27, 30 and 1,200

We had some big numbers this weekend.  Baby girl is 27 weeks old, I turned the big 3-0, and Zach drove from Laredo to Midland to Andrews to Abilene and back- 1,200 miles in his trusty red pick-up.  Not too fun to spend a weekend apart, but we both had good things about our weekends.  Zach had some productive meetings in Midland and was able to see his family in Abilene.  I got to hang out with some girlfriends and of course, Luna and Bear.   Here's a few photos from the weekend:  

Luna in the bluebonnets...Spring is officially here!

A sweet, sweet dress I wore (30 years ago) that my mom sent me.  It's really beautiful and I can't wait to see baby girl in it!

 

Bear and Luna's favorite game (besides stealing socks).

Almost 26 weeks!

Last Friday baby girl had her almost 26 week appointment- including an ultrasound!  It was great to get to take another little peek.  She's weighing in at 1 lb, 14oz. We're so thankful all her measurements and heartbeat looked good!  The night before the appointment baby girl and I were showered by the sweet ladies at our church, Redeemer Presbyterian.  It was such a lovely gathering.  We had some yummy food, were given some fun and very useful gifts and were prayed over by these women.  I felt very honored, and well, showered.  

Almost 26 week photo- We couldn't get a good profile shot, so here's an almost profile with her bringing her hand to her face. :)

Baby girl from a different angle :)

A couple fun things she's received:

The softest little bunny Zach's mom sent baby girl

Some ultra girly shoes from our friends The Hogans

Surprise 30th celebration!

Last Saturday, Zach told me he had made plans with our friends, Cohl and London, for dinner that night.  Sounded good to me.  Zach isn't too much on planning for things such as this.  But that night he definitely had plans, and they resulted in giving me a fun surprise birthday party for my 30th at La Gloria down at the Pearl Brewery!  Such a fun night! He's some-kind of wonderful.

There he is- my sweet husband

Baby gray even made it to the party..and brought his parents, Genevieve and Jonny

With the Hogans and soon-to-be Drs. Brazil

With momma Mary (not visible quite yet- Baby Hogan and Baby Ellis- both due June 16th!)

Meet Millie

Millie was a great present from my parents and Zach's mom for Christmas.  She is part of my plan to be more crafty and thrifty- especially with baby girl on the way.  But don't let the Millie's little flower decor fool you- she's very intimidating.  My mom patiently sat down with me over the Christmas break and helped me get to know Millie- and I actually made a burp cloth with her-and it ONLY took about 2 HOURs.  Since then Millie has just been sitting and waiting.  So finally the other weekend I decided Millie and I should get to know each other better- just one on one.  I was nervous...it was definitely awkward, but after several hours and repetitive reading of her owner's manual...I finished another burp cloth...and then another- thanks to Pinterest tutorials.  I wouldn't exactly call Millie and I friends yet...but I'm hoping our relationship is moving in that direction. :)

Some of the completed burp cloths...no need to look too closely.

Introducing...

Baby GIRL Ellis! 

Her 18 week photo

Zach and I loved every minute of the ultrasound.  We were able to count all 10 fingers and toes, see the four chambers of her heart, see all her vertebrae and watch her move and wiggle around a lot.  We also heard and saw the most beautiful movement, her heart beat.  We were so thankful to see that she is doing well and looking healthy.  This little life, our baby girl, is such an answer to prayer to us (and to many of you who have been faithfully praying).  God has already used her to teach us so much...about his perfect timing, provision, faithfulness and grace, about learning how to entrust and submit, and about how He gives good gifts to His children.   He has shown me how He is my rock and strength, when I feel so weak.  I am so honored to be her momma!  Praise God for His creation!

It's definitely not glamorous, but for those that have been requesting a belly shot...

Almost 20 weeks!

 

Goodbye Brace Face!

Last Wednesday was a big day...for both Zach and me.  It was the long looked forward to "debonding" day- the day I got my braces off!  As much as I have enjoyed watching Finding Nemo and Cars and sitting in the Hannah Montana room during my appointments, it was time to say goodbye.  Dr. Zach did a great job, not only straightening my teeth, but also living with me and my braces for almost a year.  Maybe not the easiest task...  But now I'm brace-free forever!...and loving my retainer forever!

Christmastime 2011

We kept with our recent tradition of both Zach's and my family coming to spend Christmas with us in San Antonio.  It was a full house and we had a great time together....even without hot water.  Unfortunately, our hot water heater decided to stop working on Christmas Eve...and after 2 plumbers came out to assess, it was determined nothing could be done until the holidays and weekend were over.  So no hot water for 4 days.  Everyone was a trooper about it.  We rented a room at Super 8 down the road (thankfully there was room in the inn) and took little road trips to take our showers.  Zach's mom and my mom were on top of boiling water to wash the dishes and we had a very elegant Christmas dinner on paper plates with plastic utensils.  Zach and I both had about a week and a half off from work so it was really nice to stay in San Antonio for awhile and also rest.  It was a good time to think about the year that had gone by and the year to come.  This year especially I was struck by Mary's Magnificat, as I have been awed by seeing the great things God has done in these past few months in particular leading up to Christmas.

Luke 1:46-50

And Mary said,

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation...

Some photos of our Christmastime:

Traditional Christmas Eve Breakfast with the girls..and their boys :)

Cookie decorating (and eating) time!

Luna and Bear enjoying their Christmas morning treats

Present time

Boiling up some hot water...my electric tea kettle has never seen so much use!

The fam

Celebrating a BIG birthday for my Dad at the Lodge...after my mom and I had just had our make-up done by a transvestite-true story.

Luna in her new coat that Aunt Janie gave her on our Waco trip!