Sorry!!!!
I have been going like a crazy person the last few weeks and I haven't had a chance to sit down and update this blog. And because I just took all of the pictures off my phone, I don't even have belly pictures to share. I will post a bunch next time so everyone can see the progress in pictures!
Most importantly...we have chosen Godparents, met with the Pastor, and are even more excited to welcome this little man...oh and he is officially named!
Andrew John Billings!
Don and I battled this one...and we don't disagree on very much in life so this was a tough one for us. He felt like his grandpa deserved the middle name and I believed that my grandpa was worthy of the middle name. We settled on my grandpa (happy wife, happy life, right?! ;)). Connor is named after Don so that was my ammo on why this one was to be named after someone in my family. He finally agreed on that.
My grandpa...what a man he has been in my life. Most people probably already know how different my relationship is with my grandparents than those of traditional grandparent relationships. But a small summary of that...My grandpa filled the "dad" role in my life growing up (which was void). He attended many of my games growing up. He warned me about boys and always offered his opinion, whether I wanted it or not. He gave me money lessons (Don calls me Johnny Jr.), but don't worry now I give him tax advice :). He is always one of the first to call and congratulate me on big accomplishments in my life. He is always looking out for new opportunities for Don and can talk to Don for hours about military, career, and hunting and fishing. Some people are scared to disappoint their parents...I am terrified of disappointing my grandfather. He holds me to standards that I don't always even hold myself to (and standards that neither my mom nor my grandma come close to holding me to). He is my biggest encourager (although Connor and Don give him a BIG run for his money on that title). I am blessed to be able to honor him in this way. He was a true key player in my upbringing.
Next order of business: GODPARENTS!
When I brought up Godparents to Don it was a much easier conversation... We pretty much agreed on both of them from the first conversation...
Godmother: Jessica Cooper
I went to college with Jess. Jess was also a bridesmaid in our wedding. Most importantly, Jess is a huge fan of our Lord. A godparent must have the ability (in my eyes and our pastors eyes) to lead their Godchild to rely on their faith when times are hard, to thank God for the good times, and support their Godchild through life obstacles. Although I have many many faithful friends who serve the Lord daily in their actions, Jess is a sure standout. She is just something else. The type of person I could never even describe. Just a really special person on the inside and out...we are so blessed to have her as a part of Andrew's journey with the Lord. No one is more deserving to be a Godmother than Jess Cooper (we prefer to call her Coop-A-Loop).
Godfather: Richie Murphy (although he will always be Little Richie, to me)
Richie is my (little) cousin! He is the youngest grandchild of my grandparents and one that I have always had a special bond with. Richie is the son of my Godmother and the brother of Connor's Godmother. When I think about my children I can't imagine anyone else as part of their journey to remain faithful to the Lord than this family. They are just special. Richie has always supported us and showed his love for us. Richie has always been there, and always offered a hug (he gives the best hugs). Richie has a very similar personality to me, and I cherish that part of him. I appreciate his intuitiveness and I know he will be the MOST successful of the cousins...without a doubt in my mind. The kid is SMART! When I think about Richie it is always as a gentle soul, a kind hearted kid (who happens to be physically bigger than me) and as a great role model for Andrew to look up to. Richie will be off to college this fall, and I cannot even believe how fast that happened. I know he will influence Andrew in the Lord and in life...as Andrew experiences new adventures in his life.
The rest....
Tomorrow I will be 27 weeks! It seems ridiculous that I am that far along already. I can barely comprehend it.
I head to the doctor in a week so I will send a formal update about progress at that point.
We are working on the nursery and have started our birthing/breastfeeding/sibling classes at the hospital. It is all coming together!
General statistics on this stage of pregnancy:
Andrew is roughly the size of an eggplant but measuring on the larger end already.
Andrew kicks and punches like a maniac inside me. Very active child.
I can't stay away from the bathroom...he chills and kicks my bladder hourly.
Andrew is sitting lower than I would like (and causing constant pelvic pain)...but they are keeping a close eye on that aspect.
Pregnancy brain...in full effect! Sometimes I feel like I walk in circles until I realize what I was doing.
Growing...I am visibly pregnant now. There is no denying it. I feel it in my face, in my arms, in my legs, and of course, in my belly.
I have pictures of the last few weeks on my computer at home so I will post those this weekend for everyone to enjoy...
Have a great weekend and for those blog readers in the STL area...ENJOY THE WEATHER! I think spring might have arrived, finally!
