Abiding in the Word.

Well, I guess this is better late than never!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."

Ephesians 6:10

4 weeks and counting!

I can't believe how close it is to Lima Bean's arrival. I must say this pregnancy has flown by!

Here's the latest...

How far along? 36 weeks. I guess we'll see if there will be another update before Lima comes!

Total weight gain/loss? Gained 21 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes - mostly bumming it in big t-shirts and shorts though.

Stretch marks? Not yet!

Sleep? Solid sleep on my side. I wake up at least twice for bathroom trips - won't miss that! I have a tendency to moan as I try to crawl out of bed and sometimes it wakes Andrew up out of concern that maybe something is wrong. Ha! I won't miss being so stiff.

Best moment last month? Probably when my whole family was in town before Andrew and I hit the road. Also, I had some maternity pics made with Denise Crowe. That was a lot of fun.

Movement? All the time. Lima Bean is a mover and a groover. She loves to kick out on my right side... even as I type.

Food cravings? No cravings anymore.

Gender? Girl.

Lima Bean's size: Lima should weigh approximately 6 lbs. and be about 19-20 inches long head to toe. Seems to me like she's full grown... at least I hope!!!

Labor signs? I think so... seems as if she's dropped down very low and I have occasional cramps/contractions. I guess we'll see what that means!

Belly button in/out? Still out.

What I miss: My clothes.  

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Lima Bean and holding her close. Also, being a bit lighter and more mobile.

Most recent baby purchase: Lamp for Lima's room and a baby swing.

Milestones: We made it to Colorado and are pretty much unpacked without labor coming early. Also, Lima's room has been nicely painted and most of her gadgets are all set up and ready to go. Yay!

Here's a pic from the photo shoot I had with Denise. This was one Denise sent as a preview. Once I get the rest of the photos, I might post a few more.

Hi from CO Springs!

Can't talk long... I'm too pooped! Nevertheless, I wanted to give you an update on our trip.

Tuesday morning at 7 am, Andrew, Ryan (Andrew's cousin), Mama, and I began our three day trek out to Colorado Springs. Excluding the rain we had ALL day Tuesday, the drive went very well. Andrew was a trooper driving nonstop in a massive yellow Penske truck for three days straight. Ryan, his co-pilot, was supportive the whole way.  Mom and I followed the giant truck in Lyla (my CRV) with the dogs. Minus being slightly sore at the end of the drive, Lima Bean and I did just fine.

I must say pulling up to our new home was both exciting and incredibly relieving... not only had we made the drive safely (and all of our belongings were still in one piece), but the house was beautiful! Andrew and I were anxious to arrive since we had never set foot in the home before. I can tell you, however, that our fears quickly became excitement as we stepped out on the back porch to see panoramic views of Pike's Peak and the Rockies. :)

Over the last 36 hours, Andrew and Ryan completely emptied the truck and set up all of our furniture (including Lima Bean's crib and other goodies), and Mom and I have organized the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Today, the guys painted the nursery green - Benjamin Moore's Country Green to be exact - and then we quasi set up the room. I must say things are coming together nicely and I couldn't be more thankful.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't exhausted - my feet and lower back have become my ultimate nemesis.  I rejoice nonetheless because we are home. I've been dying to say that for a year now!

More to come later. Oh and by the way... I'm officially 36 weeks which means Lima Bean could be joining us here on Swigert Way soon soon soon. Crazy.

Praise be to God for his never ending kindness and love towards us!

Abiding in the Word.

"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them."

Colossians 3:19

I promise this has nothing to do with my marriage! Haha... It's just the verse of the week. :)

He did it!

It's official... Andrew is a Chick-fil-A owner/operator!

Andrew completed his classes at Chick-fil-A Corporate and graduated yesterday. There was a ceremony at Corporate, where all 21 graduates were recognized for their hard work and success in completing the 5-week course. After the ceremony, CFA treated the operators and their families to a catered lunch in their honor. Thanks CFA! All of the festivities were very exciting.

Andrew has worked very hard and it has finally paid off! It's been neat to see Andrew mature and develop his skills as a businessman throughout our marriage. I was overwhelmed with pride as I watched Andrew during the festivities at CFA. He is just so in his element and I love that. I thank the Lord for Andrew's dedication to his work and I praise Him for blessing Andrew with a job that he loves and is so passionate about. To God be the glory!

Here are a few pictures from the day...

Andrew and some of his buddies

Will Flora (my sister's boss!) talking to the graduates

After Andrew received his "diploma." Bad pic, but still special!

Graduating class with Truett Cathy in the middle.

Andrew and his first operator - the man who taught him everything :)

Andrew and his close friend Scott (the trouble makers in class per chance??)

AJ with his mom and dad

Congratulations Andrew! On behalf on our families and friends... we're proud of you!

Summer happenings.

I haven't been faithful to update you all on what's been happening the last few weeks... like my second baby shower, a girl's trip to Savannah, and an afternoon of fun at Andrew's house with his old baseball launcher.

Here's a little recap. Oh and be on the lookout for another Lima Bean update!

First off: my baby shower! This was primarily a church shower. We had a blast - lots of laughter was had by all. I am so thankful to all the ladies who attended... thank you for your generosity and support of our family. Andrew and I were certainly showered with gifts for our little Lima Bean!

Some of the decorations

AJ growing up

Pictures of me growing up holding "playing mom" with baby dolls

Sistas!

Mama with friends

Presents!

All the ladies at the shower

Fowler gals

The snack table

M for Mary

Delicious fudge

So excited... Lima Bean's quilt from "Mimi" (my mom)

Love it  - windmill pattern

The lovely hostesses - Kimeran, Kate, Jennifer, and Marla

Secondly: a trip to the beach! I drove down to Savannah to visit with some of my college buddies.. two of which are also pregnant! I guess the baby season is starting to sneak up on us. The two day getaway was fun... certainly a nice treat to spend time with girlfriends before the big move.

From left to right: Hannah, Erica, Whitney, and Grace 

Headed to the beach

Old college roomies... pretending to be preggers

Finally: afternoon fun with Andrew, his dad, and cousin... they found Andrew's old baseball launcher in the basement. :)

Ryan in the outfield as Andrew sends the ball his way

Smile AJ! 

Fly ball!

The spectators

Amos, the ball collector

It's been so fun at home. I've been blessed with some sweet fellowship with family and friends while living with my parents. I will definitely miss all the fun times here in the South!

Abiding in the Word.

"But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"

Matthew 20:25-28

Well I am soaking up my last week as an official Georgian. Crazy to think that this time next week will be our LAST DAY in GA. Quite bittersweet I must say.

Happy week to you all!