Something Beautiful.

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.

 

 

20 Weeks. Half way there!

Well, Little, we're half way there.

    We've hit the 20 week mark! Woo-hoo! So far, as measured by the doctor last Thursday, I have gained a total of 1 lb. ONE POUND.  This absolutely blows my mind, as I was terrified to step on the scales due to the fact that only stretchy pants and baggy shirts fit, and that belly - it wasn't there before. 

  This Friday I will have another ultrasound to check Little's growth, organs, and take another look at the due date to ensure accuracy. Hopefully we will get a couple good pictures to share with you, too. :)

Sitting and Thinking.

   Sometimes I just sit in the quiet of my living room, while Justin is at work and Paisley is sound asleep on the porch, and picture life in just a few months. It's hard to imagine all of the changes that will take place between now and then.

  But it doesn't take an empty house to get lost in a daydream. Often when Justin comes home from work, we join each other on the couch, heist my shirt a little, just enough to reveal the bump that is gradually turning into a ball, and talk, and pray, and giggle, and wait for the next Little kick that will take us into another world of imagination.

   In around 4 and a half months, Justin and I will have a little human. A little creature that depends solely on us for survival, to be cleaned, to be fed, to be loved. As my closet seems to offer me far less wardrobe options than it use to, it is hard not to think about all of the other changes that will take place, besides not being able to fit into my favorite pair of jeans.

  Sometimes fear takes over, sometimes we wonder what we have gotten ourselves into, and sometimes we're still in a state of shock. But those feelings last as long as a fleeting summer breeze. We are in total amazement of how such a tiny being, this week, the length of the average banana, could have such an impact on who we are becoming.

  I have recently been able to decipher Little's kicks from the gas bubbles that far to often accompany this dear pregnancy. Just Saturday night, Justin was able to feel her kick for the first time. The excitement, the sheer joy that ran across his face in the form of a grin was breathtaking, heartwarming, and just what I needed to see.

  He's been wonderful. Not that he wasn't before, but somehow this little wiggle worm living in very close quarters with my belly button has somehow brought out the delicate side of my hardworking, get-the-job-done, kind of man.

  With all of the upcoming changes just over the horizon, we anticipate the smells, the noise, and the lack of sleep that comes along with having a new baby, but we also look forward to making silly faces, watching Little grow, and making new traditions as we venture down the road as a family of three. We know it won't always be easy, but we look forward to journey, the commitment, and the smiles.

Being Social.

  God works in amazing ways. I believe He sometimes puts us in situations, circumstances, and locations where we don't feel totally comfortable and then miraculously reveals his face to us in a multitude of ways.  Mississippi has been one of those circumstances. We have loved it from the beginning, but the thought of living so far away from family and friends was difficult and often uncomfortable, until God provided.

  I have always been the social type. So moving to a new town, new state, new everything while pregnant seemed to be one of my worst fears. Recently we met our neighbors, their kids, and their friends. Justin has the best co-workers, and their wives are super sweet, too. We're attending an amazing church with members who are more than happy to show us the ropes and get us started. But finding our niche, a close group of friends that invite us to come share life with them, would that happen anytime soon?

   A week ago, as I laid in bed, crying, scared that every week was going to be just like the last one: sitting at home, reading a book, cooking dinner, waiting for Justin to get home at 5pm - with no social interaction within the 8am-5pm  time frame,  I would have never dreamed life could change so much in a week.

  Just last Friday night we were invited to a cook-out across the street to welcome us to the community and meet all of our neighbors. A few couples around our age were there who were so welcoming and inviting that by the end of the night, we felt as if we had known them forever.

  Since that night, our lives have been transformed. We have been busy getting to know our new friends, hanging out at the river, and sharing suppers and stories most nights of the week. We are very thankful to be where we are and to have such amazing people around us. It is a great feeling to know that we are right where God has intended for us to be.

 We are richly blessed.

Little's Hanging Orbs.

   I'm not sure if the nesting phase includes an increase in creative inspiration, but lately it has been difficult to see the plethora of cute nursery decorations and not think, "I could do that!" So, after a couple hours searching the internet for my first nursery project, I chose one that would make a great addition to the room where Little will lay her head. 

 

So, I headed to the store in search of the fake flower section to pick out the perfect ones for my project. For the record, I loathe fake flowers and do not believe I have ever purchased them until now, but for my decorative orbs, I must use them.  

    Next, I found some 20 gauge utility wire - wire sturdy enough to hold its shape, but flexible enough to form a shape easily.
 
   With the materials purchased, I started by cutting four pieces of wire in equal lengths and forming circles of equal sizes. After the circles were formed I interlocked and connected them at each intersection with small pieces of the remaining wire, until a sphere was formed.

 
      Next I used a knife to form a slit in each of the flowers and filled the stems with Tacky Glue before finding the perfect placement for the individual flowers over the wire.

    This is the first of three cute little orbs I plan to make and hang over the crib. The plans are for the three to be slightly different sizes, and slightly different colors.  We still have a while until crunch time hits us and we have to get in nursery mode real quick, but until then,  I'll be perfectly happy finding little projects and activities that I can do to make the nursery more personal and inviting for Little. :)

Precious Mothers.

The adorable daddy-to-be!

    There's nothing else like 'em! Mothers, that is. My dear mother is so thoughtful all the time, but recently she has been even more generous than even before. I guess that's what becoming a grandmother does to you. She's already been shopping and dreaming and anticipating Little's arrival, so it isn't any wonder that she couldn't resist the urge to purchase at least a couple of those adorably tempting night time garments that will look just precious on Little.

Grandma's going to keep us dressed in style, Kiddo!

    A package adorned our front porch yesterday with a few goodies from home. Something for all three of us- Justin, Little and Me.  My eyes got bigger with every item I pulled out: Two maternity dresses, a newborn outfit for a girl and a boy (the package was sent before we knew Little's gender), a box of Cracker Jacks, a HUGE recipe book, and a card for Justin.
 

Justin's first Father's Day card!

 With something for all of us, I was so excited. This was a delightful and well thought-out surprise. Thank you, momma!

Letter to Little.

Little at 18 weeks 5 days

Dear Little,

   As I struggle to find words to describe the feelings that are currently racing through my head and my heart, I smile with excitement and anticipation, rub my ever expanding belly, and daydream of life accompanied by you. Your daddy and I have speculated and guessed and imagined what life would be like with you without knowing your gender. I've already seen the overly protective side of both of us, which may be your greatest annoyance as you grow older. You're our first, our only Little, and although we often are scared to death to find out what the other side of parenthood holds, we are thrilled to know that you will add joy and laughter and amazement to our sweet little family.

   The day we learned that we were about to embark on such an adventure, we stood in our living room,  half in shock, half consumed by the most warm and happy feelings of our lives. Now 3 months later, those feelings are still there. 

  Yesterday was Father's Day and since we happened to know someone who worked at the hospital that could give us a quick peak at you, we decided it was perfect timing.  As I laid on the bed with warm ultrasound gel spread across my belly, holding your daddy's hand, there you were. Sweet, not overly active, but cooperative. The ultrasound tech gently asked, "Do you have a preference on the gender?"  Your dad squeezed my hand, smiled and said, "Just healthy!" At that moment the tech began typing on the monitor and pointing between your legs, "It's a Girl!" I squealed and laughed as your daddy grinned from ear to ear, eyes filled with excitement.

    We couldn't be happier. Our suspicions were confirmed and now I can officially look at those adorable flowery headbands and seersucker dresses, that you'll just look so adorable in, without feeling a tad bit silly and over confident in our speculations.

  You'll make a wonderful addition to our loving family. While we still have a lot of planning and learning to do before you arrive, know that you are already loved, cared for, anticipated, and thought of in the highest regards.

   We love you, kiddo!

      -Mom

Hello From Mississippi.

It is hard to believe that it has been nearly two weeks since I made the 9 hour drive from the little house in North Augusta that we used to call home  to be with my loving husband in Mississippi. With all of the excitement, arranging furniture, attending dinner parties, and deciding which room to remodel first, we're having fun.

  When I arrived, I could tell Justin had been hard at work. There wasn't a cardboard box to be found in the house. Everything was unpacked and arranged, just waiting for me to arrange it again. :) Because we're always up for home improvement, we quickly made a to-do list and started working. We've been patching holes in the wall, testing paint colors until we find the right match, installing antique door knobs, and destroying the laundry room to build a new, more improved area to launder clothes (Later, I will blog more on the laundry room remodel and our new-found reason to never leave a hole in the floor).   

  Our house isn't the only thing that has been improving - so have my skills in the kitchen. In one week, I managed to cook my way through an entire bag of all-purpose flour. From cobblers to tarts, to bread and cookies, I have not been bored. Apple dumplings and fresh-fruit popsicles have also made their appearance in my kitchen this week.

First time baking bread: Cinnamon Bread and Cheesy Bread.

Cinnamon Swirl!

 Not to worry, I have not been consuming much of these yummy treats. Since moving here, we've been invited to several dinner parties and hosted one of our own, so these tasty commodities have also been enjoyed by our new friends. 

  As we settle into life without nightly 9 o' clock phone calls (again), our conversations are a lot sweeter, more interesting, and often more humorous now that we're finally together.

In reference to a conversation we were having on amniotic bands in pregnancy, Justin began humming the tune to "When the Saints Go Marching in". I looked at him quizzically, and he replied, "If you had an amniotic band, it would play jazz".

And again as we were sitting on the couch watching a movie, Justin said, in a very surprised, just-realizing manner:  "You're really getting big!" I gently reminded him that after Little is born he is no longer allowed to utter those words in reference to my belly (or most any other body part for that matter).

   We're not the only ones happy in our new home. Paisley is settling in nicely as well. With a big fenced-in backyard, we no longer have to keep her cooped up in a little kennel. She has ample room to chase squirrels and fetch tennis balls. Life is good.

Facts.

Discouraging Fact of the Day: I am wearing maternity pants, out of necessity, not choice.
I woke up this morning and none of my pants that fit just yesterday will button! Little's growing and so is Mama. Yikes.

Encouraging Fact of the Day: The pants I am wearing are hand-me-downs. I have also been given a large bag full of maternity clothes to accompany me in Mississippi. Awesome.

Bittersweet Departure.

   Today was my last day as a middle school teacher; the last day for me to hear, "Mrs. Tyson, can I borrow a pencil?" and the last day for me walk in the school building at 6:45, turn on my lights and greet my classroom, all over again.  As the door shuts on this part of my life, I have bittersweet feelings. I am excited to be apart of a whole new journey with Justin in Mississippi, preparing for a new family member and starting our new life, but as I reminsce about this past year, in a way, it is far more difficult to say good-bye than I expected it to be.

   My fellow teachers have become like family. They have been so supportive throughout the year as they watched me cry, slave, and at times pull my hair out, in my attempt to save the world, one student at a time. My heart is already with Justin, already in Mississippi, and has been since March, but this little middle school in the heart of Aiken, SC will always hold a special memory and the people will have warm place in my thoughts.

   As my first real job, putting to work that hard earned 4-year college degree, I can truly say it was far different than I ever imagined.   There was a lot I learned through trial and error, and much more that I learned through the advice of veteran teachers who showed more generosity and kindness than what was ever expected of them. For these wonderful ladies (and a couple gentlemen) I am truly grateful.

  Thank you for the opportunity to learn and experience all of the wonderful things that occur in the life of a middle school teacher. Life is definitely never boring, and often so much more fun. It has been an awesome adventure.

Avalee.

Little Avalee Waulker Tyson, born May 26 at 6:16pm, is the sweet addition to Travis and Brii's beautiful, expanding family. We are thrilled to have a precious, new neice!