3 months

Hank, you were 3 months on the 20th!
You weighed about 13 lbs 13 oz.
You are still the most precious thing ever.
As of Sunday night, the 29th, you rolled over (and tried soooo hard)!
You love your dad and you love taking showers.
Massage is still one of your favs.
You love your room and laying on your changing table and bed.
Your first Christmas was a success. You, mama, and daddy played Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph at church.
We think you are working on getting some teeth already and growl about it a lot.
You can grab just about anything you want to.
You are officially too big for 0-3 mos and 3 mos clothes and filling out some of your 6 mos.
You like watching tv with mom and dad before bed every night in mama's lap. (I know, judge me)
We still get up several times a night but that is okay by me. There is nothing I would not do for you my son!
Love you, my child. Thankful for your gummy smiles you give all through out the day.

Never posting posts

In my mind on many occasions I have formulated blog posts in my head out of frustration. Someone ticked me off, I experienced a very awkward situation, I just know I have all the right answers, etc. some titles may sound like this:

• Proper newborn/new mama etiquette.
• Things you should never say to a postpartum woman.
• If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
• Breast is best. Period. The end.
• No, my baby doesn't need cereal in the bottle he doesn't take, thanks but no thanks for your unwanted advice I was a nanny for 7 years raising other people's children by day and living the single life by night. I got this. And if I don't I'm calling my mom or going to baby cafe. 

Okay, so it's mostly related to motherhood. Sorry, I'm not sorry. 

 I have come to the conclusion lately that I cannot use social media for anger management... But oh how I'd like to some days. What I do need to do is run to Jesus. There will always be people in my life that are like sand paper to my soul. I hope that I don't allow them to make me bitter but that I will allow God to make me better. I need to learn to let their rude remarks roll off my back and just be me. Be the girl Will fell in love with. The girl that was soooo spoiled by love and support while living on the west coast. The girl that had so much love to give it was contagious. Some where along the road I have let negativity set in. Bitterness inched it's way back into my heart. I have let other folks and their opinions shut me up and shut me down. Well I think it is about that time. Time to let it all go and work towards a place where the Lord can refine me and mold me into someone He can actually use for his kingdom. Amen? Amen! 

Now I will go pray for self control. Good night lovies. 

*I accept no responsibility for grammatical or spelling errors as this was typed on an iPad and my babe is sleeping and I'm rushing to join the sleepy time club. 

*Also, not saying sorry for all the run on sentences. Sometimes I talk so much I hardly breathe and I just want y'all to feel like we're talking over tea ;)

Tuesday Thinkin'

Thankful for my dad and my Paw-Paw. Two men in my life that served our country. Two men that have shown me love. My Paw-Paw was the most incredible human I have ever had the pleasure of having a close relationship with. He was so wise. So strong. So loving, giving, and full of Jesus. My dad... I have watched my dad turn into one of my favorite people. Sometimes he doesn't say a whole lot but if you get to know him he'll drop some knowledge on you. In the last few years I have seen gentleness, kindness, and love out of him like never before. The big change you ask? He met Jesus. Jesus has shaped who he is today. The influence from RG Nunnelly and the army is less obvious and Jesus has taken center stage in his life. He SHOWS my mom love in ways I've never seen before and he is all about his grandboys.. all 5 of them. In the south you will meet many "christians" however there is NO evidence of Jesus living in them. They have never shown any spiritual growth, no passion for the Lord, and no unconditional love. Honestly, I am concerned for their forever. I'm no longer concerned for my dad's forever because anyone who knew him before and knows him now can see that Christ lives in him. Can I get an amen? Hallelujah! ;)


Thankful for the best roommate in the history of roommates. Bea Presley. Thankful for her heart, how she loves to give, and that we can discuss any topic and be on the same page. Today I am sipping a decaf chai tea latte and fixed it just like she taught me. That's right, in the south we "fix" things. It's gloomy outside and my babe is congested (boo! come on powerful breastmilk you supposed to shield him from sickness!) and it is that kind of day. A day where in SD Bea and I would sip chai tea, watch Lost or Grey's, and possibly get something going in the kitchen. Bea is so great for so many reasons. She was my family when we were miles from home. She would do anything for me, listen to my silly sob stories, encourage me, wait on me, and love me despite all of my flaws. Bea is insanely creative and loves lyrics and music. She also has a very sharp memory and can probably recall things from that past that will blow your mind. Bea is so great with babies and children. They love her and she loves them. Bea is also really passionate about whatever she puts her mind to. She loves hard and plays hard. She recently gave me a care package for me, the new mom. It was the most thoughtful gift and blessed my heart, big time. Pretty incredible that she is not married nor has she ever had a baby and she knew exactly what I needed at that very moment in time. Super powers. Did you hear me say it is incredible that she is not married? Yeah, how has she not been scooped up yet?? These are just a few of my favorite things about Bea. All things I love and admire. Happy Tuesday folks.


Be thankful for the people in your life.

2 months!

Hank weighs about 12.5 lbs and is 24 in long.
- He loves to "talk" and is SO close to giving us a big laugh.
- His hair is growing super fast.
- He loves bath time still and having mama massage his legs and feet before putting his pajamas on.
- Hank and the deddies are spending a lot more time together now that he's getting big and happier at night.
- This past Sunday (November 24th) we dedicated him to Jesus. (Even though I dedicated him in my heart one of the first Sundays we were back in church.) We are vowing to teach him about Jesus in our home, keep him in church, and "be" Jesus to him. *Friends and family- keep us accountable!
- Hank still gets up 1-2 times a night (occasionally more) to eat. That's fine with mama. As Dr. J says, "There's no such thing as too much breast milk" :)
- I'm still staying home and plan to go back to the car lot in January.
- Hank loves Landry and looks for her when she's with us.
- I am so thankful for this baby. I can't imagine what Mary must have felt when GOD trusted her with the SAVIOR of the world. God must have thought a lot of that young, virgin girl. I said it before but I'll say it again. Being Hank's mom and Will's wife is my highest calling and first priority. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure that I am giving my best to fulfill that calling.
- With that I must say that figuring out how to be wifey and mama has been no easy task. Hoping that it will only get better with time, experience, and trial and error.
- Been praying for:
   Healing for our nursing relationship.
   Your salvation and for you to be a strong and brave leader.
   Your wife and my role has her mother-in-law.
    Wisdom to raise you the way God has commanded us to.

I love you, my first born. It seems like yesterday that you were still growing inside me... Now you're 2 months old!!
 

Saturday again!

Daddy is on the road today and we have been SO lazy. Hank either likes to sleep ALL day. Like 4 hour naps. OR he'll only take a couple 30 minute naps. Today must be a catch up day. He's been sleeping like crazy. Dang, I love him.


Today let me tell you what I'm thankful for:

1. Friends. Growing up I didn't love girls all that much. I always had a very close girlfriend or two and then spent a lot of time with the boys. However, I managed to pick up a GREAT group of ladies along the way. I have a best friend from 5th grade, a few from Midway, a few from church planting, a few from the church I grew up in, and have even landed some jewels in Alabama. I could go on. The main point? These women love Jesus, they are honest with me, they listen to me whine and complain, we can do really fun things together or nothing at all and walk away with full hearts and good memories. Thankful for friends and women to do life with (whether in person, by mail, or text messages.. it's all good).

2. My little girl, Landry. She has proved her awesomeness once again. This week we were all reunited. She LOVED Hank. She was such a huge help and has such a sweet spirit. She is so smart and often knows what I'm about to say before I say it. Love that child. We will be happy for her to start school but super sad to see her go. I'm sure we have many spend the night parties in our future either way.

3. My sister Hollie. She gets to stay home with her boys now. Her daily texts since Hank was born have really helped my sanity sometimes. Her youngest, Ramsey, is 6 months older than Hank. It is so fun to talk about Hank and her boys. Hollie always does a good job of talking me down when I get overwhelmed or stressed out. I remember a time in middle school that I was home alone and had a huge assignment due the next day or something. I called her crying and all stressed out. I remember her telling me to breathe, go take a bath, and get back to work later. Thank goodness for a sister who doesn't laugh at my ridiculousness but helps me out of it.

Helpers

So thankful for all the meals, flowers, cards, texts, my m-i-l cleaning my house the day we came home and all the visitors after Hank was born. Really grateful for my sister and mom helping me those first 2 weeks. They always walked into my house bringing positive energy, smiles, encouragement, and support. They think breast feeding is as precious as I do and helped me fight to make it work and never mentioned giving up! Paige and I share a love for babies and children and we both have "the touch". She thinks I was her first baby because she was 10 when I was born and she changed my first diaper:) Paige is SO selfless. Always considering others. She is also so fun! 2 summers ago we basically repelled down a cliff to the creek with her 2 boys. I'll never be able to repay her for all she does/ has done for me. Thank you, Paige. I admire your craftiness, passion, and the way you give of yourself. Love you.


Below is a link to a post that I think is great! It is a long list but some points are very important to consider when visiting a family with a new baby. Especially the first one and the one about perfume! I know I will be way more courteous in the future after experiencing it myself. Enjoy :)



http://williamsburgmothering.com/2013/09/30/going-to-visit-family-or-friends-who-have-a-new-baby-follow-these-tips/

Monday's Thankfulness

1. Dr. Johannson and babycafe (where we're headed today!). If it weren't for Dr. J, an amazing OBGYN who also happens to be an IBCLC, we would not be able to nurse. At 2 wks Dr. J clipped Hank's posterior tongue tie and prescribed some special ointment for me. Hank is now 6 wks and growing like a weed. I'm still healing but nursing is SO much better than those first 2 weeks. Dr. Johannson knows Jesus and he didn't have to tell me that. It radiates out of him. He is so passionate about women and their babies. He is compassionate and really cares.

2. Dr. Fletcher (my OBGYN) for helping me have the best labor and delivery. She too, really cares. She honored all of my requests. When I went for my 6 wks last week I told her I would miss her and it felt like we were breaking up! Ha. But seriously, I saw her and her nurse, Misty, more than my own family especially at the end of pregnancy. What a great woman.

3. My sister-in-law, Emily. What would I do without her? I seriously don't know. She is so giving and selfless. Not to mention she has survived many years of adventures with my b-i-l, Scott. She is such a trooper. Love her and the memories we've made. Looking forward to many more.

November? Woah.

I'm not gonna sit here and act all like I'm gonna post what I'm thankful for daily on the ole' blogaroo or facebook. That's just silly for me. I'll forget. I'll miss a few days. The good news is that I can still be thankful with out announcing it in cyber space :)

Since it's Saturday morning and I love Saturday mornings I'm going to sit here holding my precious sleeping baby while he makes sweet baby noises and I'm going to write out a few things I'm thankful for.

The first two are people that I love and could really learn a few things from.

1. My hubs. He is so full of grace. I can be selfish, irritable, and just plain ugly and he is SO quick to put it behind us and love me. He just forgives. It makes me feel so good that he pays more attention to the good in me than he does the bad. He is always in my corner but speaks truth into my life. He also doesn't say much and I say way too much most of the time(typical man? typical woman?). When he does speak, he's full of wisdom. He enjoys the simple things. He works hard. He's so cute out in the pasture riding that tractor around. He has stepped it up around the house while I've been busy nursing, nursing, nursing. He is a leader. He is strong and steady. So, I'm thankful for the old soul that I get to grow old with. Oh, and he's the father of my child :)

2. Mother. Growing up I thought my mom was kind of a push over. Sometimes I'd just want her to get mad and stand up for herself. Well, now I'm older and I get it. She isn't a push over. She always told me that if I didn't have anything nice to say to not say anything at all and she LIVED it in front of me. How many folks do you know who actually practice what they preach? She isn't going to fly off the handle at you because she knows once it's said you can't take it back. She isn't going to fuss about silly things because she knows relationships are more important than her pride. So while some may think mom needs a backbone I'd like to tell them that I wish I could have the kind of backbone she has. She is so gentle, kind, self controlled, patient, and forgiving. I'm thankful for her and the way she has encouraged me as a new mom. She took such great care of Hank and me in the beginning when we hit a few speed bumps. She is so supportive and encouraging and it has made our mother-daughter relationship even sweeter. I won't ever stop needing my mama. I'd say I want to be more like her but she's striving to be more like Christ so I'll just cut out the middle man and make those same strides.

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Since I was 18 years old I have been trying to figure out what I could go to school for and what kind of career I want to have. Which is interesting because I have never been interested in a career. I have, however, always been interested in being a wife and a mother. There is nothing I love more than being with children, caring for them, and loving on them. Then when I got married I realized that I really love being a wife. I have thoroughly enjoyed being Will's wife for the last year and a half. Being his wife is my favorite job. I love the grocery shopping, cooking breakfast and dinner, doing his laundry, paying the bills, and going to all of his sporting events. I have only been a mother for (almost) 6 weeks now but I can already tell you that motherhood is just icing on the cake of being married to Will.

I have always known that I wanted to be a wife and a mother and it's no wonder that I still can't decide on a major or picture myself in the work force doing a job that I went to school to learn all about.

Why?

Because being Will's wife and Hank's mother is my highest calling. After all, Hank is all I get to leave in this world when my time is done. If I raise him up like God has called me to then hopefully the world will be a better place because he's in it. There is nothing more important to me that my big baby and my little baby. I am so happy to finally be where I know God has gifted me to be.

*I am not a perfect wife. Ask Will. I can strive to be better though.
**I am not the perfect mother. I do have a knack for taking care of children though and will do my very best to raise Hank up to honor the Lord.

1 month

Hank at one month.
-9lb 13oz 22.5in ) Gaining almost a lb a week.
-Mama is loving the cloth diapers and nursing. Can you say FREE :)
-Last night he slept from 10pm-2:45am yay! Then until 6am. When he wakes up he doesn't even open his eyes. We just nurse, change the diap, and go back to sleep. Praise the Lord.
-He loves listening to the shower and blow dryer.
-He doesn't like being put in the car seat but likes it once the car starts moving.
-He loves when mama "wears" him in the moby.
-He's been to church the last 2 Sundays.
-We LOVE Dr. Johannson and thank the Lord for sending him to Alabama. If not for him I wouldn't be able to nurse my baby boy. We have seen Dr. J every Monday for the last 3 weeks and attended Babycafe after each appointment.

Hank's Birth Story

As September 24th drew nearer and nearer I told everyone that the next full moon was on September 19th hoping that Hank would make his appearance then. However, in my mind I had prepared myself to still be pregnant in October knowing that Hank was my first child and usually the first one likes to be late. I had been dilated to a 4 for 2 weeks (and did lunges down the service road with Will on Monday- Can you say SORE?) when I had just got into bed on September 19th at 10pm (after working from 8-5:30 and then cleaning the car lot till 7:30pm) contractions began. I hit my knees (with every. single. contration!). After about 20 minutes I woke Will up and told him I was going to have Hank tonight. His eyes were HUGE. He jumped up and I assured him that we didn't have to rush. I was going to straighten up, take a shower, throw the toiletries into our overnight bag and then we could head to the hospital. My contractions were about 4 minutes apart and by the time we arrived at RMC around 11:30 they were 1-2 minutes apart. I did not like our first nurse. The only time I thought I could not deliver my baby naturally was while dealing with that nurse. Eventually our favorite nurse, Ashley, showed up, got us admitted, and brought in the labor tub while I labored in the shower. Thank the Lord for Ashley. With every single contraction I hit my knees. While in the shower Will was putting pressure on my hips and by the time the tub was filled up we were both soaking wet. When we got out of the shower to get into the labor tub I realized I did not want in there if Will couldn't reach me to apply that much needed pressure with every contraction. So... he looked at the nurse and said, "Can I get in?". I think we were all shocked. So off came his socks and shoes and in we went. I labored for about 6 hours with contractions every minute and no breaks. In between contractions I was still in a lot of pain. I continually repeated, "When I am weak, HE is strong" knowing that the Lord would see me through. His promises are true and he made no mistakes when creating my body to birth my first child. Dr. Fletcher showed up sometime around 4am. She was wonderful! She immediately started rubbing my back and telling me how great I've been doing. She let me push on all fours for a little while before getting in the bed. I pushed for about 30 minutes. At the very end it felt like I had a whole stadium of people cheering by my bed. Will was definitely in coaching mode yelling, "C'mon Mags!!" Then there he was, Hank Larry Ginn. I will never ever ever forget the way that little warm body felt against my bare chest. Pushing was definitely my favorite. I could actually do something about the pressure! On September 20th, 2013 at 4:49am I embraced my baby and made my husband a father. Hank had a head full of black hair and amazing eyebrows. They laid him right on my chest and Will was justa crying :) I was so happy to finally hold my prize. He stayed with me for the first hour or two and we nursed. He latched on like he had been taught. After he ate they weighed him and he came in at 7lb 10oz and 19.5in long.

Every single detail is so special to me because from the time I found out that I'd be having our first child I prayed for specific things like...1) I wanted to go into labor on my own. No inductions! 2) I wanted to labor naturally so my baby would not be drugged up when he came out. 3) I prayed that he would be a wonderful nursling because so many women have trouble breast feeding.

The Lord was so gracious in answering every single prayer. I was also blessed by things and people I had not prayed about like our nurse Ashley and my best friend, Brittany. Brittany was so encouraging and helped me know what to expect next and that the pain wouldn't get any worse. My mom was also a blessing. She was pretty low key but there is just something about being in a lot of pain and being able to cry to your mom... even if she can't do anything to help. Then we all ate Chick-fil-a for breakfast and that was a huge blessing for this CFA loving mama!

Having Hank has changed a lot of things for me.
-For example, I can hardly get through a church service with out crying like a baby. Sometimes I just look at him and cry because I think about how God gave his only Son for you and me. I have loved Jesus for a long time but having my own son has rocked my world. I can't thank the Lord enough for giving his son and I can't thank Jesus enough for dying on that cross.
-I thought I really loved Will before having Hank and I did but I love him way more now and in ways I didn't know possible. I love the fact that I get to keep a part of Will with me during the day and I am amazed at the way he helped me during labor and delivery.
-My parents, especially mom. I just want to apologize for anything I have ever said or done to hurt her feelings. I know a day will come when Hank will hurt mine and the thought of that breaks my heart. So, it breaks my heart that I have hurt my parents in that way. Mom, I am so sorry and I love you :) Dad too I just don't think he's much of a blog reader ;)

Thank you Jesus for the gift of life and for caring about the small details of my life with Will. I pray that I won't -for a day- forget that Hank is yours. Prepare us to raise him in a way that honors and brings glory to your name. I pray that he will grow up to know you and make an impact on this world for you.

40 weeks

On Tuesday the 24th I would have been 40 weeks (according to the drs). However, I'm now holding my baby on the outside of my body instead of in my womb. Will doesn't want pictures of Hank on the internet but trust me when I say... HE IS PERFECTION. Never has there been a more beautiful child. God's faithfulness has me in tears a lot lately. My labor, delivery, and breastfeeding could not have been more wonderful. I prayed about specific details all through out pregnancy and decided to trust in Jesus rather than in a doctor's educated opinion. Let me tell you, the Lord is good and he knew what he was doing when he made our bodies to birth and give nourishment to our young. Hank is a dream come true and I could stare at him all day long. So thankful the Lord gave him to us and I pray that we will daily give him back to Jesus. Gonna compose our birth story soon before I forget all the details. Until then, cheers to new life and our family of two becoming a family of 3!

Urgent

If you're a human or love a human you should watch this video:

http://eatlocalgrown.com/video/11895-kids-food-allergies-gmos.html



And if you like the video you should check out this blog:

 www.lindsayleighbentley.com

Will has noticed how much I've fallen in love with this girl and the way she does life. Rightfully so.

38 wks

38 wks and 4 days. Several signs that I'm having a baby soon but still no Hank. Still feel great. Alabama is playing Texas A&M and touchdown dip (recipe from the chiro) with chips and fresh pineapple and watermelon is on the menu today. Possibly some homegrown jalapeno poppers and caramel brownies later. Loving the cool, dry weather. Also loving football season. Getting up early to work outside and getting our to-do lists done so we can relax while watching some college football. Odie has been following me extra close.. and I'm wondering if he knows we'll bring a baby home soon?

In preparation for a natural birth for my first born I have been reading a lot of verses about God's strength in our weakness. And I cry. At church if the song has a line about His strength and our weakness.... yep, I cry. I know that I am going to be at the weakest point EVER. This girl's most serious injury was an ankle sprain as a child. I will have to fully trust the Lord to bring us through the pain and deliver our son. I will have to constantly remind myself that labor does not last forever and that at the end I will get to hold and feed my baby boy. That women have been birthing babies for centuries and it is not a medical emergency. Hoping that someone at that hospital will see Jesus in us.

I am looking forward to family time at home with my baby daddy and my new baby. Also looking forward to a break from all my part time jobs. A time of rest. A time of learning to feed my babe. A time to relax and hibernate a bit.

The nursery still isn't totally finished. Maybe this weekend?

Landry and I got our nails done yesterday. I LOVE that little girl. She is so smart and so well behaved. We just hang out like besties. Hank, you're in for a treat. Your little mama is gonna make you rotten.

Can't wait to see Hank's little bum in his precious cloth diapers. I've been waiting to play babies "for real" my entire life. Come on little baby, let's do this thing :)

Where are you, Fall?

It is September 5th. Fall is right around the corner, I hope! I am SO ready for tunics (that I need -no-want to buy more of) leggings, boots, and scarves. I am ready to tote my first babe around all warm and snuggly. I am ready to bake my California mother's pumpkin pie coffee crunch cake and drink chai tea latte's (while breastfeeding? Not sure about that). Ready for crisp mornings, cool breezes, and trees that change colors. Ready for days at the park with Landry where we don't sweat uncontrollably. With every season I feel like the Lord just retunes my heart. He awes me with the newness of each season. I remember the first time I ever appreciated Fall. I was a freshman at the University of West Georgia. For the first time ever I didn't have to be trapped in a classroom. I sat outside on campus and read Redeeming Love on a blanket. It was wonderful! Then I remember the first time I missed Fall. My first year in SD (where there are no seasons). The girls started wearing fall clothes after Labor Day but the weather was still the same and the landscape looked the same. That's when I learned to trick myself into seasons. With warm drinks, changing wardrobes, different music, street festivals, etc.

I have been pregnant for all of 2013 and the very end of 2012. I have so enjoyed sharing my body with my little one but honestly, I'm ready to meet Hank. To hold him. To love him in the outside world. It's not that I'm "over" being pregnant- although it is getting more difficult to move around and bend over- I'm just ready to see what and who he looks like and tackle the sleepless nights with my main man, Willis. Bless his heart, he's ready for this part to be over. Ready for him to get here and for the both of us to be okay - aww :). Love that man.


So bring on the lattes, sweaters, football, boots, scarves, pumpkins, and mums! And Baby Hank, of course!

36 weeks

Yesterday marked 36 weeks of you and me, Baby Hank. 36 weeks spent together, every single minute of every single day. You have been my little accountability partner and I'm so sorry I've failed at times. Every time I yell or threaten our beloved pugs with spankins I just know you must be scared. Ha. Sorry, that probably won't change when you get here. Odie still likes taking a trip down the service road to visit all the neighbors and see what kind of treats they'll give him. He still gets spanked. And chained. Anyhoo, you'll love these pugs regardless of their bad behavior just like your dad and I do. 

I still feel great. I went to the chiropractor last week (as a treat to myself because insurance covers it) and love Dr. Kelle Edwards. She is the bomb. Maybe you'll meet her, too. There is a watermelon in the fridge outside and the only thing keeping me from cutting it is all the leftovers taking up my pyrex containers :) My feet have been puffy a few times. Mainly when I have to sit all day. Starting last week this is what life looks like: Monday- off day. grocery store. clean house. run errands. Tuesday- work at the car lot 8-5:30. Wednesday- Clean Kelly's mansion and hang out with Lan (your lil mama) and see Dr. Fletcher. Thursday- work at the car lot 8-5:30 then clean the car lot. Friday- Hang out with Lan. Football season officially starts this Friday at home against Etowah.

I can't tell you how many people told me how miserable I would be this summer while pregnant with you. Welp, It's August 28th (Happy Birthday, JB. Love you so much), the Lord gave us a rainy and mild summer and I'm proud to report... I have not been miserable and I am yet to be miserable. In your face people. 

Your nursery isn't finished yet. Maybe I'll have some time this weekend to do a few projects. I hope so! 

I made a packing list for the hospital but have yet to actually pack.

I cannot wait to hold you for the first time. I have been praying for your delivery and our breast feeding relationship for so long. I cried today just thinking about you being my baby forever and always (sorry, future daughter-in-law, I'll work on letting go when he turns 25! I'm serious). 

Dr. Fletcher doesn't think we'll make it to 40 weeks. I am a wee bit dilated and super pumped about my body progressing (whether you come next week or in 4 weeks). Apparently, I need to get on the ball. Can't wait to meet you and kiss you. I really, really can't wait to watch your daddy fall in love with you. I love him so much and I love you, so to watch you two bond is really going to make my cup overflow. Love you little baby, see you soon!

34 weeks

Today marks 34 weeks. 3 weeks til we are considered "full term". This means we have as little as 3 weeks or at the most, 7-8 weeks left, until we see Hank for the first time. Starting next week we visit the doctor every week. I am still crazy about fruit. I have decided to neglect my addiction to sweets (allowing myself to cheat on the weekends) until Hank gets here and possibly continue after he's born. I was taking the sweets WAY overboard.. and you know sugar is so bad.

Hank's nursery is on it's way to being d-o-n-e. We (as in Mom and Paige) just lack a few craft projects like: a valence, rocking chair cushion (the rocking chair was given to Janet and Larry when Todd was born. Awww weee!), a hamper makeover involving some fabric and spray paint, a lamp, a pennant banner, and an alphabet. On Sunday afternoon Mom and I completed Hank's 1,2, and 3 month onesies (to watch him grow)... I'm in love. Mom also made him a few burp cloths. Two with baby blue polka and printed fabrics and the third with some orange and black Valley Cub fabric. These projects aren't perfect but they are perfect enough for me. I try to let go of a lot of things because I don't want the insignificant things in life robbing me of satisfaction, joy, or contentment.

I still have a pretty good bit of energy. My feet haven't really been swollen yet, except for the day we drove 5 hours to the mountains. Getting up at night is getting more difficult. My walking buddy has started her last semester of student teaching before she graduates in December so my walks aren't quite as enjoyable these days but I MUST keep it up! I am so thirsty, all. the. time.

Friends and family hosted the best baby shower last Sunday afternoon. Seriously, it was great. I enjoyed every minute of it. The decorations were beautiful and the food was delicious.We got just about everything we need for Hank and if we didn't get it, we have gift cards to take shopping :)  I think I'm way more comfortable opening gifts for my son than for myself. My friends from Georgia came too so my heart was pretty much FULL.

Also, last week we found out that my best friend has 2 babies in her belly. WOAH! I am so excited. Feels like Christmas in March/February! I am so looking forward to the arrival of these two and I really hope they are both girls! PS- if anyone would be able to deliver two babies back to back naturally... it would be Brittany.

The student's first day of school is this coming Monday. The football jamboree is the 23rd and then the regular season begins the next week. I have LOVED having Will home this summer even if it meant preparing three meals a day some day. Ready or not it's time to tackle school, football season, and then basketball season. See you in March, husband :) Your babe will be 5 months by then.

30 weeks!

The third trimester (so far) is most popular for tears and ridiculous emotional spells. I am definitely getting large and in charge. My belly button is beginning to turn inside out and I can't pop my back anymore. Hank is still very active and gets the hiccups quite often. His movements take my breath away. Will is going to finish touching up the paint in his room today and we will hopefully have all the furniture by the end of this month. Maw-Maw is buying the crib, Janet is buying his dresser/changing table, and Mrs. Palmer (Paw-Paw) and Grams are buying the travel system. I don't know what we would do without the amazing love and support of our families. What a blessing that we have so many people that are eager to take care of Hank already! Only 10 weeks to go, give or take. Here are a few things that I've cried about lately... so I can have some laughs when I look back at this.

1. When the neighbor came to take her dog (now our dog) back to her house. Picture and explanation below.

Meet Dollie. Dollie was the neighbor's dog that her grandparents bought in Huntsville. Dollie is a 4 month old Chug. (Pug/Chihuahua mix) She was abused in Huntsville and it took me a week or so to gain her trust. Dollie's favorite things are Odie, Janie, following my heels, meal time, chewing turtle shells, and sleeping in Odie's basket. Will let me keep her on account that she will be an outside dog. She is soooo sweet and has the cutest (Will says ugliest) under bite. When Dollie first came to Wellington  she wouldn't let anyone touch her let alone catch her. So when the neighbor came to get her she would just shake and pee and be so scared. I was so embarrassed that I was crying about it I had to go inside while they were trapping her. That's when I knew that Dollie had to be mine. You see, I love the unwanted, the unlovable, the broken ones, the ugly ones, the old, the smelly, the babies. We were meant to be. Now seriously, 3 dogs?? We have lost our minds!!

Back to the silly things I've been crying about:

2. I cried in the bed the other night because I know that things between us (Will and me) are about to change. Right now it's all about him and he's all about me. I love Hank but I was crying because I know our relationship is about to change and I just love my husband so much and that thought... well, it made me cry, in the bed, with Will sound asleep. Wow.

3. A few weeks ago when my iron was low I was very tired for about 4 days. On the fourth day I had a melt down. Will has been SO sweet and understanding. I have been apologizing for crying like a crazy person and he just says, "you're not crazy" and holds me. I broke down because I was tired. Wow.

4. Last night I cried because I didn't want to clean the kitchen, cook, and then clean the kitchen again. My back was hurting all day because I can't pop it anymore and all I wanted to do was soak in the tub and have a mocktail. Wow. Seriously, I have got to get a grip... I can't be having all of this rub off on Hank. 

None of these things are real reasons to cry. Even when I'm crying I realize how ridiculous I'm being... YET I STILL cry! I just had to record this side of pregnancy so, like I said, I can look back and laugh. Heck, I'll be laughing about this at lunch. Thank you, Lord, for a great husband who is sticking by me through the tears and for a sweet baby that I get to hold in 2.5 months.

Last few days of the 2nd trimester...

The bump is large and in charge. Dr. Fletcher says this is the "home stretch". Babydaddy says he's nervous about the fact that Hank has to come out of me. Women do it everyday and then they do it again a few years later ;) Ate almost a whole watermelon that he bought me by myself this week. Willis also took me to Ono last night after a prego emo day. Feeling much better today and no tears. Looking forward to painting walls, organizing drawers, buying a rug, and making Hank's bed. Only 12 weeks left (give or take some days). Then I will be the biggest baby hog to ever walk planet earth. I will be over the top protective, smothering the poor child, and probably sleep deprived. Yay for babies, they are my most favorite.. besides my Willis, of course.

26 weeks

Feeling good, oh so good! Hank, you are one strong boy. Sometimes your movements take my breath away. Literally. AND we still have 14 weeks to go. Wow. I want watermelon almost every day. Made chicken salad (recipe from Aunt Shirley) yesterday and could eat that daily, too. (Have to work on my consistency next time). Also been loving plums, apples, peaches, grapes, and of course, guacamole! I made Rachel Ray's meatloaf and potato pile up (one of your dad's favorites) for your Grandpap and dad on Father's Day with Reese's trifle for dessert (Auntie Em's recipe). Maw-Maw Nunnelly and Grams joined in as well. Your Memommy brought salad and homemade bread. YUM! Your dad left us last week to go on his first mission trip. He had a great time! I had some crazy anxiety about him going and missed him while he was away but SO GLAD he was able to go and serve. When he got home you wouldn't let him feel you move for a few days. Maybe you missed the deddies too? I have been playing a whole lot of house and I'm so ready to start your nursery. Next week at our appointment we do the glucose test... Then we go to the doctor every 2 weeks until the last month of pregnancy when we'll go every week. Can't wait to hold you and kiss you. Life is about to change but I have a feeling this will be a change we all love :)

Meet Baby Hank.

Hank Larry Ginn

Meet Baby Hank. I believe that names are important. I love strong names with a lot of meaning. This is week 23 and we have just now decided on a name (Lord willing we still have 16 weeks or so). It is important to Will that our son doesn't have a "froo froo" name. He thinks (and I agree) that our boy needs a name that he can be called by when he's older and still be taken seriously. So, Hank it is! 

My sister, Paige, sent this to me the other day via text. (I'm not sure where she found it): 

"Hank is pictured as a hardworking, simple, and strong manual laborer with an outgoing personality."

That pretty much sums us up. I jokingly told Will that I was the personality and the strong manual laborer and he was hardworking and simple. For real though, sounds like my husband's offspring and everything I hope our son will be.

Hank also means "head of the home". I desire to raise a God-fearing young man who will someday be the head of his home. Especially in a world that is so self absorbent, morally weak, and far from God. 

Can't wait to see what our dark headed little boy will look like. Freckles or no freckles? 

Love you little Hank!

Update:

 I woke up and thought about the fact that not everyone knows where Larry comes from. Larry is your grandfather. I never had the opportunity to meet him but while living in the Valley I have heard a lot of great stories about him and who is was. I'm sure your dad will tell you all about him one day. If you are half the man that Will and Larry both are, then we're in good shape. Your grandfather was an excellent father, husband to your Nana, and great coach. The stories I love most are the ones about him picking strawberries or blueberries and carrying them to older ladies, the less fortunate, and to family and friends. He was also a hard worker and taught your daddy, Uncle Scott, and Uncle Todd about hard work and dedication. So while it was just natural for us to name you Hank Larry. I realized some may not know. Be proud of your heritage little man. God has big plans for you! Like I said, Will is the one who really needs to describe Larry. Who knows maybe one day I'll hoax him into writing on the ole' blogaroo ;)

22 weeks

Dear Baby Ginn,
 You still don't have a name. It's not because we don't love you. Sorry bout it. You move like crazy especially after meal time. I guess you get that honest.. I love a good meal and so does your daddy! I've been working a lot in the house to get ready to get ready for you! Ha, yep. Operation green house is always in motion so I've been doing a lot of work in other rooms so that I can eventually have a place for your clothes and a place to lay your head :) We visited your cousins in Georgia last weekend. Rowan calls you "my cousin". I told him that you are his cousin and my baby. It's cute to hear him call you that though. Ramsey was so sweet. He was 7 wks old and just precious. He was lovey and cuddly. He never cried (puckered his bottom lip once because I didn't give the bottle back fast enough), smiled a lot, and tried to talk. He may have spoiled your daddy into thinking all babies are naturally that easy peasy. 18 weeks to go.. that is insane! Jordan Brown comes to walk 3 days a week and we even ran a little yesterday. Trying to get in shape for your delivery. I stay hungry almost all day. I cannot resist buying a watermelon when I go to Foodland. It usually doesn't last longer than 4 days. I still love all fresh fruit. Round ligament pain is no joke and my feet are feeling the weight of these extra lbs at the end of each day. I'm not very into "pregnancy and parenting" books these days. Mainly because every source of information contradicts the next. However, I am reading Redeeming Childbirth: Experiencing His Presence in Pregnancy, Labor, Childbirth, and Beyond by Angie Tolpin. I really love the scientific evidence she includes along with scripture. Some of her book is a little extreme but I still love it. Packed with good stuff. Proud of my fruit and nut heritage I have from living in San Diego and completely in awe of the way God designed our bodies. Your Great Grandmother, Maw-Maw, made a blanket for you already. It is light blue and crocheted and so soft. Also, your Great Aunt Shirley has already started showering you with blankets, bibs, and gift cards. God is so faithful and soon you will see for yourself all the love He has for you along with the amount of love you have from your family. Last, a story about your dad that I don't want to forget, ever. One afternoon I walked into the kitchen to find him sitting in his truck in the driveway blaring "Loves Me Like Jesus Does" by Eric Church. He was just a singing. Your dad won't admit it often but he likes me and I don't have a problem saying that he is my favorite of all time. Can't wait for you to fall in love with him and the green house.

Thankfulness in May

When your hubs runs over what he thinks was your Possum cat's tail or leg and then your kitty runs off and still hasn't returned home (even when you call for him and put sausage grease over his dry food).... You just gotta.... create an attitude of thanksgiving. Thus....


Thankful Thursday:

1. My babe in my belly. He keeps me entertained with his constant tumbling.
2. My hubs who teaches school, coaches football, then comes home to load up his lawnmower to cut some grass for friends going through a rough time. He's still my most favorite, ever.
3. A walking friend named Jordan. A friend that you don't have to explain yourself to or apologize to. Plus, she's helping this mama stay fit!
4. Hand-me-down maternity clothes.(Thank you best friend forever!)Why did I wait so long? The girl who longs to live in yoga pants and running shorts should have known how wonderful maternity pants would be! Seriously improved my pregnancy from a 6 to a 10.
5. For small group girls who still wanna hang out. 6 years later.
6. Other mamas and pregnant friends with words of wisdom.
7. Our animals. The best bull in the world, Freckles, 2 mama cows and 2 calves who love watermelon as much as me. J-J and BoBo who always make us laugh. Lastly for our Dash and missing Possum who are a year old now and still "nurse" on Janie. 2 cats that you could aggravate to death and they refuse to show one tooth or claw.
8. One last shout out to my babydaddy. I love that we share our love for the animals. I'm not so sure our home could be so happy if I had one of those husbands who beat our dogs and kicked our cats. This is how I know our son is in for a real treat. I hope he turns out like Willis.

Happy Thursday, Planet Earth.

My youth minister, Jerry Adair, used to say...
"The secret to never being content is to always compare."

Sassy Pants

I love me some Landry Kole. She spent the night with us last night and we had a lot of fun. She is so funny, sassy, and SMART! She gave Will the run around the whole time. She was very stingy with her lovin' and it was fun watching them interact :) She played and played in the bath tub and loves my basket of super old toys. Just wanted to document our fun spend the night party since the two of us don't hang out every day. Having her here made me think about life in 4 years with our baby boy. Hope he is as easy peasy as Miss Lan.


Favorite quote:
Will: Who do you like spending the night with most?
Lan: All the family. You and Maggie, JuJu, Andrea, Nana and Poppy, Uncle, and Abbey.
Maggie (to Will): Did you ever think you'd grow up, get married and have Kelly's daughter spending the night at your house?

(Will and Kelly's families have been friends since before their parents even started having kids. I am so thankful for their relationships. Also thankful that I now have Kelly and her family as friends and coworkers!)

Good to know Landry considers us family because I consider her one of my own!

16 weeks

To the babe/ About the babe:

• This is our 16th week together. Now that I'm over the nausea I enjoy sharing my body with your little growing one. Isn't it crazy that you're living in me? But have your own separate arms, legs, brain, heart, etc. You can't read my mind and I can't read yours but you live INSIDE me. Woah.
• On Wednesday we find out if you are a boy babe or girl babe. Before I'm honest about my preferences let me tell you this... Before every doctor's visit I get myself all worked up. I think constantly about you. Is that little heart still beating rapidly? Are you okay in there? Once I hear your heartbeat (or get to see you) I'm fine again. I pray everyday for you as you grow inside of me that God would just orchestrate it all perfectly. Your health is of main concern to me. Now, I can honestly say that I don't mind if you're a boy or a girl! If you're a boy your deddies will LOVE to do all things "boy" with you. We will get a lot of great hand-me-downs from your aunt and cousins, Rowan and Ramsey. Lastly, you'll be the first boy grandchild on your dad's side! If you are a girl we will have so much fun with ruffles on bloomers, bows in your hair, and paint on your toes. Your dad will have a lot to learn but I think he'll be smitten. Intimidated but smitten. Lastly, you will be the first girl grandchild on my side of the family. 
• Nola Brees came to our house yesterday and Janie was obsessed! Just like she was when Rhett was born. She is gonna looooove you and you will love her too. You will have a lot of great animals to love on at the green house. You will know where milk comes from and that will make your Maw-Maw Nunnelly a happy camper. 
• Your dad refuses to discuss name options for you until we know if you're a boy or girl. I want to name you after your Paw-Paw Williams, Theron Hollis Williams. Even if he weren't my paw-paw I'd still want to name you after him because he is the greatest man I've ever known. You could not meet him without knowing the love of Jesus and knowing how much he genuinely loved you. He was bold in Christ. He prayed for missionaries in the US and other countries every single day. He was a servant and wanted to help in any and every way he could. When I moved home from California I would go to his house once a week and visit. During the summer I would cut the grass. It would be SO hot and dusty outside. He would walk in from of me and hose down the grass so I didn't have to breathe in all the debris. When I lived in San Diego we wrote back and forth EVERY week. We would talk about the weather, how much we missed and loved one another, the family, and he always enclosed an odd amount of money for gas. Some times it would be $11. Other times $4. I'm his granddaughter but many other people have stories about him that are similar to mine. I hope you get to experience a love like that. Mostly though, I hope you grow up to love the Lord like Theron Hollis. I hope you will be unashamed of the Gospel like him. I hope you work as hard as he did. I hope your love for the Lord is obvious because of the way you love others. I hope you value family and heritage like he did. He missed my wedding by 4 months and he missed you by almost 2 years. He'd be so proud though. He'd be just as giddy as I am, about you. 
• I still love fruit. I made a grocery list and went to the grocery store without getting sick last week. I cooked meat! For the first time in 9 weeks. I am very thankful to be feeling better (your Grandpap prayed that I would get over my "morning sickness" and I did, thank you Jesus). Work days are still the hardest. Probably because I sit in the same spot all day for 9.5 hrs with not much activity or fresh air.
• Basically, I just love you. 

ONE YEAR! Yipee! I still really really love my groom. He's still my favorite part of the wedding. We had plans to go to away for the weekend and celebrate but a few things happened and made us decide on waiting til schools out.

This week is also our Spring Break. On Saturday I was very sick. Sunday, our anniversary, I felt okay and then it was back again yesterday. I have spent a lot of time on the couch and drinking clear liquids. Yay. Not exactly how I pictured our 1 year or SB but at least I have this week to have a break from school. This pregnancy has definitely caused a switch up in our relationship. Before pregnancy it was breakfast and supper every day. Now, poor Will doesn't get either. Plus he makes a lot of trips to the store. I really appreciate him and his patience during this time. Growing a baby is no easy task ;)


Cheers to many many many more years and anniversaries! Thank you Jesus for my husband who said that he would and has so far and please let us die in our bed when we're old and holding hands.

Spring has sprung!

My heart is so full. The last 12 weeks have been filled with hesitation, excitement, and a lot of nausea! Will and I are thrilled to say WE'RE HAVING A BABY! This September, in the thick of football season, we will have a sweet baby to tote to football games and then basketball games. I don't want to go into too much detail but this baby is a product of pure love and I'm so proud of that. :) Yesterday I went for my 12 week doctor visit and drove home more giddy than ever. Seeing that sweet baby (that no longer resembles an alien) moving all around with a little nose and tiny fingers made me want to squeal in the doctor's office. What a miracle. It is pretty crazy that God has chosen us to be parents to this little bean of a human. I can't imagine how overwhelmed Mary must have felt being pregnant with the Savior of the world. I have always been very emotional over that. Long before I was pregnant, even in high school. God chose her to play a huge role in the greatest love story of all time. That same story (named Jesus) rescued me and saved my life. Jesus changed the whole course of our marriage in September when Will's life was changed forever. I have never known a more authentic love than the love of Jesus. I am so thankful that I get to play a part in this baby's life. I just keeping begging God to prepare us. To prepare us to raise a leader. A leader of this baby's generation. A baby that will be saved at an early age. A leader that will have a part in seeing many souls saved. Kevin and Susan Campbell taught me a lot about praying for and over children. I know how they prayed for their kids so when they'd go out on a date I'd gladly step in and pray over all of those little ones before they fell fast asleep. Then when I had the privilege of  putting the sweetest little twin girls down for nap time 5 days a week I continued on. Then when they caught the whooping cough I really kicked in high gear. I would lay them in their beds and pray out loud that God would give them good rest and take the sickness away. I would just cry and cry. I think E & V starting expecting it as part of the routine. Precious moments with those Campbell and Ross children and it won't be long til I'll be adding more precious moments to the memory books.

Thank you Jesus for the miracle of life.
Thank you friends and family for being excited with us.
Thank you Will for loving me when I can't go to the grocery store,smell food, cook food, or get up to make you breakfast. I'd choose you over and over and over again.

Trickery

I need to trick my mind because all of this rain and cold is bringing me down! So I'll just be thankful...

• Basketball is o-v-e-r! Now my husband can have a life and maybe me too.
• I signed up for 13 hours this semester but I have decided to drop my 8 o'clock American Literature class. The thankful part? My scholarship doesn't care. They will pay again another semester. So glad to have that unnecessary stressor GONE (and extra time in the mornings)!
• For all the soon-to-arrive babies. Blake and Hannah's Wyatt Boone should be here sometime between now and early March and our friends Landry and Sarah are waiting on little Nola Brees to make her appearance during the same time frame. Then in late March or early April my FOURTH nephew, Ramsey Aaron, will arrive.
• Spring is almost here. March 20th come quick and bring the sunshine with you.