Boy O Boy- 36 weeks

So I know I am late getting this up, but it was more about getting the courage to post this one because this baby is GROWING and taking prisoners!!!! If there was a question about if I am pregnant, well now there isn't. I am bigger everyday, but still so in love with it all. I have gone from anxious to ready pretty quickly. We can't wait to meet this little guy, and introduce him to all of you. But for now this is his portrait, via me.



Our bags are packed, the nursery is done. Now the waiting begins. I will work right up until Christmas, and then be off until March. I am excited about having some time off to spend with family before baby boy gets here, but I can't wait to reveal his name, and his face to all of you.

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving we were able to break in my sister's new home, and celebrate in her beautiful kitchen with lots of family favorites, and to much of them. Can you tell that I ate to much, and can't breath??



I think that my mom is laughing at me, because she knows that it will only get worse before it gets better. This little guy reminds me when I eat to much, because then I can't breath. Only have I had one day where he dropped a little lower and reminded me that I have to go the bathroom every 5 minutes. So either way the inconveniences are worth it. I am thankful for them, because without this baby I wouldn't have those discomforts, and they make me thankful for him! I think that it is easy to be thankful for the "easy" things in life, and that is why we aren't thankful day after day, or even forget to be thankful. We are all guilty of it, but this past week I spent my quiet time searching through the scripture for those passages of thanks. They are all through out the bible being thankful for the easy things and for the hard, but it is being thankful for the hard when Satan can whisper in your ear. I know you don't want to be thankful for the loss of a loved one, or a difficult situation, but you can be thankful that the Lord is by your side to help you through the situation, and will help you fight away Satan. You don't have to be thankful that you are diagnosed with Cancer, but you can be thankful that your strength to fight it comes from the Lord. It is hard in the midst of the struggle, but when you come out on the other side you can really look back and see the path that God had laid out, and how it all came together.

I am thankful that my father in law is so good with his hands, and turned the beautiful wood into a masterpiece that is now our nursery. Pictures to come.

Thankful that our family is growing.

Davy's "Home"Town Shower

My Mother in Law, Hostesses, and My Mother


My sister and I


Two of the cutest girls at the shower- my neices

My "Home"Town Shower

The hostesses of my "Home" shower




My sister and My mom




Two of my favorite kids!

32 weeks.....Means only 8 weeks left

It has been a while since I have posted, but just the usual has been going on. Work, work, play.....prepare for baby boy! Yikes! We have been growing like crazy. I came home from work the other day, and Davy told me that I had grown while I was at work. Like I drank some miracle grow, and bam!! I am bigger. So silly, but it really does feel like I am on miracle grow, and if you really think about that phrase, it is true! There is a very miraculous being growing inside of me. A child of God, that has been bestowed upon me and Davy to care for, and nurture into the man that God wants him to be. He has entrusted us with this amazing task, and I have to tell you that I am blown away by that. 8 weeks isn't enough time to prepare for that honor. So here is the latest pic.



I was thrown a baby shower for my family and friends from back home, and had the best time! I don't have pics from that yet, but as soon as I do I will post them. We were blessed with great things for baby boy, and I can't wait to get it all together for him.
We are coming up on Thanksgiving pretty quickly, and this year we have so much to be thankful for. I had a friend ask me the other night, "Did you ever think this was going to happen?". My reply was honestly no, and now that it is here it is just a reminder of what an amazing and loving God that we have, and how it is all in his time and planning. As soon as we succumb to that, so many doors will be opened that you know only His power could have done it. I pray you all have a very blessed Thanksgiving!!!!

Blowing Bubbles

This is the latest pic of our little munchkin. Doesn't it look like he is blowing bubbles???




Part of being pregnant with a "higher risk" pregnancy is that we get to see our little guy more often. We went back to Temple last week to have a follow up ultrasound so that the doctor could measure the ventricle size again, and compare to the last ultrasound that we had done there. We got the best news! The doctor says that in proportion to the brain size (which is growing normally) the ventricles are actually smaller this time. I believe that the doctors words were "I am optimistic about what we have seen today". We will go back to do another ultrasound in 5-6 weeks, and they will re-measure and see what his growth looks like then. The doctor also said that he doesn't think that I will need to have a C-section, but will make a decision at that next visit based on the measurements. He also called the hydrocephalus "minimum" in comparison to the "moderate" grade that he had given it before. I know that this sounds like alot of jargon, but is the language that Davy and I understand best!!!

I know that I have said it before but I usually am not the most optimistic person when it comes to me and health issues. I always expect the worst in preparation, but through out this pregnancy I have been changed by the grace of God, and couldn't be better off. We have prayed that it be His will, and that we know this child is God's. No matter the outcome everything up to this point has been such a blessing. Even the hard days, a blessing because it has brought us closer to him, in a deeper relationship of trust and love. While at the doctors appt, the mom before us came out into the waiting area, which is pretty quiet and secluded for obvious reasons. She was obviously upset, and probably had received news that day that she wasn't prepared for. News that said the child she was planning for, may not turn out to be the child she was planning for. No matter how harsh that sounds it is the truth of the matter. I was in her shoes weeks ago, but the one thing that I have that I don't know if she does is a relationship with Jesus Christ, and even though my plans changed, it didn't end my world, it was a reminder that they were just that "my plans" not His plans.So in that moment I know God was there waiting for her, and my prayers have been for her, and for all the moms like her. I hope that you would add them to your prayer list as well.

On a side note, baby boy has long legs....like that is a surprise based on his parents, but his femur length measures to be almost 2 weeks older than the rest of him. Which right now is 30 weeks. The nursery is coming together. I hung the curtains this weekend (Thanks JoAn). and put the new bedspread on the bed that will be in there. I will post pics when it is all put together.

Showers and Happy Birthday Cowboy!

So this past weekend we celebrated my nephew's birthday! He turned 4, and that makes him my favorite 4 year old!!! My sister threw him the best cowboy carnival birthday party with face painting, games, and a pinata. They had such a great time, can you tell by the faces?


This is before the party...they had played so hard showing me all that there was to do, but don't worry chocolate cake perked the party boy right up.



I had a great time catching up, and hanging out with 2 of my favorite kids!

No actual rain showers caught us this weekend although we were close, but I did get showered with amazing blessings from friends and co-workers. Saturday night some of our fire station friends threw us a diaper party in conjunction with their annual Halloween party, and we received lots of diapers, which I have to say is one of my favorite things to get. The party was so much fun, but I didn't even get a picture of my outfit or anyone else's. (I will try again this weekend). Then today, my awesome co-workers had a shower at work. Little baby boy was given such great things, and I can't explain how blessed I feel working with all these great people. They are not only my co-workers but my support system away from home. Love them! Love my job, but I am ready for some maternity leave with my little "kickster".

The Positive in "Negative"

So I know that I am just getting around to posting the rest of baby boy's amnio results, but the rest of the results turned out to be negative. We were so blessed to get those results this week. Now we will just have to go back to Temple in the next couple of weeks and have another ultrasound for the doctor there to compare ventricle size, and well....go from there. Until later! Have a great weekend!

28 weeks

So we are trucking right along now at 28 weeks, and boy o boy are things changing.

Now you see me.



Now you don't....just kidding you can still see me.


I have gotten to where I am wearing more maternity clothes at work, which then elicits the "have to touch your belly response" which I am not to fond of when I don't know you very well. Don't forget people...what would it feel like for me to rub you belly??? Or I have had 2 people in the past week not realize that I am pregnant at all. These are my patients, one guy, one lady, so no gender discrimination here. But HELLO?!?!?!? I am 7 months and it feels obvious.

We are doing great. I am feeling the fatigue from the 1st trimester creeping back in, but the sugar tooth has also taken over. Can't wait for Halloween so this candy will leave my home!!!! More news about baby boy. He continues to grow like crazy, and is letting me know that his humble abode, which was really roomy...is now becoming cramped, and he has learned how to stretch, or at least that is what it feels like. He does the "la cucaracha" when I eat hot sauce, and I believe that he knows the sound of his daddy's voice. We still haven't heard any word from Scott and White about the remaining results from the amnio. I give a friendly reminder call once a week, so we will see what they say this week. I choose to believe that those tests are negative, and know in my heart that it doesn't matter.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I know that he is speaking to those people in exile from Jerusalem in Babylon, but if you have read any in Jeremiah which I hadn't until recently. There is such a magnitude of the greatness of our Lord God that he will do what he says, he will warn you, he will discipline you, and he will lead you back and bless you. This verse is well used in our society, but you don't get verses 12 and 13 with it very often which is the true reminder of what we as children of God need to do daily. Call upon him, cry out to him, pray to him, seek him with such intensity that your whole heart is consumed. How could we not? I needed this verse, it is easy to become luke warm in seeking him, and luke warm in following him, and luke warm in repenting. Snap out of it, is what he said to me in these verses, look at what I have in store for you. There is a plan for you, but it is MY plan. Not yours. So we wait, and we will continue to wait, but while we do, I tell you what. We will praise him, and thank him, and not dwell on the struggle, but rejoice in the path he leads us down.

Tagged

I have been tagged in one of my friends blogs, and decided to accept the challenge! Thanks Blaine for pushing me outside of my box. I need that every once in a while. I hardly ever participate in these, but I figured that it would be fun and would give you more of an incite into me. LOL, you may want to take the incite back though.

1. What is your favorite activity to do in the whole, wide world?
I know that this is going to sound extremely lazy, but sleep. Sleep is my favorite thing to do in the world, and particularly if I can wake up without an alarm.
2. If you could be any place in history, at any time, where and when would it be?
I pick exactly where I am right now. I know what I need to know about the past. I know what is most important about the future, and this season is the best one yet in my life.
3. What is your favorite food?
This is the easiest question for me! Mexican
4. Who is your hero?
no one person in particular, but firemen in general. My dad was a volunteer fireman, and my husband is one. I believe their job is heroic, and a servants calling to help those in need.
5. What is the best thing anyone has ever said to you?
"Can I call you sometime?" Davy Lockhart begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting March 7, 1999
6. What is your favorite thing to wear?
My old grey cut off sweat pants, it is what I have on right now.
7. What is the best time of day?
sunset
8. What is something you've been meaning to do, but have chickened out or haven't made time for?
chickened out...bungee jump, or skydive
haven't made time for- going to disneyworld!

Now I tag: (the blogs I read most often and will hopefully accept the tagging)
1. Kathy Wiethorn
2. Ashley Gray
3. Angela Throne
4. Brook Bell
5. Courtney Williams

Your questions ladies:
1. What is something that most people do not know about you?
2. Cat or Dog?
3. What is your favorite bible verse?
4. Do you prefer water ski or snow ski?
5. What item do you cherish most in this world?
5. What is your favorite smell?
7. What is the sweetest thing anyone has said to you?
8. What item of clothing is the most favorite that you have?

No News.....Is Good News??

Well I waited until the 14th day, because I am trying to be patient and didn't receive a call back about the amnio. At the beginning of the week I did talk to the doctor in temple's nurse and she told us 3 of the tests had come back. Chromosomal count 46XY (yup its a boy, just in case we were wondering), perfect no abnormalities there. Also two of the virus's that the MD wanted me checked for were also negative. We are so thankful for these results, and it also reminds me of all those mom's out there that didn't get the positive news, but the positive results and how I continually pray for their child's health, as well as the health of my own. God is continuing to give us peace about this situation, preparing us for whatever this child has in store during his life, which right now feels like possibly a crazed rodeo clown by the movements he is doing. Last night he got me soooo "tickled", by whatever he was doing in there that I couldn't stop laughing, and then I think the laughing just prompted him to continue his charades. Another fabulous memory in this journey. This week I have been particularly urged on by the word. Specifically in my reading through Jeremiah. In the 17th chapter there were a couple of verses that really struck me, and I hope that they speak to your heart as well.

Jeremiah 17: 5
"This is what the Lord says: Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord."

Jeremiah 17: 7
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream."

26 weeks

We are 26 weeks into this journey, and couldn't feel more comfort in knowing that this child is a child of God already. We have had many ups and downs, but are staying steadfast in the Lord.

Psalm 68: 19
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens"

We are also so thankful for all of you prayer warriors out there that have been lifting us up to the Lord. We can feel you, and know what you are going to the Lord about is being answered.

Galatians 6:2
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"

I can't imagine going through this journey as a non believer. I don't want to know what that is like. I want to be selfish and know that the relationship that I have with God through his son Jesus Christ's suffering, and the Holy Spirit that is with me daily are the only things that have gotten me through every second of everyday of my life. The burdens that I feel on my heart are lifted as soon as I speak them away, the evil that whispers in my ear is as good as gone as soon as I denounce Satan (now that might take me longer than some folks because my human nature takes over), but what if I didn't have that.....The thought is overwhelming.

Psalm 62:8
"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

He is enough. Those 3 little words are so powerful. He is enough. So I plug along on this earth, and have those periods of doubt and those when I don't hear him. But it always rights itself with just the perfect picture, scripture, phone call, kind word, kick in the belly (thanks baby), or smile.

We are doing well. Waiting for all of the results from my amnio to come back. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks, and the doctor gave my impatient self the right to call him if we hadn't heard anything....so I will exercise that right tomorrow :O).

Soccer

Two weekends ago I was able to go home and see my family. It was a much needed trip to help rejuvenate my soul after a hard week. It is amazing what it does just to spend some time with those people that know you best. While at home I got to see my niece play some soccer. Which I love because I know nothing about this game so I can just cheer for the girls and not be to caught up in all the strategies. They did very well, and won the game. Here is a shot of her playing goalie.



Before the game my mom and I went shopping, and she set me up with some great clothes for work and play. I have gotten to that point that clothes are not comfortable unless they involve elastic....I hope this is a trend I get out of after the baby comes. Not only did I come home with a new wardrobe, but baby boy also has gotten a head start with my nephews clothes. My jeep was full on the way home with clothes, blankets, swings, etc. It really has thrown me into nesting, and preparing for his arrival.

Fabric

So I have had some inquiries on what the nursery theme is. I have picked out a couple of fabrics that I like for the room, and it is more of a country/cowboy theme.



I hope this gives you a better idea of what we are going with. My mother-in-law is great with a sewing machine among other crafty talents and she is going to be making these fabrics come to life.

Waiting

Psalm 130:5-6
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."

Psalm 40:1-2
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

This is where I will stand and wait patiently for the Lord for answers on our blessed child. The ultrasound today did show some abnormalities, and the doctor did an amniocentesis while we were there to conduct further testing. I could feel all of your prayers today. The doctors were very knowledgeable, patient, kind, and educational. We were given alot of information to digest quickly, and there was a peace in my heart....after letting out the emotion of the morning. We are aware that there is a plan here for this baby, but what is in store is something that we will have to wait and see. The one thing that the doctor said is that this little guy is really active, which is a good sign. They weren't telling me anything I didn't already know. I feel him plenty. Also the nurse who assisted in the ultrasound said the baby was also stubborn because he didn't want to move when she needed him to. So that made me smile because he already has traits from both his parents. We appreciate your continued prayers for baby boy. Love to you all!

24 weeks

We have reached another week of pregnancy, and it may be time to post a new pic of this growing belly.



He is really active, and this past weekend I think really confused him, because most days I have a pretty regular routine, but I worked on saturday and then went to the aggie game. Leaving very little down time which is when he really starts to do flips. By the end of the night we were really tired, so today he has been moving all day, doesn't matter if I am up walking around, or sitting still. I have been feeling great, and really basking in all that motherhood has given me so far. Today in church we were reminded that in this world we live in there are not always obvious signs of our God, but if we look there is no mistaking it. He is blessing us here on earth just like he does the heavens. Keeping that in mind I would ask for your prayers tomorrow morning. Davy and I will be going to Temple to see two maternal and fetal medicine doctors. On the sonogram that I had done while in the hospital a couple weeks ago the ultrasound showed that our baby may have enlarged ventricles in the brain. My OB here was unable to see this in the ultrasound that he did, and during my 18 week ultrasound there wasn't any indication of this condition. So my doctor is being cautious and has sent us to Temple to get a definative answer. We just pray that the doctors have clear vision and gentle words. No matter the outcome this child is an amazing blessing from above, and I wouldn't change one second of this journey, nor want to borrow trouble from tomorrow.

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Psalm 29:11 "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"

I am resting on the above verses, because no amount of worry on my part is going to change the plan that God has for this baby, and for me and Davy. God Bless you all.

Wrecking Crew

I was able to go to the Aggie game this past weekend with my mother in law, and we had a great time. I had to work most of the day, but ended it on a great note at the game. I really feel like our new Defensive Coordination is doing a great job because, lets face it, without the defense we would have lost that game. The Wrecking Crew is back, and it was great to see the enthusiasm of the fans in their support. Now if we can get the special teams, and offense on board we will have a great season. Gig'Em Aggies! Whoop!!!!


Posing for the camera.



The Fightin'Texas Aggie Band. (also the most consistent part of any football season)

Anniversary Trip

We have made it to the 7 year mark. It feels like a milestone in some way. You go through those blissful years of being married, and getting use to living together, and making the marriage everything that you dreamed that it would be. You also go through those times that are hard, for each couple I am sure it is something different, or who knows it is probably rooted in the same issue, but that isn't what my post is about. We celebrated in a fashion that we have agreed would be a way to ground ourselves from year to year. We go spend a weekend together. Now that might include a cow sale, but it is time that we get to have together just to recenter ourselves. This year we went over to Palestine, and stayed in a great bunkhouse out in the middle of the piney woods. It was so quiet and peaceful.



We had planned on riding the train that goes from Palestine to Rusk....but on this day the schedule was a bit different, and it wasn't running from Palestine to Rusk , but the other way around. No worries, it led us to a small town festival going on, and we got to see the engine on the turn table....I think that is called something else, but that is what my pregnant brain remembers it as.



Once again I didn't get a picture of us, I am getting really bad at this. But we did get a picture of a black squirrel. I know that isn't what you were thinking I was going to say, but this little creature really caught me off guard.



I will leave you with a couple of the verses that were included in our wedding ceremony. Although I don't remember much from that day, what I do remember is the same love that I had for that man then is even a greater love today as we have grown and changed. I can't wait to experience the rest of the years we have together by the grace of God.

Ephesians 5: 25-32
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one over hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church- for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery- but I am talking about Christ and the church."

Matthew 22:37-39
"Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ' Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Aggie Game

So Davy and I decided that we would go to the first Aggie home game because it might be the only one that we would be able to go to together. The bad thing is that we didn't even get a picture of us at the game. All the Lockhart kids went, and the lucky group that got their picture taken was this one.



We had a great time, and enjoyed getting to see this years team. New defense looked good....and the rest I hope will follow. Hopefully my next aggie game post might include some more pictures.

Psalm 75:10 "I will cut off the horns of the wicked..." (couldn't help my aggie lovin self)

"This is what my cousin will look like"

I wish I had a picture of this, but words will have to paint it for you.

This weekend Davy's brother got married, and during all the preparing Davy's nephew and I had a conversation about playing int he dirt (because at the time he was filthy from playing in the dirt), and what fun it would be when his little cousin gets here and he would have someone to play in the dirt with. To which he replied that it would be fun. Later on that afternoon I came back to the spot where he was, and he came toward me with even filthier hands and body, holding up those hands for me to see he exclaimed "This is what my cousin will look like". I couldn't contain my laughter and told me that yes he would knowing that those two little ones have many days of playing in the dirt in their future.

The wedding was beautiful. Here are the newlyweds


And the expecting parents


And the other cutest couple at the wedding.

20 week Fun

My growing belly, and I think that he has grown even more over the last weekend.





Davy's sympathy belly




Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations"

Slowing Down

I had planned on getting to the blog a lot sooner than this but oh so much has been going on. I know that I have said this in an earlier blog but I believe that God gives us scripture for different reasons, but one in particular is so that even when it doesn't apply to your life at that direct moment, WOW it will be so valuable later on. Case in point...James 1:2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." The day of reading this exact scripture it so applied to a couple of my patients.....and then became very relevant to Us. I had another "episode" with my heart. (That is what we fondly call them.) I got shocked because my heart rate got to high, and we are so thankful for the defibrillator, because it did its job....maybe a little to well. But anyway, I got to spend the night at the hospital for observation for me and our little boy to make sure that the medicine that they put me on was working, and to watch his heart rate. Everything has turned out just as the Lord planned it, and we are doing well. Just getting use to the increased fatigue, and monitoring of my heart rate, which now I believe is God's way of telling me to slow down! Man, but I think he could have used another way, however a jolt of electricity will do it every time and he is well aware of that. Through this most recent experience I know that I am more aware of his ever present love, and comfort, as well as being "full of compassion and mercy" James 5:11 I also know where my help comes from, "My help comes from the Lord, and the Maker of heaven and earth" Psalm 121:2. His hands were all over that weekend from the care I received and the conversations I had with all my caregivers while at the hospital. Believers all around me is what got us through, God's everyday angels.

Curiosity

If I were a cat I would be dead if the old saying is true "Curiosity killed the cat". Today was our 18 week sonogram!!!!!! Davy made me make a decision because I have been so wishy washy lately about finding out the sex of the baby, so I finally decided this morning that yes in deed we would find out because I knew when asked I wouldn't be able to say no. sooooooooo



That isn't the picture you were hoping for was it....can't tell from this. But this picture is pure amazement for us. The images were so surreal. Our little one was sitting with his/her legs crossed, and wasn't really sure like me if we would find out the sex today, but by the end we poked him long enough that he showed us the Goods....and if you aren't reading carefully you didn't notice that I called him a he because that is what he is. BOY!!!



We are beside ourselves with joy, and thanksgiving!!! All his images looked great, at least to me and Davy. He has 10 fingers, 10 toes, 2 arms, 2 legs........you get the point, but man was it amazing to see him just as snug as a bug in a rug hanging out. That is probably why I haven't felt to much movement, he is just along for the ride. Kind of like me, but on the other hand he doesn't realize all the preparations we are making. The baby bed is made, and we just have to stain it (Thanks Pops and Davy!!!!)



I can' find the "just right" rocking chair so mom and I will be on a shopping mission this fall, and that list goes on too......When I think about preparations I think of how there are certain passages in the bible that we read that may not be relevant to our life at that specific point, but later on down the road those scriptures are a reminder and comfort that God is preparing things for us, and how Jesus prepared the way for us by dieing for our sins. It just puts life into perspective. This baby is changing us, not only physically but spiritually and I can't wait for the ride that it will be.

Goodness

I have had this blog in me for a little while, but wanted to wait for some kind of baby update to go along with it. Well here it is. We had an appointment today, and got to hear the heartbeat again, but didn't get to see the little one because we will be having a sonogram next week. I think that we are savoring every ounce of this pregnancy, because some people might say....yeah you get to hear the heart beat every time. But that is my favorite part. The morning leading up to the visit...just knowing that I get to hear it....the feeling is indescribable. Plus it reaffirms that yes even though some of the outward signs...and inward signs are not evident yet, but this baby is so real and such an amazing blessing. It takes me by surprise feeling all the goodness that God has for us.

(leading into the blog I have been harboring). God's goodness doesn't come without his mercy. Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" The whole 23rd psalm is so bold, giving clear and precise examples of our Shepherd's protection, love, goodness, mercy, knowing, guidance, comfort, providence... the list could go on. But WOW, all packed in 6 verses. The goodness and mercy portion saved for the end to remind us that when we align ourselves with Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father that those two things will be with you all the days of your life. I have seen the days of mercy, and I know there are more to come. Right now this season of life is so filled with goodness it is overwhelming. We feel so blessed to have this chance, and can't explain how loved we feel when each of our friends celebrates with us during this time. I just think that it is only a small degree of the love that God has for each and everyone of us. The same way I feel about the baby is how I feel about my relationship with Christ. There are times when there are no outward or inward signs, and the smallest thing can give me that affirmation that yes it is so real and more powerful than I can even fathom, but comforting. I thank each and everyone of you for helping us feel the love and goodness of our Lord.

16 week update

We have been trying to get in as much summer fun as possible. This past weekend we spent the day at Lake Belton with my family, but all the ladies forgot our cameras!!!! Can you believe that???? We had a great day swimming, tubing, and wake surfing. Got some sun....some more than others, and just had a really great time.

I am now 16wks pregnant.....

(Thanks Ashley for the stickies. I couldn't wait to use them.)

You can actually see "baby lockhart" now. That is what the adoring public calls the baby since we are having a difficult time deciding if we are going to find out the sex, and prefer not to tell anyone the names that we are discussing. I find it difficult to believe that the baby can now hear my voice and is the size of the palm of my hand. It just amazes me, and I know that I grin like a kid on Christmas morning when people tell me congrats, or find out that we are pregnant. I just can't help myself. Things continue to go well with no problems, and we are having more energy day to day to get back to the normal routines around here.

Fly a Kite

This past weekend we had a chance to go with Davy's family to Canyon Lake, and spend some time away. So most of this post will be pics.

"Let's go fly a kite"


Weekend wildlife


Swimming with Grammy


A new version of wake surfing


On the baby front. 15 weeks and counting. Pics next week of the 16 week baby belly. I had my first bout with morning sickness this morning. Caught me off guard. Up until now I have only been slightly nauseous, but today was not just nausea! Then I got to spend the whole day at the court house for Jury Duty. What fun that was, but such an interesting experience to go through. Seeing our justice system at work. One question really hit me. "Are any of you totally opposed, because of your religious convictions, to sitting in judgment of someone?". At that point I realized that I in fact wasn't prepared to decide someones fate if they were in fact guilty of the offense, and God gave me a little blessing where the jury wasn't going to be deciding the punishment only the guilt/innocent phase of the trial. A lot of the questions that were asked I decided to really ponder on and make a truth filled response, and I know that life is filled with a lot of grey but I tend to be a black and white person where I want to know both sides of the story. I always try to think of not only the positives, but the negatives as well so that the best decision can be made. In the end I didn't get selected for the trial, but I came away being convicted myself because one of the sins that I commit is to judge people. I have been aware of this for a while, but also can see that through my growing relationship with Christ I have become more aware of the situation and that keeps me from judging. I love that about this intimate relationship that we have...being able to open my eyes in a way that I hadn't seen before. John 9:15 "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see" I feel like before my walk with Christ intensified I had clay on my eyes, and it is being washed away. What I renewing feeling that is. Let yourself be renewed today with clean, refreshed, and new sight.

Newest Anthem

Today......so many things yet unable to describe them all. I don't know. Be prepared that this may be a ramblin blog. So emotional today, which thankfully hasn't been to much of the case during the past 14 weeks. You may ask my husband and he would say something different, but most days I am not brought to tears multiple times. Tears of frustration, anxiety, love, thankfulness, exhaustion.....yeah that about sums them up. So I got to reading, and came across my "newest anthem".

Ephesians 4:1-2 "...Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

I have felt a tugging on my heart lately to use my talents for the greatness of God, and at times am bewildered on what that means. I am not sure that means that we are not all bound for some type of greatness, but that even the most insignificant life, is SO Significant in his eyes that your calling can be anything. I say insignificant because it is a feeling we get on this earth when things are bigger than us, when we feel out of control (which....just a reminder....we aren't in conrol :O))but also referencing Eph 3:8 "although I am less than the least of all God's people this grace was given me..." Paul even felt less than the least. Ponder on that a moment.
My job allows me to be able to "touch" people everyday, and in turn shows me that I can use the talents that he has given me to really touch these people. I just pray that everyday I am doing that, but I know that if I continue to try and keep this verse in mind, nothing is impossible.

On the baby front: I am getting more energy, and the dogs aren't sure that is a good thing. We ventured out on a walk this evening, and I wore them out....hanging tongues, gulping water, laying down....and that was just me.HHAHAAA. (I would post pictures of them....but they are camera shy and all- yeah whatever....couldn't get a shot that wasn't blurry)

"Safe in His Arms"

We had a check up yesterday and got to really hear the heart beat and see our little "lemon" (that is about the size of the baby right now). He/She looked to be waving at us, and just kicking those little legs. It was just so amazing, and really put me in awe of this whole miracle. I can't wait to go back and see our little baby again, because right now that is one thing that makes me feel like it is really real. I mean I know that I am pregnant....starving, exhausted, nausea (which is getting better), growing belly, hormones.....but sometimes it doesn't feel real.

I try to be an optimistic person, but I also know reality and try to prepare myself for the what if. I think that my life experiences with my heart and with our first pregnancy made me very aware of the "glass half empty" aspect of life. But yesterday after I got in the car I was so sweetly reminded through listening to "Safe" by Phil Wickham that no matter what, I am safe with God, and how couldn't I be when he gave his Son Jesus Christ for me. WOW! Getting past the 12 week mark for me was really exciting because we had decided this time around we would wait to tell most people until that point because the risk of miscarriage is less, and the pain of loosing our first baby was so great that we just wanted to savor it for ourselves without sharing it with alot of people. But each time I knew that God was with me, and that he is so faithful, so no matter the outcome we would continue on with Him at our side. What a comforting thought. *sigh* I could sit quietly with that thought all evening and be peaceful.

Other great things that are happening....I had a check up with my heart doctor in Austin, and everything is looking great. No signs of PVC's during my EKG or the medtronic download. So thanks be to God, and the amazing team that helped make all that happen June 1, 2009. And My doctor now comes to Bryan one time a month for out of town patient checkup, which is a blessing and a calming thought that I can see them more often if needed without making the drive to Austin.

Last but not least....To find out the sex of sweet baby Lockhart?????? I know there are thoughts both ways, but I am just so excited to be pregnant that all the other things that go along with it seem overwhelming at times. Like all the things that you need for a baby, getting a nursery ready, "when is your last day at work?", "are you going back to work after the baby?"....question after question that right now don't seem as important as being pregnant and enjoying it. I know at some point I will have to get my act together and do all this decision making, but right now we are still savoring the fact that we are pregnant, what an amazing miracle it is, and how safe we feel.

Facing the Giants

This is a movie that I think that everyone should see, kind of like the love dare. Just a great movie that I will never in a million years forget. I had been wanting to see it for a pretty good while, and Friday night we weren't up for doing much so I got a pizza and a movie. I am not going to ruin the movie for ya'll if you haven't seen it, but all I can say is WOW. God really does work in amazing ways. Movies, books, sermons, time with friends and family, quiet time, and busy times alike. This movie just reminded me that I need to prepare all parts of my life for our Savior and the tremendous sacrifice that he freely gave. But folks, I am a sinner like the rest of you and here is an example from this morning. I woke up grumpy, now I am not a morning person, but this was grumpier than usual. Picking fights, not being right with the Lord on His day, all around a sinnnnnneeerrrrrr!!! Then I got put in my place, and I needed it and loved it all the same. See Ephesians 6:10-13 if you want to know where the "wack up side the head" came from. The power that we have in this life only comes from one place, you can sit back and deny it till you die, but brothers and sisters I know where my strength comes from, but even me, and you, and all of us can be tricked by the devilish schemes of Satan. That reminder is exactly what I needed this morning, and I might even need it again tomorrow morning, but I can guarantee you what I will fight harder next time. Because Jesus Christ gives me that strength, and our Holy Father knows the scheme even when we don't and that comforts me because there is always someone watching my back. So here's to us facing the giants no matter how big or small they may be.

Stay Tuned....

So at the end of each post I have reminded you to stay tuned because I knew for a very long time that at some point I would make this blog, but our life just didn't really seem like the type of thing people want to keep up with. BUT.............





A baby may be a little more interesting, and at least give me some things to blog about. That's right I have been keeping a secret for a little while, and lately haven't been able to contain my excitment about this fact. We are having a baby!!!!! I am 12 weeks and we are due January 6th!!! I know this now starts the magnitude of questions, but the answer to most of them is "we don't know", or "we haven't decided yet". Yes we were trying, yes we are out of our minds excited, yes we are so incredibly blessed to have this chance.

I could fill a whole blog about how great God is, an how he has used my life and all of its experiences to lead us to this moment. If you know me, you know that I am not a very patient person sometimes, but my health has taught me that, as well as being content with the situations that I am given. That isn't to say that I didn't bargin, plead, and state the ever present why, but my eyes are open now to what all of that has lead us to. "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11

So know for the requested, and reluctantly given.....baby belly picture.

Much Needed Beach Time

This past weekend we went to South Padre Island with my family. When I say family what I really mean is, yes my immediate family, but also some of my extended family was there as well. It was, shall we say, a small family reunion. It was so great to see some aunts, cousins, second cousins, and uncle that I haven't seen in a while. Possibly the whole year. I didn't even take my camera because all these ladies are very talented with the camera so I am going to lovingly steal some photos from them. We got to spend time relaxing, fishing, and swimming and swimming and swimming. If Garrett had it his way we would have swam day and night. Probably even slept in the pool.

Group at cousin Kevin's and Alli's reception


On our way home we stopped in my second favorite place (you see the first is the beach, you may have thought that I would say the lake, but truth be told it is the beach)...anyway we stopped in Gruene for some lunch at the Gristmill. Another favorite you might not know about me is that I love the sounds of summer. I am a child of summer, wouldn't love anything more than it being summer year round. If I began to list all the things about summer that I love you would be here till the end of summer reading about it. The number one sound is locust in the trees on a hot summer afternoon. So my afternoon was bliss.

Stay tuned.....

Blogging Novice

We finally broke down and decided to blog. Not that our lives are incredibly interesting, or that we are inspiring people, but just to have another outlet for our friends and families to keep up with us. I don't really have a way with the written word like some of my friends who blog, but I promise to do my very best at capturing all those moments that are blog worthy. Please bear with me while I am learning. It took me all of 3 hours to get this page up and running with the help of my husband I never would have gotten it done. I got frustrated during the middle of it so I went and searched learning in the best book I have and this is what I came up with.



"Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim 3:14-15



Some of you may be saying "what the heck does that have to do with anything", but I guarantee you scripture will always ground you. I love that about our Lord, when it becomes to much about me and what I am doing he brings me back to the center of creation, and his word.



I never claimed to know my scripture forward and back, but I am learning constantly. Maybe this blog will be another way that I continue learning and being the servant that God wants me to be.



Stay tuned....