It's begining to look a lot like Christmas....

It's almost the end of October and Christmas is just around the corner. We always send out lots of cards this time of year. Corbin's birthday is in November and I like to send photo cards when I can. It's amazing to look back and see how much he's changed from year to year. I don't always use the same company to create and print my cards, but after checking out what Shutterfly has to offer, that might change! I love the look of designer cards, but not the hefty price tag that usually ensues. And being that I don't have a creative bone in my body I am forced to shell out embarassingly large amounts of money for a few different designs. Not anymore. I was really impressed with the current designs Shutterfly has to offer and the prices are great! Just check out the Christmas photo cards here http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards. I like so many of them, but I love the Family Frame card by Stacy Claire Boyd.

Seeing some of the Christmas invitations makes me WANT to have a party this year. Almost. But seriously look them up. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations

One more thing I'm really considering is the Wall Calendars. I've never done one before, but I'm feeling inspired. You can find your favorite here http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars My sister makes these for my mom and she loves them.

Hope you head over to Shutterfly and browse all their products and find something you like.

30 Week Ultrasound

These are some pictures from our ultrasound this afternoon (Monday, September 25). Everything is looking is well. According to the ultrasound the baby weighs 3lb 12ozs which is normal for 30 weeks. Only 10 more weeks to go!!!!

Our First Glimpse...

This is a picture of the baby's face
This is a picture of the baby's beautiful side profile (must take after Melanie)
This is a picture of the baby's heart and he/she has a heart rate of 138 beats per minute
This is a picture of the baby's arm
This is a 3D picture of the baby's face
This is another 3D picture of the baby's face













It is so amazing to sit there and to be able to get a sneak preview of what our child will look like. It was a great day and I know one that Melanie and I will never forget. Melanie is beginning to show more and more these days. That is a blessing and a curse with this 100 degree weather we are having. But, we are very blessed and happy to be half way through this pregnancy. We are looking forward with much anticipation to holding our new child.

Our 1st Ultrasound

This is a picture of the baby's heart and he/she has a heart rate of 138 beats per minute
This is a picture of the baby's arm
This is a 3D picture of the baby's face
This is a 3D picture of the baby's face

Well, I can honestly say that life without a wonderful, loving wife is miserable. I have been able to keep up with Melanie by phone and email, but it's just not the same as having her here. She has been feeling well and think enjoying herself in Alaska.
She has only been gone a week tomorrow (July 1) but it feels like forever. I am looking forward to seeing her smiling face come Tuesday. I appreciate your prayers and concern for her and ask that you continue to remember us as we go through this pregnancy.
I hope to have some pictures up next week. Until then.... God bless!!

June 19 Dr.'s Visit

Today we went for our 3rd Dr.'s visit. We did not have an ultrasound done today. We will have to wait another 4 weeks for that test. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to see what our little bundle of joy looked like in 3d. We were able to hear the heart beat again. It was between 145 and 149 beats per minute. I could notice this time that the beat had a distinguishable gallop to it. It is amazing to hear another heart beat inside of Mel. My mom and sister were in town for Father's Day and they were able to be there with Mel and I. It was sure a joy for my mom to hear her 1st grandchild's heart beat.

I am beginning to feel the pressure of wanting to make sure everything is just right come this December. It seems so far off, but when I start thinking of all that has to be bought, arranged and set up before then it's a little overwhelming. As of today we have a little over 23 weeks to get all of that done. Not only that but we are looking for a new car as well as a new house. So, there is a lot going on in our world.

However, with all of the balls that we are juggling we would not trade any of it. We feel extremely blessed and we thank God for everything that has taken place thus far. Please continue to remember Mel as she goes through this pregnancy. She has done well. She will be flying to Alaska with her family this Saturday, June 24, and will not be back for 10 days. I am not sure what I am going to do with myself while she is gone, but I am sure I will have my list of "to dos."

Thanks again for your prayers!

Father's Day

It has been a fairly easy week for Melanie. She seems to be progressing well. She is really starting to show. I think it is finally starting to "hit home" with me. Up until this time I could not really tell anything was different with her. But, now to actually visibly see that she is carrying our child is amazing. It really does put everything into perspective.
We go to the doctor this Monday, June 19, to listen to the heart beat again and have some more routine test run. I do not think we are scheduled to have an ultrasound this visit. I hear that is something to look forward. I will share those photos as soon as we get them.
This is the last Father's Day I will be with out a child. It is somewhat sobering to think about, but at the same time it's very exciting. I imagine I will have a completely different perspective on fatherhood this time next year. To my father and all the fathers out there, thanks for all that you have done and continue to do. The impact that you have your child's life could never be replaced.
We thank you for your continued to support and prayers. Until next time... God Bless

This is the beginning of what promises to be many more thoughts and updates on our new child. As many of you know Melanie and I expecting our first child this December. Mel is 15 weeks pregnant this week. She is beginning to feel much better and I can begin to see the "glow" of pregnancy. Everything is progressing as well as could be. I know many of you want to know if it's going to be a boy or a girl... Well, we are going to wait and let it be a surprise not just for you but for us as well. We have decided to wait and find out the "old fashioned way."
We appreciate and ask for your continued prayers. Until next time...