Wednesday, May 28, 2008

24 weeks!



In an effort to stay consistent with the monthly pics, I am posting my 24 week pic. I started taking pics at 14 weeks and this pic on the side of Brian and I was taken around 8-10 weeks, and technically our Christmas pics would be the four week pic so we have done a decent job at capturing the pregnancy. Tayler has been my faithful photographer-so much love to the son! If you want to see the progress click here and here. As long as I can fit into this shirt, I am going to take the belly pics in this shirt in effort to really see the growth. I put my hand under my belly per instructions of Holly-so here ya go! Only 15 weeks to go!

PS Just got my hair done so it is a little "bouncy" for my taste but you I still wanted to take the pic

Fetal development in pregnancy week 24:Fetus in sixth month This is another big week for your magical growing baby! Just take a look at the checklist for this week: 1) ears: done; 2) fingernails: done; 3) (if you have a boy) testicles: taking their 3-4 day trip from the abdominal wall to the scrotum; and 4) lungs walls: secreting “surfactant”. What’s that? Well, surfactant is sort of what it sounds like: a surface-activated fat whose main purpose is to assist the your baby's little lungs during inflation (as in, filling with air, not getting more expensive). Just in case you’re curious, your submerged baby is still breathing in amniotic fluid, preparing and rehearsing the lungs an oxygen-filled life outside the womb. By the end of this week, your child will be weighing around 2 lbs and 14 inches long. Your cutie-patootie may even be a little more plump, but isn't anywhere near their full baby-fatted cute-self. Most of the “filling out” is coming up in that long awaited (and slightly dreaded?) third trimester. Woo-hoo! Get ready!


And how's mom doing? Your little one is moving (spinning, kicking, pirouetting, shimmying, and maybe even doing a bit of the Can-Can) so much these days that if you invite your friends and/or family to touch your belly there’s a good chance they’ll get a milder sample of what you’ve been experiencing . You’ve may have experienced the oddity that is strangers who feel a protruding pregnant belly is public property and a silent invitation for belly touching. We recommend taking the belly-touching calmly and if it really offends you, just say something like: “I just fell in a large vat of anthrax.” Or perhaps something a little less aggressive, like, “Please, at the very least, ask me before touching my body.” Still, there are many women who enjoy sharing this touching ritual with others. Find your comfort zone and good luck with the rest.

Scary stuff you should be aware of: The danger of getting preeclampsia (a.k.a. Toxemia) during pregnancy is significantly higher and is characterized by significant swelling of the hands and face, excessive weight gain, blurry vision with severe headaches or abdominal pain. Obviously, swelling is common during pregnancy, but should be monitored closely, and sudden ongoing swelling to the hands and face could be a concern. Talk with your physician for more information. Preeclampsia can also be diagnosed by high blood pressure and the presence of certain proteins in your urine. Again, high blood pressure alone does not mean you are affected, but it might be something you and your physician will want to/need to monitor throughout your pregnancy. Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from receiving enough blood, thus depriving your baby of essential nutrients and lower oxygen levels, possibly resulting in low birth weights and other problems. There are several websites dedicated to preeclampsia education such as: http://www.preeclampsia.org/.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

23 weeks!


Well it has been four weeks since the last belly pic so here ya go! We go to the Dr. tomorrow for our four week check up. All is going well and I am feeling him move about all day everyday. It is the most awesome feeling!! Sleep is beginning to be very hard to get as I grow more and more. I am dreading the summer a bit as I don't know if I can bear getting much bigger! At the end of next week, Baby Humie will be around 2 pounds!! Enjoy the pic!

PS If you are following along, you should go back to old posts and see how much I have grown! Can you say WOW!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Where the Heart is.......









My sister, Rachel, and her family came up this weekend. Her family consists of my brother in law, Chris, Jackson (4), and Julia (1). They came up to watch Tayler play soccer. We went to Tay's game then the boys went to the Children's museum and the girls went baby shopping. It was a fun day! Sunday, we all just hung out and Brian relentlessly played Star Wars with Jackson...I think they equally had a ton of fun with that. It was so nice having family here. You just feel so at home with your family. Thanks you guys for making the trip! We love you!!

PS Rachel took some pics of Brian and I. We were just going for one pic but she took several in the moment when Brian was being silly. There is also one of him being silly with my belly but she hasn't emailed that one to me...I will post when she does.

Monday, May 12, 2008

The '167

How did I end up in the middle of a cornfield in the middle of nowhere? Were we really "hearing from God"? Or, were we just impulsive? I look at the reasons why we left Tennessee- the ministry was very intense, our marriage needed to be focused on and we wanted to provide a better life for Tayler. At the time we were a part of a growing ministry in the inner-city and foster parents to two beautiful girls that we had hoped to adopt. We knew that moving anywhere out of state would surely mean saying good-bye to them forever. But, since we didn't know how long they would be in foster care we could not base our lives around them. If we had we probably would not have stayed together long enough anyway.

To read the rest go here...
(WARNING: This is a longer post than usual and one that I could have continued much longer)

Devotional

I had to lead devotions today for our team meeting so I thought I would share. Enjoy!

Seeking God first in your everyday life



There are some practical ways/tools to seek God first in your life. They require action on our part but are far more rewarding than the sacrifice for us.



1. Seeking God first on a daily basis: I know personally that when I set time apart first thing in the morning, I begin to become more aware of His presence throughout the day. A while back when I had more questions for God than answers and more anger than peace, I (only by God’s grace) began to get up just ten minutes early. I knew that this discipline was something that could help heal my heart and draw me closer to God. I would light a candle, turn on worship music, and begin to be silent before God. I would also have a time of prayer and reading. In turn, after a few days, I yearned for more time with God. Getting up became easier and I looked upon the day with anticipation. Ten minutes turned to fifteen and fifteen to twenty as I sensed the cobwebs falling off my heart and strongholds tearing down. There are several disciplines I am passionate about but ultimately they all come out of seeking God first on a daily basis. I wanted to share some tools that I use to help create an environment of deeper intimacy.

2. The candle: Each morning the candle represented Christ in the room with me. This helped me to visually recognize that He was right there-right then. Sometimes when we are having a quiet time, it is hard to really believe Christ is there in the room. We feel like our prayers are going nowhere and reading the Word is just dry. In fact, He is in us, but we don’t always “feel” like this is true. Having the candle lit, can help us to remember this truth first thing in the morning. I believe this will not only create a deeper level of intimacy during your quiet time but also affect the way you go throughout your day.

3. Worship/Praise music: I have found that having music on during my quiet time (is this an oxymoron?) helps to usher in the presence of God. I know for me, that when I am singing praise or meditating on the words of the song, I begin to remember not only that He is there with me but I also begin to remember His promises for me. Remembering God’s promises can be very powerful as we all face trying times and times of doubt and despair. In fact, the bible talks about worship being used to tear down strongholds and even defeating armies! I have experienced this to be true. I may start off in a bad mood, but after listening to praise music, my mood has changed, my spirit has lifted, and I begin to experience peace.

4. Being silent: I am sure you all know that being silent for me is no easy task. However, as I began to practice this discipline, I began to hear that small quiet voice more often. I believe this was the Holy Spirit speaking to me. In fact, this is how God revealed to me I was pregnant! It was during one of these times, on January 24th, that I was sitting in silence all ready to “listen” to God. I lit my candle, turned on the music, closed my eyes , and became silent. I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me to get out an extra pregnancy test I had and take it. I started to ignore the voice as I didn’t want to see yet another negative result…(after seven years, you take a lot of tests) So, I hushed that voice and began to pray….God, I want to hear your voice this morning…lead me in this time. After a few nudges, I heard clear as day, I AM SPEAKING TO YOU RIGHT NOW….CLOSE YOUR BIBLE AND GO TAKE THAT TEST! Fine, I thought, I will! Sure enough, that is the day, we found out we were indeed pregnant after seven years of trying.

5. The Word: The bible is a very powerful weapon used to defeat the enemy of our lives. I believe the bible not only reminds us of God’s character but also grows ours as well. There are so many benefits to reading the Word each day…first thing. As you begin to read just a little bit a day, you begin to hunger for more. The bible also reminds us of the power available to us to help us conquer those negative things in our lives. As you read more, you memorize more, and you will begin to notice the Word springing up out of your heart just when you need it. This will also help you to encourage others around you with a perfect word in due season.

6. Prayer: Prayer is something I am very passionate about but will talk about at a later time. However, I would allow time for prayer all throughout the quiet time. As the Holy Spirit brought people to mind to lift up, I would pray. Ultimately, this is Him praying through me. Prayer draws us closer to God and helps get our mind in line with His….said differently, our will in line with His. Prayer is a direct link to God for us. We can pray without ceasing simply by speaking to God like we would a friend…lifting up concerns and praises to Him throughout the day. While having times of uninterrupted prayer are important, praying throughout the day is also a great way to experience God.

Overall, these quiet times are used to glorify God in our lives. Yes, they give us peace and help us, but our motive should be to glorify God. I know for me, this can only be my motive, when HE makes it my motive. I encourage each of you to begin setting apart ten minutes at the start of your day to seek God first. I know that you will experience deeper intimacy with Christ and His transforming power when you do so. You will begin to walk in the joy that is available only IN HIM. You will begin to notice your attitude changing, your relationships healing, and your character growing. You will begin to practice the presence of God and become who God has ordained you to be.



Scripture:

Seeking God:

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 7:8
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

The candle/presence of God:

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 89:15
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

Worship/Praise music:

Joshua 6:5
When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."

Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

The Word of God:

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Matthew 13:23
But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Prayer:

1 Kings 8:28
Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.

2 Chronicles 7:15
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day

I was wondering how this day would unfold. I've had a sense of dread as it approached. But, here goes...

Mom, I love you and I miss you. I know we didn't talk the last several years you were here but I thought about you often. As parents we often hope our children will understand and appreciate the sacrifices and decisions we made while they were kids. I think of the traditions you instilled in us and a sense of belief in ourselves. I'm sure my life has been more influenced by you than even I realize.

For the rest go here...

To Karin:
I always believed you were a good mom. I saw how you loved Tayler and it was one of the qualities that drew me to you. Some people wonder if their wives will be good moms but I had a chance to see you in action before we were married. Tayler is who he is today mostly because of you and your love for him.

Now, after seven years, we stand on the brink of having our first child together. I have seen you grow over the years into a more confident person. I have watched you come alive thinking of Baby Hume and wanting to make our house a home for him. I know that he is loved and will grow up in a home with a mom and dad who will help him believe in himself. I am so proud to call you "my wife". You have given me so much and I know our children will call you blessed. Thank you for loving me, supporting me and always believing in me. You are the love of my life and I can't wait to see what the next year holds for us.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Phase Five of my nesting!








So, of course, Friday, I painted once again. I did the Family room. There is still some things to be done as far as decorating go, but I wanted to go ahead and post pics. The last pic is of all three rooms downstairs. Enjoy the pics!

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Ultrasound III




Well we had the most perfect ultrasound today. The tech was able to see all four chambers of the heart along with the brain anatomy. Everything looked great! The tech was fabulous and explained each thing she was looking at. She also got excited when we got excited. It was just so refreshing and relieving. I am posting two pics here but we are also going to post the DVD. Take your time (if you have it) and watch it all the way through. It has several pauses but if you watch it all, you will see some really cool 3D images (she gave us these for free...normal cost-$150!) as well as the chambers of his heart at the end. The top pic above is him about to rub his eyes (you can also see his umbilical cord) and the bottom pic is him punching! He weighs about a pound right now!

PS At the end of the ultrasound, the tech was going to take several more pics for us in 3D but he rolled over and put his head down in the placenta. She tried for about five minutes to get him to move his head but he refused! Too funny! It was very cute!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Ultrasound tomorrow!

Please keep us in prayer as we go tomorrow for our follow up ultrasound. Hopefully, Baby boy Hume will have his head "out of my pelvis" and the tech can see all the parts of his brain that she needs to see. She also has to see the heart b/c they couldn't see all four chambers before. I get nervous before any appt so please keep us in your prayers. We will post pics tomorrow afternoon! I can't wait to see him tomorrow!!

Friday, May 02, 2008

Four rooms down, two to Go!









Okay, so its Friday and you know what that means! I am painting yet again. Today was the kitchen. I am posting pics before, midway, and after. I am so glad to finally have some color in this house. On another note (but not really) our curtains come in tomorrow for our recently converted dining room. I will post pics when we get them all hung up. Any ideas on curtain colors to go with the new red kitchen? If so, let us know!

PS After we hang the new curtains tomorrow for both rooms, I will post pics of both rooms.