What's in a Name?

So much thought goes into baby names. I remember when I was pregnant with Sophie having a long list of names to ponder over. Her name is Sophia Grace because I loved those names and the meanings that they held. I learned that Sophia means wisdom, the gift of discernment or insight and that was something I had been praying for as a soon-to-be parent. Her middle name, Grace, means the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. I often find myself thanking God for the wisdom and grace He has given to me and I am always reminded of my Sophia Grace who is a living translation of these gifts in my life.

We wanted to give baby girl #2 a special name as well that carried significant meaning for us. After much thought and some input from the Lord, we chose Elizabeth Rose (Ella for short) for her. Elizabeth means God is bountiful, abundantly bestowing His promise of favor and goodness on us. Clint and I have definitely experienced God's promises of favor and goodness in our lives. Elizabeth also happens to be my middle name which allows me to have a unique connection with her. We chose Rose for her middle name because it means resembling the beauty of the meaningful flower. Since we were married in a rose garden, this flower and the name reminds us of the most beautiful expression of our love for each other when we exchanged our marriage vows. I know it sounds sappy, but pregnant women are known to be a bit weepy and sappy. We can not wait to meet Elizabeth Rose!

22 weeks and growing...

My baby belly has popped out so much faster the second time around. I was already struggling to button my jeans at 8 weeks and by 12 weeks, the belly had emerged and I was wearing maternity clothes. I wasn't in maternity clothes until about 20-22 weeks into the pregnancy with Sophie so it has been fun to see my belly grow much quicker this time. I love the baby belly! Here is a picture documenting the growth so far (courtesy of my aspiring photographer, Sophie)...

Our baby girl seems to be doing well and I am feeling much more movement these days. The first time I felt her move was at 16 weeks when Sophie placed her little hand on my belly. By 20 weeks, I could feel her move at least once everyday. Clint was finally able to feel her move for the first time last week. He said, "That's wierd." We could also see her kicking her little feet and moving all around in there as my belly moved seemingly on it's own...also very wierd for him. This is my favorite time of pregnancy and when I remember beginning to really bond with Sophie. These first little movements are our first interactions with each other...so amazing!

Why I love Easter

I love Easter because it signifies new life for me.

~ It is the beginning of spring, the season filled with new life in the blooming trees and budding flowers.

~ It was the beginning of a new life for me when I accepted Jesus as my savior Easter of 2000.

~ I experienced new life inside of me for the first time when I got pregnant with Sophie Easter of 2003.

~ I began my new life with Clint when he propsed to me Easter of 2007.

Of course, every Easter is special to me because it is the time when Christians remember Jesus's death on the cross and His sacrifice for us so we can experience the fullness of life that God has planned for us. And we also celebrate the miracle of Jesus's resurrection on that first Easter when He defeated death and rose back to life. He promises the same eternal life for all those who believe in Him. I am so grateful for this promise of new life to look forward to.

When I was saved, I started a new tradition for myself that every "new year" for me would begin with Easter instead of the new calendar year. So, I sincerely wish you a happy new year filled with new life!

Easter Traditions

Easter fun came a little early this year for my family. We all got together yesterday at Nana and Papa's to color eggs, go on an easter egg hunt, decorate some cupcakes, eat some cupcakes, enjoy the traditional Easter feast prepared by my mom, and of course, enjoy each other's company.

Tradition #1: Coloring the eggs

Tradition #2: Decorating the cupcakes

the frosting...the sprinkles...

"My precious cupcake"

Tradition #3: Hunting for eggs

Tradition #4: Eating the Easter feast

sorry...no pictures of this tradition since I was too busy stuffing my face full of all the good food! Thanks mom!

Tradition #5: The overflowing basket of goodies

Yes...I know...oh my goodness! My dad loves to surprise his girls with lots of sweets...how sweet!

Future Tennis Pro?

Sophie is quite athletic and she loves to play sports (which she did not get from me although my dad was a college basketball and track star and is still very athletic today so maybe the sporty gene skipped a generation). Anyway, she will try any sport and recently she wanted to try tennis. Clint and I took her to the tennis courts by our house and she was actually able to hit the ball a few times. At Target the other day, we saw a pink child's tennis racquet with matching pink tennis balls so of course, we had to get them. Now everyday Sophie wants to practice in our cul-de-sac. Look out Venus!

Officially on the Market

We have officially listed our home with the Triangle MLS and we are hoping that our internet presence will bring us a buyer. We had our home on the market for sale by owner which relies heavily on drive-bys, however, most potential home buyers use the interent these days to search so we had to enlist the help of our real estate friend. We have a 6 month contract although I am really hoping that we are able to sell before our baby comes at the end of July. I don't think a move and a newborn will go very well together although the timing of both events is out of our hands at this point! I am looking forward to all that 2008 has in store for us!

Special Announcement...

It looks like we will have another dancing princess around the house because a baby girl (and more pink) is on the way!! Sophie was definitely the most excited one in the ultrasound room this afternoon when the technician announced with 100% confidence that we are having a baby girl! The best news was that the baby looks healthy and is developing right on schedule. Our due date is July 29th. Thank you God for this blessing!

Planting Rocks

Sophie got the precious idea in her head that she could grow more rocks for her rock collection by planting them. It seemed like a logical idea and she was so excited that we didn't have the hearts to tell her the truth...right away. So, she planted away.



Then, Clint explained the truth, but also gave her some flower seeds to plant and told her that the rocks in the soil would help her seeds to grow into flowers and he saved the day! Yeah Clint-y!