{20 Weeks}

{ Month 5 }

How Far Along: 20 weeks - halfway!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: This is such a fabulously awkward clothing stage. :) So, my pants all fit with the BellaBand…and I have some cotton maternity shirts…but I can’t find dressier (think: attractive) maternity clothes that I really love. I’m going to hit up some non-maternity clearance racks for larger sizes and baggier styles (i.e. Gap, Fossil, Anthro) in hopes to find some nicer shirts/tunics to wear with leggings.

Best moment this month: There were TWO!

{1} Our 20-week ultrasound! My heart was full to overflowing seeing the answer to our prayers for a child on the ultrasound screen – what a miracle, and what a God we serve! We watched baby reach for his/her toes, yawn, and kick. The ultrasound tech had one hand on the wand, and the other was handing me tissues ;-)

{2} Our baby gender reveal family party! We’re having a sweet baby BOY!!



Movement: Kicks, swooshes, rolls and flips…this baby loves to move! Kenny felt the baby kick for the first time last week (19 weeks) and that was a sweet moment to share together…I wish I could have photographed the smile on his face. Mom (Nana-to-be) was so hoping to get to feel a kick, and FINALLY got a good hard one right in the palm a few nights ago…those of you who know her can imagine her expression, I’m sure. ;-)

Food Cravings/Aversions: Hello, appetite. My only serious craving has been Kashi’s Berry Blossom cereal…like, 3 bowls a day. Still averse to Indian. Boo.

What I miss: A Jersey Mike’s Club Sub this month ;-)

Sleep: Still sleeping well, used to getting up at night…except when I’m coooooold. I can’t wait to get up to a BABY!

What I am looking forward to: Meeting/holding/kissing/squeezing our sweet little BOY!

Belly Changes: I love watching my tummy grow, imagining the precious one in side! Enjoying the journey of pregnancy…not freaking out about the lbs and enjoying every minute :)

Symptoms: Easily overwhelmed (bawled all the way through the movie “Eight Below”), hormonal, over-the-top maternal instincts, HUNGRY!

Prayer for this month: Lord, is it really possible that You, the King of Creation, came to earth in the very form you are fashioning inside me…a tiny baby? How we worship at the manger of the King of Kings this advent season, so thankful that you became GOD with US…Emmanuel! What a mystery...I am more in awe than ever.


Here we are soon after finding out we're having a SON!


Then today, Kenny's mom and I hit up some baby consignment stores for boy clothes and Buybuy Baby to put final touches on our registry. I was rather proud to finally be able to park in the special "Expectant Mother" spot ;-)

Um...we went crazy. All this for under $100!!
I heart bargains. And tiny things. And my son :)

Kenny and I are overwhelmed with JOY!
Micah Daniel Sinclair

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him." {Psalm 127:3}

{16 Weeks}

Month 4 {November}

How Far Along: 16 weeks!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: No more buttoning of the jeans for this mama – I haven’t moved to maternity pants yet and am getting by currently with the BellaBand. Hoping to buy a second one soon! I’ve worn 2-3 maternity shirts just because I love the length of them so they’ll cover the BellaBand completely.

Best moment this month: Feeling baby’s first strong flutter at the Cincinnati Symphony celebrating Kenny’s 30th birthday last weekend! Baby must have enjoyed Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” …and tympani!

Movement: Can’t wait to feel more – especially when Kenny can feel it, too. I know that will be such a special moment for us to experience together!

Food Cravings/Aversions: The strong aversions have passed, which is really nice. Indian & Mexican food (formerly my favorites) are both still not options…it’s crazy how hormones change your palate. Also realized I’ve been enjoying Skyline Chili more recently, and milkshakes. Especially Chik-Fil-a’s Peppermint Milkshakes.

What I miss: Smoked Salmon…why can’t I stop thinking about it?! {get a grip}

Sleep: I noticed in the past week I’ve begun getting up more often at night to use the restroom (and during the day) – We’re considering turning the bed so I don’t have to go through a labyrinth in the dark, without my contacts in, jumping over both sleeping dogs…to the restroom. ;-)

What I am looking forward to: Four weeks until we find out if Baby is a boy or girl…FOUR WEEKS!!! {breathe}

Belly Changes: I’ve definitely popped out a little just in the past week. If I’m wearing a baggy sweatshirt, it’s not super noticeable….but in a regular cotton shirt, there’s definitely a little bump! Kenny lovingly exclaimed to me yesterday, “You look poochy!!” Thanks, dear.

Symptoms: Definitely dealing with some hormonal pregnancy tears/outbursts this month! Sorry, Kenny :)

Prayer for this month: Father, may I continue to focus my eyes on You during this season. May the words I speak and the things I do reflect You to this precious baby - even while he/she is inside my womb…

{12 Weeks}

Month 3 {October}

How Far Along: 12 weeks! What an answer to prayer - Sayonara, first trimester!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: Found some great bargains on maternity clothes at Gap outlet and various local consignment stores! I haven’t worn any yet, but I’m getting ready to begin using the BellaBand with my regular jeans…you know “it’s that time” when your pants are unbuttoned more than they are buttoned. ;-)

Best moment this month: Seeing baby Sinclair wiggle and dance around on the ultrasound at 9 weeks…and then hearing it on the Doppler at 12 weeks - the sweetest sound my ears have ever heard…and I’ve heard a lot of beautiful music. :)

Movement: I felt a few flutters…or what I thought could be… beginning at 11 weeks. I guess time will tell if it was “for real” or not once they get stronger. I’m pretty sensitive, so I think I really did feel something, although I know it’s a bit early.

Food Cravings/Aversions: The week finally came when I could not…to my dismay…eat at the Indian Food Buffet after church on Sunday. * sigh * Weeks 10-12 have been the roughest so far - nothing seems to sound good...my two cravings have been Arby's curly fries (with cheese, of course) and chocolate milkshakes (super healthy). I lost the 3 lbs I put on at my 8 week...but the doctor said that was just fine...and to enjoy my curly fries - he'll tell me if I've gained too much ;-)

What I miss: Random foods that sound good just because I know I can’t have them. I think a lot about bagels and lox (smoked salmon) from Kenny & Zuke's in Portland, OR :)

Sleep: I heart sleep…still.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out if baby Sinclair is a boy or girl - which will be Christmas week! This is one excited mama :)

Belly Changes: Hello, BellaBand.

Symptoms: Getting energy back! Major food aversions, nausea (finally threw up for the first time at 12 weeks, ha), excess trips to the restroom…

Prayer for this month: Father, may our lives, and the life of this child bring you glory!


Here's baby's photo from our 9.5 week ultrasound :)

We took a video on my iphone of our 9.5 week ultrasound - you can see our wonderful Doctor explaining what's on the screen...and baby dancing away in the beginning! Considering I stand next to the drums playing the guitar/leading worship at church, like, 8 hours a week, I think baby is bound to love music :)



And at 12 weeks, Kenny and I heard sweet baby's heartbeat for the first time using a Doppler (running around 160 BPM). How nerdy do I look/sound/act? I was SO thrilled :)


We are treasuring every precious moment!
{Soli Deo Gloria}

{8 Weeks}

Month 2 {September}

How Far Along: 8 beautiful weeks!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: In my regular clothes still…I’ve heard it’s the luxury of a first baby ;-)

Best moment this month: Seeing baby’s heartbeat at the Dr’s office at 7.5 weeks…what an answer to prayer! Kenny and I were overwhelmed with thankfulness!

Movement: Only that little heartbeat!

Food Cravings/Aversions: For the most part, feeling great. Did hit a rough patch week 6 with food aversions and minor waves of nausea…downing the water!

What I miss: Bye-Bye sushi…

Sleep: I heart sleep.

What I am looking forward to: Passing that First Trimester milestone…we are learning to trust the Lord in new ways and are thankful for every day I have the privilege of carrying this child! (But oh man, it will feel good/reassuring to get to 12 weeks!)

Belly Changes: Jeans are beginning to feel a little tight when I’m sitting… ah, the beauty of unbuttoning ;-)

Symptoms: Fatigue, food aversions, minor nausea, excess trips to the restroom…

Prayer for this month: Beginning to pray for specific parts of baby’s body that are forming. I’m enjoying reading the pregnancy books mom gave me and they have been a great guide to help me know what to pray for. May baby’s feet bring good news, may her hands hold loosely to the world and firmly to her Father, may his mind grow in the knowledge and wisdom of his Savior…


5.5 week ultrasound showing a well-formed yolk-sac and a little shadow of a baby :)


7.5 week ultrasound showing beginnings of placenta and a little peanut with arm and leg buds!
At our 7.5 week scan, we also saw the heartbeat for the first time...such a miracle!

{4 Weeks}

4 Weeks - Month 1 {August}

How Far Along: 4 weeks – we just found out and are SO thankful and excited to be expecting!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: Not yet…would that be some sort of record?

Best moment this month: Seeing those two beautiful lines show up on the pregnancy test (AHHH!!!!)…and running in the room to tell Kenny with tears streaming down my face :)

Movement: Just me…jumping up and down repeatedly.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Hungry! I heart carbs.

What I miss: I AM SO HAPPY TO BE PREGNANT I DON’T MISS A THING.

Sleep: Getting up a few times at night to use the restroom…which is rather uncommon for me.

What I am looking forward to: Everything.

Belly Changes: Not yet!

Symptoms: Fatigue, exhaustion….nap-time, please.

Prayer for this month: Praying the Lord would allow us to hold this little one in our arms here on earth – for a safe and healthy pregnancy. After our miscarriage last March, we don’t take the miracle of life lightly! What a joy it will be so meet this precious little one…

This was my $2 preg test from Walmart I took two days before I "should have" and it came up right away!! I told myself that if it was negative, it didn't mean anything because I tested early, and...it was cheap ;-)

Psalm 66 has come to mean so much to Kenny and I on this journey...what a beautiful promise of God answering prayer in His time, and bringing us to this place of abundance. We praise You, Lord!

Expecting!

Our hearts are full to overflow...Baby Sinclair is due May 7, 2012!
Kenny and I are THRILLED to be expecting and give the Lord all the glory for the precious miracle growing within me. We had been praying for quite some time the Lord would allow us to be parents...it was a long road, but one that was not in vain. Through the pain of having to wait for the desire of our hearts (and a pregnancy loss in the middle of that long wait), God taught us what it meant to love him, trust him, and desire HIM more deeply. That is the greatest gift of all! I am feeling great at 12 weeks and looking forward to updating soon with some "belly" pictures (I say "belly" because I'm not really "showing" much yet...but I've been diligent in taking monthly photos...for posterity, of course ;-)) For now, just feeling overwhelmed with gratitude and looking toward the future with breathless anticipation as we await the arrival of this precious baby! (EEEEEEEEEE!!!!!)




A sight I will never forget...thank you, Lord!!


...and baby makes THREE :)

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (New International Version)

^"17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior!"

i love him

I am thankful today for my husband, the love of my life.

Why? I'll tell you :)

I'm thankful I have a husband who loves the Lord and earnestly seeks Him. He is passionate about God's Word, absolute truth, and all things good, noble and right. I love that he appreciates the simple pleasures in life: enjoying a cup of coffee together, taking hikes, laughing at our dogs....just the day to day joys. I love what he brings to my life: safety and comfort, comic relief, an endearing dryness, an appreciation for all beautifully created things, a warm chest on which to lay my head, provision for my life and my heart, a rock for life's storms, kind eyes that understand, arms that embrace all that I am...the beauty and the beast. He is God's most precious gift to me.

I adore this man.

Spring is Coming

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. -Song of Solomon 2:12

"Sweet is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its present delights. After periods of depression of spirit, it is delightful to behold again the light of the Sun of Righteousness; then our slumbering graces rise from their lethargy, like the crocus and the daffodil from their beds of earth; then is our heart made merry with delicious notes of gratitude, far more melodious than the warbling of birds--and the comforting assurance of peace, infinitely more delightful than the turtle's note, is heard within the soul. Now is the time for the soul to seek communion with her Beloved; now must she rise from her native sordidness, and come away from her old associations. If we do not hoist the sail when the breeze is favourable, we shall be blameworthy: times of refreshing ought not to pass over us unimproved. When Jesus himself visits us in tenderness, and entreats us to arise, can we be so base as to refuse his request? He has himself risen that he may draw us after him: he now by his Holy Spirit has revived us, that we may, in newness of life, ascend into the heavenlies, and hold communion with himself. Let our wintry state suffice us for coldness and indifference; when the Lord creates a spring within, let our sap flow with vigour, and our branch blossom with high resolve. O Lord, if it be not spring time in my chilly heart, I pray thee make it so, for I am heartily weary of living at a distance from thee. Oh! the long and dreary winter, when wilt thou bring it to an end? Come, Holy Spirit, and renew my soul! quicken thou me! restore me, and have mercy on me! This very night I would earnestly implore the Lord to take pity upon his servant, and send me a happy revival of spiritual life!"

- CH Spurgeon

Christmastime

We all gathered at mom and dad's to celebrate Christmas Day!




Christmas jammy pants! :-)

The traditional photo at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning ;-) Are we too old to do this? I think not.

The custom artwork we had created and framed for mom and dad to celebrate God's Faithfulness in 2010 bringing Mom through breast cancer...a gift from the 4 kids :)

Papa and Nana's 2011 Calendar :)

Grandpa made dad a game board!

Jon and Kenny in their Territory Ahead sweatpants - posing with the catalog. classic.

Only my husband would toast with the whole gallon of milk!

Brunch!


Joy to the world, the Lord has come; Let earth receive her King!

Brunch of JOY

We hosted our 2nd Annual Christmas Eve Brunch and loved every minute! From the planning to the preparation to the gathering...it was such a special memory!



Olive Oil Muffins

Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast

With Orange Compote and Hazelnut Whipped Cream!

Both sets of grandparents were there....isn't that incredible? :)

Grandma & Grandpa Weber


Ducky!

Even the dog-children were there! They opened their Christmas presents, too :)


"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!" -Luke 2:8-11