tuesday, Trey and I went straight to my OB in Dallas for my first round of blood work. I found out Wednesday that it looked good, but my progesterone was a little low, so the nurse started me on progesterone. We drew blood again Thursday to make sure it was doubling like it should, and I found out Friday that it looked good but my HCG didn't completely double like they would have liked to see. They ordered one more round of blood tests on Monday. Tuesday morning rolled around, and I was anxiously awaiting good news. I saw a few clients before I was able to talk to the nurse, and when we talked, she reported that my HCG levels had not doubled like they should. They were around 10,000, where she would have expected them to be at 18-19,000. She told me some women go on to have healthy babies in this situation, but "It could go either way at this point." She told me to rest and try not to worry. We would do an ultrasound next week. Well, I obviously couldn't counsel people after that news, seein' as I was crying all over myself. My secretary took care of the afternoon appts, and I drove home to Trey. Thus began my week of bed rest, essentially. I watched movies, read books, slept, and prayed, prayed, prayed. Constantly. I had moments of hope, but also I was overwhelmingly hit with fear and anxiety. I just knew I was going to miscarry again. But each day came and each day went, and I was still pregnant. It was only through the encouragement, faith, and prayers of my family and friends that I made it through that week a sane woman. But I made it. The Lord was my strength, and He helped me as I wrestled each fear in submission to Him.

We went Wednesday, October 13 (yesterday) for our first sonogram. I was so incredibly nervous. Would we see a little baby right away, or would the sonographer be unable to find a heartbeat? My prayer was that she would see it immediately and there would be no doubt, and God heard my prayer. Immediately she said "Oh, there's a baby!" to which I said, "Is the little heart beating?!?" I was just a tad nervous. But yes, it was beating strong and healthy. We not only got to see the heartbeat; we got to hear it, too! That little sound was like music to my ears. Trey was able to video it briefly. You can hear the heartbeat in the first video and see the heartbeat in the second video.

I am so thankful to the Lord. When we miscarried last year, I meditated constantly on Psalm 127, claiming the truth that GOD is the Giver of Life, and He is able to give life whenever He pleases. I've sought Him endlessly in prayer, asking for the blessing of children and recognizing that they are a heritage from the Lord and not to be taken lightly. I always said that when we got pregnant again, I wouldn't tell anyone until we were out of the first trimester. Obviously that didn't happen, for 3 reasons. 1) I didn't take into account that I married a man like my dad, who in his excitement can't help but ooze secrets from every fiber of his being. Trey has really done well at keeping it secret, but it's taken every bit of self-restraint he has, and he might run out any day now :). 2) I realize the power of prayer, and I'd rather have our little baby brought to the Father's throne constantly by myself and as many others as possible. It's worth it just to have the fellowship of believers interceding on behalf of our baby. 3) I will not let Satan rob me of the joy of this season. We are pregnant. This in and of itself is a gift of God that should be celebrated and shared. So thank you, friends and family, for celebrating with us during this season and sharing in our joy. Thank you also for remembering our little bif in your prayers. Pray for safety and healthy during development, especially during the rest of this first trimester. Pray also for me, to remain confident in the Lord and to keep my fears in submission to God's sovereignty and care. I leave you with this picture, our first family photo :)

P90X

Trey and I are in week 2 of P90X. If you haven't heard of P90X, it's all the rage right now amongst people who want to get in shape. You can find info on it here. Apparently it's been around for a while, because when I told Trey last year that I wanted to try it, he laughed and informed me that it has been around for years. I guess it's just recently been discovered by most people. Anyway, thanks to some friends here in Canton, we now have our very own copy of this popular workout series.

Much to our surprise, this has become a family affair. Lee has her own copy now, and I will be taking Gretchen a copy here in a couple of weeks. Even Burke and Marilee have decided to join in when they can. Here are some pics of the fun/torture. The first few pics are from the arms & shoulders dvd. It was hysterical when the Dubs and Sassy picked up the bands and tried to workout with Uncle Trey and Aunt Kara. Check it out!

Muscle Man Burke Lewis

Sassy and Stylin'

Here is Trey doing the Ab Ripper. He didn't know Dubs was behind him doing the same thing.

 

And now for yoga. Let me tell you - yoga kicked our BUTTS. Trey and I both thought this day would be a piece of cake, something to laugh at because we are too good for yoga. Then we popped that dvd in...and wanted to quit within the first 10 minutes. Never again will I make fun of yoga. Never. Here is Trey in his yoga pants (actually, they are from kickboxing, but he realized he needed to wear pants after the first time around).

  

And again, Burke and Marilee on the floor with us while we did some turtuous move! Look in the very back and you can see Burke behind me with his little foot in the air, too.

 I hope you enjoyed the pics. Next time you see Trey and I, we will be our fitter, leaner, P90Xed selves. Watch out!

Country Roads...

Let me just tell ya, this city girl never knew she could love living in the country as much as I do now. The peacefulness and family-oriented atmosphere is just what I needed at this phase of our lives. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good city, and I'm plannin' on a trip to NYC with some friends hopefully in the next couples years. But life here in Canton, TX, is just so wonderful. I'll give you an example.

Trey and I have made some new friends, Chad and Jenny (I'll snap some pics of them and their kids, Katie Beth and Kyle, next time I can). Last weekend, Trey went with Chad and Jenny's dad, Joe Bob (yes, his name is Joe Bob) on a hunting trip in West TX. They came back Sunday, and Joe Bob found that his cattle had gotten into someone else's pasture where some fenxe was down. So on Monday morning, Labor Day, Trey woke up bright and early at 6:30AM to go help Chad and Joe Bob repair fence. Us girls headed out that way a little later, around 8:00, to see their progress and take them breakfast. Well, I figured we'd just drive up to where they were. But instead, we arrived at Jenny's parents' house and Jenny, her mom Jan, and I rode 4-wheelers out to the pasture. Jan had Kyle, I had Katie, and Jenny rode a single person 4-wheeler. The pasture is about 15-20 minutes from their house, so we took our time drivin' along the country roads out to pasture. When we got there, the boys were workin' away, but they had a long way to go. So we girls played all morning on the 4-wheelers, exploring their land and visiting all of Jenny's relatives in the area. It was so much fun. When the men finished up around 1, we headed to a local diner for some lunch. Then we grabbed our swim suits and all went swimming at Jenny's aunt's house. It was such a blast! Our day ended with them around 6. Trey and I were so tuckered out from all the work (Trey) and play (me). I made some fajitas, and we sat in the living room and watched some wholesome tv (Bachelor Pad) while we ate. Then we played Scrabble before passing out.

It was so wonderful and peaceful getting to be outside all day. That is one experience we would never have gotten in Fort Worth, and it's those kinds of experiences that I am soaking up right now. I'll take some pics soon since I know that's what everyone really wants to see. Until next time!

Anniversary Numero Dos!

We celebrated 2 years last Monday, August 16. It seems like, in so many wonderful ways, we have been married much longer than that, and in so many equally wonderful ways, it seems like just the beginning. What a blast we had celebrating, though. Trey planned our trip to a bed and breakfast in Mineola, TX. We stayed at the Munzesheimer B&B (yes, it's a mouthful). Mineola is a quaint little town about 30 minutes from Canton. We left after work Thursday night and came back home after breakfast Saturday morning. We did a lot of napping, eating, and walking around the cute town of Mineola. We also enjoyed seeing The Prince of Persia at the longest running theater in Texas, Select Theater. Here are some pics from our trip!

We ate lunch at the East TX Hamburger Company. Those were some good burgers! This pic is of a very hungry Trey Holmes.

Walking around town, we happened upon this old caboose:

(he's SO handsome!!!)

We ate dinner at a place called Kitchens. Pretty delcious, and a very relaxing experience. Here is a snapshot of Trey at dinner:

Friday night we went to Select Theater for the movie. It's not the best picture, but it works:

Here are some pictures of our room. We stayed in an old barn converted into a nice guest bedroom. It was called the Tack Room.

The breakfasts each morning were delicious. Here are our pics at breakfast Saturday morning:

And here is Trey making friends with the cat...surprise, surprise :)

And last but not least, here are the Holmes outside our room before heading home. Thanks for the wonderful trip, Trey. I love you more than you will ever know!!!

After a brief hiatus...

The month of July was kind of a "wash" at the Holmes home. My family visited at the very beginning, then Trey was off to youth camp that next week. He came back, then I flew off to GA for a week and a half, and while I was gone Trey left for Colorado for a week. On July 31 I picked Trey up at the airport at 10PM, and that was the last of the travelling for now!!

The month of August hasn't been any slower for us. We've already celebrated Trey's 32nd birthday and our 2 year anniversary. We still have my 27th birthday and Lee's 31st birthday to go. It's been nonstop! But we are having so much fun. I have pictures from our anniversary trip, so I will load those soon. We are also squeezing in wonderful time with the Lewis family/ I can't get over how great it is to live near them. Thursday morning we all trekked out to Terrell to watch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Yesterday I went with Lee and the kids to our waterpark, then last night we all went to Chili's for a delicious and fun meal. Marilee and Burke spent the night last night, so they're passed out in our guest bedroom (or Marilee's bedroom, as she like to consider it). Basically, we are having a lot of fun!

More stories and pics to follow!

Summertime!

Well, for the first part of this summer, it didn't really feel like summer. I was working a new job, settling in to life in Canton, and missing my friends and family greatly! The things started to get a little interesting. First, the Jones and Churchwards came and visited one Saturday. The next weekend, Bessie Ann came to stay with me all weekend! And finally, the big finale (drum roll, please): my entire Jones family came for a few days to Canton! And when I say entire, I do mean entire. Grey and Buzz even made the 12 hour road trip :)

I can't even express how much this time filled my heart with joy. I had such a great time celebrating my dad's 60th birthday and the 4th of July.

 

 Mom, Gretch, and I conquered to antique malls and Canton's First Monday.

We found the best lemonade this side of the Mississippi.

Jason conquered the wild, wild west....and so did mom and Gretch!

Overall, it was a wonderful family time. I love my family so much and am blessed that we all had this time together. Next stop, the Pitt family reunion in Atlanta near the end of July!

Trey is busy this summer, too. He's had many youth events already, including a Ranger's game, a trip to Splash Kingdom, a day of visiting the nursing homes, a night of fishing, and now youth camp. In a few weeks he also gets to take one youth to Colorado for a camp. So cool! Trey preached Sunday night this week and did a fabulous job. I am impressed with this man of God that I have the privilege of calling my husband!