Moving to the Chattanooga area soon!

 So T.V.A. finally came through with a job offer for Bryson for a job in Chattanooga! Bryson plans to call them tomorrow to accept. We're not sure how long it will be before the plant he's working at now will release him, but he's figuring about a month. We've got LOTS to do between now and then, but are excited to be moving closer to home. God is good and we are so thankful for this opportunity! Our biggest decision coming up will be where to live. We want to be somewhat close to Chattanooga, but not actually in the city. We've found at least one house for rent in Flintstone, GA that sounds good. We both like the Flintstone area. We've got several areas we want to check into, so hopefully we can find a house to rent soon. We plan to rent for another couple of years to try to save up a decent down payment on a house we want to build. Bryson is very excited to be leaving the plant life and to be able to get back to Chattanooga. I am glad to know we will be much closer to willing baby sitters considering I'll have my hands very full soon!
 Speaking of that, Kade is really making himself known lately. I noticed starting about 2 nights ago that I feel him moving a ton more than I have been. Though I've been feeling him now and then for 3 weeks or so, he's finally getting big enough to pack a punch. Bryson and I may really be in for it with this one. He seems pretty rowdy! I'm getting more and more eager to meet the little fella for sure!
 Now it's time to brag on my little girl. Elliana just has the most precious disposition. She is so laid back and mellow and always just goes with the flow. Last Sunday night I gave her her last bottle. She fussed a bit Monday morning when I offered her a sippy, but after about 20 minutes she decided she was hungry enough that she would take it. She's never balked at the sippy since! I was amazed at how simple it was to get her off the bottle. Next came the passy. I had planned to have her off by 12 months and decided I would slowly start weaning her by taking it away during nap time (I had only been letting her have it at naptime and bedtime and not during the day, so she was used to going without it some). Anyhow, she cried for about 30 mintues that first day and finally went to sleep for her nap. The next day she once again cried for 30 mintues before falling asleep (she normally goes right down for naps...she loves her sleep!). However, that 2nd night she fell asleep without wanting the passy and she hasn't seemed to need it since Wednesday! Wow, I was really expecting it to take much longer and be a lot more difficult. She truly is a great baby! We are so blessed and can only hope and pray that Kade is so easy going!
 Bryson and I made a last minute decision to go to the mtn. this past weekend. Inga's birthday is tomorrow and her grass needed mowing. We decided to head home so we could mow for her birthday. I really enjoy mowing and like to push mow her back yard. Bryson used the riding lawn mower to do the rest and so we got it finished in record time. Good thing we came in a bit early Friday to mow so that we could beat the horrible storms that came through all day Saturday! We spent most of the weekend at the Rogers house, though I did take Elliana by my mom's work so she could see her; as well as stopping by the Whetzell's to see my dad and Ashely for a bit. Elliana really seems to enjoy all the attention she gets when we go home. Though I will say she is very ready for her naps and bedtime! I guess she's like me in that I like my alone time/sleep too. :) All in all it was a good weekend that passed by very quickly. How is it that weekends always do that? We are now looking forward to a full week ahead with all the moving preparations will be making. Wish us luck!
                                  

Nanny and Pap enjoying some time with Elliana 4-24-10

Uncle George with his Elliana after eating mexican

Mammie and Elliana

Pappy stealing a smooch

Brandon, Bryson, Brodie, and Brilee (wow that's a lot of 'B' names!)

                                                       

We have our name!

 After lots of searching and much thought Bryson and I finally have a name for our baby boy, Kade Bryson! Yeah! I'm so happy to be finished with the search. Who knew name searching could be so tiring? Anyhow, we decided that even if Kade is more common than we'd like, it's still our favorite. I've loved it for 6 or 7 years now, so I may as well use it, right? The name has an American origin and means stout, sturdy. I've also seen where it means exciting. Both are great meanings. It's short and sweet too. Poor little Miss Elliana Brooklyn will have lots of letters to learn compared to her brother!
 It's another beautiful day today so I'm going to get off the computer and go enjoy the sun! I'll attach some pictures from this weekend maybe tonight.

Little MR. Rogers is on his way!

 Bryson and I were very excited to find out today that we're having a boy! We had our ultrasound and found that this baby is definitely not shy. He gave us several boy shots during the ultrasound, even had his hand down there holding onto his manhood in one of the shots! Ha! He was very active and everything looked perfect with him. Thank you Lord! We are so thankful that everything seems to be going well and that he's growing right on schedule. I'm sure Elliana will make a great big sister. Though she's only 10 months old (on the 20th anyhow) she really seems like she'll be the helpful type. She's just such a sweetheart. We are truly blessed in so many ways!
  Mom and Ashley came up yesterday so that they could be here to watch Elliana for us while we went for the U/S today. I think they did more shopping and running around than anything, but that's definitely what mom loves to do. She just has to be on the go at all times. Last night she and Ashley went shopping for about 3 hours and came in about 10:00. Mom took us to IHOP this morning for breakfast, which was great. We then took a quick trip into KY to get some incredible oatmeal cream pies from the Amish people. Yum! Elliana and I then chilled at home while Ashely and mom went out once again to shop. I had definitely had all the running around I wanted. I just don't get into shopping very much. Nothing like being at home if you ask me!
  Well now that we know we're having a boy we can cut the baby names lists in half. Finding a baby name is exciting, and yet can be exhausting! I've literally already looked through thousands of names and still I'm not sure I've found 'the one.' I really like uncommon, unique names, but not weird names. I've loved the name Kade since I first came across it back in '03 or '04 while reading a book. However, this name or at least variations of it,  Kaden/Caden (which is too close to the same) has become very popular lately it seems. I don't like personally knowing 3 or 4 people right off hand who have already used this name (or the variations), so we may not go with it. We'll have to see. Our second choice for now is 'Weston.' I don't know anyone with this name, so I'm hoping it isn't too common. We are still searching to see if we find one we like better. Bryson and I do like this one, however I didn't just absolutely love it the first time I heard it the way I loved the name Elliana (and Kade). You know some names just really grab you from the get go? Anyhow, if you have any suggestions for boy names feel free to share! We are still in the searching mode.

Got to love a good profile shot

He had his mouth wide open, it was cute! Kind of looks like pac man. :)

Another sweet profile picture

who doesn't love baby feet!?

The u/s tech didn't put the arrow on this one, but his boy parts are definitely shinning

Here's his 'turtle' as u/s folks like to call it (it really does favor a turtle)

I think this was the best/most convincing boy shot. You can see both legs and ....well his third leg right in the middle, lol!

Pricless shot of both of his hands down in the 'business' area and one hand grabbing onto his manhood! So funny!

Had to get a shot of Elliana with her bottle (the bottle along with her passy will be disappearing in a few short months!)

I just love these pictures

Aunt Bella entetaining the baby

Cutie pie

                                                     She just looks so little to be a 'big' sister!

A very unhappy, teething little girl

 Though Elliana had two teeth that came in at 4 months with really no apparent problems, this is definitely not the case for the 4 upper front teeth coming in now! She is having a terrible time with these. She is so miserable bless her heart. She wakes up several times a night with a low fever and is extremely fussy. This is not her usual self at all. She normally sleeps all night and never cries unless there's really something wrong. I can see where at least one tooth has already started breaking through, so hopefully it won't be much longer!   Inga came for a visit this past Thurday through yesterday. It was great having her here. Elliana seems to really enjoy having company. Even though she was really miserable with those teeth, she loved having Inga here for a bit. Inga went with us to Elliana's 9 month check up on Friday. No shots for Elliana! This was unexpected (I didn't realize they didn't get shots at the 9 month visit), but wonderful for Elliana; especially considering she was already crabby with her teeth. I know shots would have just compounded her troubles. She is growing nicely, 17lbs and 7 ozs and 27 inches tall now! She's right on track for her development in all areas, thank the Lord!
 We've had a couple of warm/hot days this past week. This is a bad reminder for a fat, pregnant woman that I am going to be absolutely MISERABLE by this September when baby number 2 should be here! However, it's good news for Elliana. She really loves the water and has gotten to play outside in her little duckie pool that I got for her at the consignment sale a few weeks ago. She splashes around and chews on all her bath toys. She's so cute in her swim suit! It also seems to take her mind off her bothersome teeth for a bit.
 Bryson and I will hopefully know the gender of baby number 2 by this Friday! Of course it all depends on *IF* he/she cooperates with us. We are eager to find out, but are definitely more interested to see that this baby is healthy and that things are going well. Knowing our baby is doing well is most important to us. Boy or girl- we'd love either and will be happy with whichever God decides to give us. It will be nice just knowing which so we can hopefully find a name soon!
 We still haven't heard anything back about Bryson's second job interview in Chattanooga. This is definitely typical of T.V.A.. They take forever to get anything done. I guess that's true with most any government job. We are still just praying God's will will be done whatever that outcome.
  Marianne and Brilee are coming up later today to see Elliana. They are on spring break this week, so they get to stay Monday too. Brilee will be having knee surgery on Thursday. She's been having a lot of trouble out of that knee for a year now, so hopefully this will help her. That poor kid has had more surgery at 14 than most people have in a lifetime! I'm sure Elliana will be excited to see them, and of course Bryson and I will as well. :) Looks like that's all I've got for now. I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and a great week!

I think this is her hint that she wants to go outside :)

April 6, 2010

Lounging in her pool

I think she's decided pool time is over

                                                                               
                                           

April 10, 2010

Chewing up her sheep dog

Sweet little smile even though you can tell she doesn't feel very good.

                                                   

Pictures from Easter Weekend

Friday April 2 we went to the ballfield to watch Bryson and some other folks play softball.

Swing batter batter!

Elliana liked the sand (she loved digging her toes in). We're getting her ready for the beach in July!

Elliana looking sweet in her strawberry outfit! 9I think this was actully from 3-31-10)

Her first time getting to swing, she loved it!

The dedication at Ebenezer was really nice. We had lots of family that were able to come and it was a really special day. I just thank God for giving Bryson and me such a precious gift!

Us and the Adams family at church Easter Sunday. They also dedicated Isaiah that day.

Looks like Elliana is smiling for the camera. (she should be used to having her picutre taken by now for sure!)

Our Family Easter Picture. Elliana was way past due for her nap here.

The love of my life!

Elliana with her great grandparents

Nana and Papa with Elliana

My favorite Easter picture!

Her bunny bloomers were perfect for Easter.

I can't believe how fast she's growing!

Aunt Bella!

Granny made her a bonnet for Easter

She really wasn't a fan of the hat. :)

Looks good on Bryson too, ha!

Uncle Boog!

Easter weekned

 Yesterday, good Friday, was absolutely beautiful! I spent the majority of the day inside packing/cleaning, but it was nice to get outside for a few minutes here and there. I thought often about the sacrifice Jesus made for me. He paid a debt he did not owe so that I could have salvation I do not deserve! What a mighty, loving God we serve! I'm so very thankful he loved a sinner like me enough to die a horrible death on a cross so that I could spend eternity with him. All I had to do was accept his free gift of salvation! God is good. I can't wait for tomorrow either. We get to celebrate the fact that HE IS ALIVE! All other gods that people serve are dead, but my God; he is alive!!!
 Tomorrow will be extra special for Bryson, me, and Elliana. Not only is it Easter, but we are having Elliana's baby dedication at Ebenezer tomorrow. What does that mean to us? A baby dedication acknowledges God's sovereignty not only over Elliana, but also me and Bryson. We are presenting our baby before God and His people asking for grace and wisdom in carrying out our responsibilities as parents. Responsibilities such as teaching her the Word of God and His principles for life. Also, the responsiblity we have to not only tell/teach her right from wrong, but to be that example in her life. We will also be praying that Elliana might one day trust Jesus Christ as her Savior for the forgiveness of sin. This is something that Bryson and I have been praying for since before she was ever even conceived. We hope that one day she realizes the decision to accept or reject Christ as her Lord and Savior is the single most important decision she can make in her life.
 I'm not on my personal computer so I don't have any pictures to download for this post, but I'm sure I'll have tons after tomorrow. I still have not completely decided on a dress for Elliana for Easter. There are two that I'm deciding between. They are both adorable, so it'll be a tough choice. I guess it's a good problem to have though.
 Bryson is out turkey hunting with a buddy today. Elliana is currently in the living room (at Mammie and Pappy's house) entertaining them all. We just plan to chill out and enjoy time with family today. I sure hope the sun comes out soon, but I'm afraid it's going to be rainy all day. At least tomorrow's weather is looking promising! Happy Easter everyone!