The Knutson Family

Photo Card

2011-12-30T11:12:00.001-05:00

Baby Bloom Collage Birthday

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5x7 Folded Card

2011-12-28T18:23:00.001-05:00

Birthday Candles Pink Birthday Card

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Merry Christmas

2011-12-07T15:03:00.000-05:00

Well, Christmas is only a few weeks away and things are busy! Just ordered some Christmas cards but in effort to save money, I only ordered a few for grandparents. We are working very hard on cutting extra expenses as we work to get out of debt and prepare for the expenses of having another sweet baby. Thank you for understanding but here's a link to our card so you can see & enjoy it!

Merry Christmas!
Love,
Brad, Becky and Ethan

5x7 Folded Card

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Gender Reveal Party

2011-10-12T13:32:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful celebration to find out the sex of the baby! We had our appt. earlier in the day and the nurse wrote down the gender on a card for us. She gave it to Brad, who had been able to tell from the sonogram, and the card confirmed his thoughts. (The baby was VERY active & healthy. I cried when I saw the precious heartbeat and heard that he/she was healthy!) Brad then called my mom who iced the inside of the cake with pink or blue icing. All my family was able to come over for an early dinner. We were hoping to skype with Brad's parents when we cut into the cake but the timing didn't work out:(

After I rushed everyone to finish eating, I was able to cut into the cake and to reveal the BLUE icing!!! I was so surprised! I really believed that it was a girl because of how different the pregnancy has been in comparison to my pregnancy with Ethan. However, this came as NO surprise to Ethan and Brad who have been INSISTING that there was no need for an ultrasound because they just knew it was a boy.

I am so incredibly happy. Everytime I watch the video again, I get all misty! I'm so thankful that the baby is healthy and I'm so happy that Ethan gets to have a little brother to play with...he's already excited to teach him how to wrestle!!! Also, we have most everything we'll need for a baby boy because Ethan was born in Feb. and this sweet boy is due in March.

Well, now begins the transformation of moving Ethan to a new bedroom and getting the nursery ready again for the new baby. I'll post pictures as we go.

Thank you so much for sharing in our joy. Please continue to pray for this little one to grow healthy & strong, for his Mommy to be able to handle the changes and not be too tired, for Ethan to adjust well and for Daddy to be ready to take care of all of us as the time draws closer.

On another note, many of you have asked, but my health is fine now. I had some real struggles during the first and part of the 2nd trimesters with a UTI that caused my bladder to "forget" how to work and had to have over 30 catheters. It was one of the lowest points in my life as I struggled to care for my family when I couldn't even take care of myself. But, thankfully, the Lord has healed me and I've been able to potty, catheter free for about 3 weeks now!!!! (It's amazing how we take that for granted!) I'm feeling great....tired, but great!

Ethan's Big Announcement!

2011-07-13T17:46:00.000-04:00

Well Friends, I had NOT realized how long it had been since I updated. I'm so used to updating on Facebook that I have neglected to blog.

We are so excited to be pregnant again! The baby is due March 14th. I think I may be further along than that but we'll find out more at our ultrasound on July 26th. But, as of now, I'm 5 1/2 weeks. Ethan is excited to be a big brother. He changes his mind daily to wanting a baby boy or a baby girl. One day last week he said he wanted 2 babies. I told him that was something he needed to ask Jesus about. So, right then, he looked up and said, "Jesus I want 2 babies!"

God is so good and so gracious to us. He has brought us along some tough times and some challenges that had us very broken back in the winter. He has made us stronger, strengthened our marriage, and drawn us closer to Him through the tears. I'm so thankful for our Savior.

This summer has been good! I've gotten into a great routine of exercising 3 times (at least) a week with group fitness classes. I've been getting healthier and feeling good. In our Sunday School class last week, our teacher talked about I Timothy 4:8, (NIV) For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Our teacher challenged us to give up something, anything, so that we can work on strengthening our relationship with God, for at least 30 minutes a day. Well, this was convicting to me because I've been really good at spending 2 hours in the gym a few times a week but have I given God that much time each week? Sure, I spend a lot of my day talking with God, praying little prayers throughout the day as things come up, but do I sit down and devote 30 minutes in His word, working on learning more and growing closer to Him? Is there any other way that I can actually become closer to God?

So, this week, I've decided to give up sleep each morning. I get up early, before Ethan, and go sit on the couch with my Bible and prayer journal. It's been such a refreshing way to start the day. I know it won't necessarily happen every day, but I'm going to try! So, hold me accountable, friends!

Some other updates...Brad is so happy at his job. He works in Butner as a police officer & firefighter. He's so amazingly smart that they have him as one of the training officers for the fire side of the department. He really enjoys it. He's also still working as a paramedic part time.

I'm doing an at home job, called Lionbridge, where I work on the computer to evaluate/rate websites.

I've got the summer off from Preschool but am looking forward to the fall to start again. Honestly, I didn't really know if I'd like teaching kids that young but I really do LOVE it! God is so faithful to provide a job when I needed it. AND, He blessed me beyond what I deserve with a job that I truly enjoy. I have made wonderful, godly friends that have helped me learn and grow as a wife, mom, friend, etc. The Lord placed me in the best job I have ever had! I didn't expect that! (I learned in a recent Bible study to not be ashamed to bring ANY request before the Lord, and to ask him to do that, or BETTER!) He is so able and wants to bless those who love Him! Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us..." He can do way beyond what we can imagine! And he certainly has in my life!

I'll try to do better at updating the blog but you can keep up with us on Facebook, too! Here are some of our recent photo albums:

Some 4th of July:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150306479850673.370894.688595672&l=b126b9a1ff
Our trip to the zoo:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150279211935673.364148.688595672&l=9b12e9bd63
Our visit to see Daddy at the firestation:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150278846095673.364039.688595672&l=9a4874813f

WiLd cHiLd!

2011-01-16T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends & Family!

We have a very sick little boy on our hands! After a week of him having cold symptoms, I finally decided to call the dr. on Monday. But, a major snow/ice storm was headed our way and they were closing early and weren't making any appointments until the end of the week. I had to choose whether to leave work early and leave my assistant alone or wait until the end of the week. I figured I'd better go ahead and take him in and hope my assistant would forgive me, leaving her alone with 10, 4 year olds!

Well, I'm so thankful I did because as the nurse walked us in, she was immediately concerned about how hard Ethan was breathing and she decided to take his oxygen levels. He was breathing at 91%, which apparently is really low. They said normal is about 96-98, and they are concerned if it's at 93 or 94, but 91 was really bad! I felt AWFUL! The doctor came in and listened to his lungs. His left lung was horribly congested and the dr. suspected pneumonia or RSV. The other lung was fine, thank God! The doctor said they could do a chest x-ray to determine which it was for sure, but it would not change the treatment so we chose not to go through the trauma of an x-ray for Ethan's sake. They wanted to give him a breathing treatment in the office to see if that would bring his O2 stats up. That was interesting! We told Ethan that he looked like Buzz Lightyear and that made it more "fun" for him! He had many M&M's from Nana every couple minutes so we could convince him to keep the mask on. But, it worked, when they rechecked his oxygen again, it was up to 99%! We were sent away with Rx's for a nebulizer, albuterol, and an antibiotic. The doctor did warn us before leaving that the medicine in the treatment may make Ethan hyper...those words have haunted me!

He's adorable and it's kinda sad too to see him taking his breathing treatments.

Here are a list of the "hyper" things the doctor warned me about..
- Ethan figured out that if he moves a chair around, he can reach many things like the switch to turn on the fireplace, cupboards and drawers that we have not childproofed
- He got a butterknife from one of those drawers that he normally can't reach and tried to carve pretty designs in my table.
- He decided to push his bouncing zebra (very heavy) over in front of his dresser, stand on it, and open one of the top drawers. Then he proceeded to hang from it and break it! Daddy has to put a new track on it now.
- He emptied and shredded a box of tissues.
- Tried to climb up on the fireplace mantle.
- Climbed up living room window.

- Snuck up on the counter to get my Sonic drink.

- As I tried to get him to nap, he said, at least a dozen times, "Mommy, Savannah calls you Becky!" Then he decided to make EVERY animal noise he knows for at least 10 minutes straight. Finally, he just stopped and I noticed he'd finally passed out! Ahhh, peace!

- Decided to "paint" his face, plate, sippy cup,and everything within reach with his yogurt!

- Drug a VERY large bag of dog food, 3 kitchen chairs and all his toys to the middle of the living room floor.
- Tore off the weatherproofing plastic on his bedroom window.
- Emptied a glass of tea on the table so he could see it drip on the floor.
- Used a chair to get an entire roll of paper towels off the counter and drag it into the bathroom (where I was trying to take 5 seconds to myself...bad idea). We ended up using all those "wasted" paper towels to clean all the windows/mirrors in the house because he also got out a bottle of windex and said, "CLEAN!" As I stepped outside to wash the outside of the windows while he cleaned the inside ones, he locked the door on me! He didn't know how to unlock it!

I know there are so many more crazy things he has done I just can't remember them all. All these crazy things would happen if I was throwing something in the trash, switching laundry, loading/unloading dishes, or using the potty. It's not as if I have just left him unattended for long periods of time!

We've tried to do things to keep him entertained so he won't get into mischief. I've had him exercise with me and he's doing pretty good at squats and weights;) Brad has worn him out lots with wrestling, too! He's also had LOTS of baths!

This is something silly Ethan wanted to do. He asked me to write, so this is the list, in order, of the people/dogs/things on his mind. Kind of cute;o)

Through all this, Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T17:48:00.000-05:00

I honestly cannot believe that it's now January 2011! It's amazing how fast time flies! Our precious baby will be 2 in a few weeks and our life is filled with so many blessings!

Christmas was absolutely amazing! Ethan really enjoyed unwrapping presents this year and would say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" I pray that each year we can teach him more & more about Jesus and the miracle of his birth.

This Christmas was an incredible blessing for us. I really learned how amazing God is to continue to provide for us. First, we found a $100 gift card in some old cards and were able to purchase Christmas gifts we were thinking we could not afford! Then, Brad was able to get off a few hours Christmas morning and we were able to share Christmas morning together. We also got hit with about 9 inches of snow on Christmas! That alone was a miracle for NC!!! Also, some mysterious person decided to become a "secret santa" to me. She left me gifts each day during the week of Christmas. She'd sneak up to my porch & ring the doorbell, leaving a gift on the porch. She would run away so fast, I'd see taillights down my street by the time I answered the door! This person chose to do this on their own, to encourage and bless my family and me with words of encouragement and gifts that brightened my day. I can't wait to do this for someone one day...to just bless them, without any thanks, without any recognition, and to pass along joy from Jesus to one another. So, if that special person is reading this, THANK YOU! You really, really blessed us!

We were able to share Christmas in NC with my family. They came over to our house on Christmas Eve for the Knutson tradition of German pancakes! We also had a fun white elephant gift exchange! We spent Christmas evening at my sister's house with a BUNCH of delicious food and watched the snow begin to fall. Wow, was it beautiful!

New Year's Eve was full of fun & excitement! We were at my sister's again and had yummy snacks & played games. My brother in law wanted to start the new year with more of a focus on praying for each other. So, we each shared some things that we are burdened with for the new year. We've committed to praying for each other! It's exciting that we can go to the Lord and KNOW that he'll hear us.

The crazy excitement came as we were getting ready to leave. My brother called Brad on his way out when they found a BODY in the ditch!!!! Yes, a human body! So, Brad quickly rushed down the street to where they were, ready for action! (He's such a hero!!!) Thankfully, the guy was alive, just stupidly drunk. Anyway, it added some hype to our night;)

Ethan is now POTTY TRAINED!!!! (for the most part)! He's a very smart little boy and typically tells us when he needs to go! It was fun & crazy & exciting and we're doing well with it! So, just a little more work & we'll be fully there!

My New Year's Resolution: To read my Bible EVERY day! I bought a one year Bible today and am excited to take this challenge! Anyone want to do it with me???? The ESV One Year Bible is on sale at Lifeway for only $5. I'd love to know if you're doing it too!

We hope & pray that you'll all enjoy the blessings & trial that 2011 will bring. Please pray with us and for us through it all! If you'll share your requests with us, we'll pray for you too!

To see our latest pictures on Facebook, use these addresses:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=305813&id=688595672&l=324ab23899

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=305784&id=688595672&l=ed2340f936

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=302722&id=688595672&l=cbe5970082

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=298807&id=688595672&l=acdc917410

Potty Training...Day 2 & 3

2010-12-22T14:51:00.001-05:00

I've been so excited to get on & blog this morning. Now it's nap time and I have a few minutes to share in our wonderful potty training journey;)

Well, the evening of day 1, I had my niece Angelia stay the night with Ethan & me to bake and have fun together. We were snuggled up nicely on the couch watching the Grinch (Ethan had fallen asleep in my arms). Around 9:45 I heard a knock at the door...that's strange, who could it be? I carefully laid my sleepy big boy down and crept to the door to find a nice wrapped present on the porch and tail lights quickly driving down the street! I discovered a sweet little note of encouragement for our potty training days with a nice set of bath fizzies to help me recover from our first day! From: Secret Santa! I was so tickled and started going through the list of friends I thought would be so kind but it's a mystery!

Well, day 2 started wonderfully and we only had a few accidents. Daddy was home and Ethan was SO happy to tell him every little while, "Daddy, Ethan potty!" And off they'd run to the potty! Last night, another package appeared at the front door. Brad discovered it when he ran out to his car. This time the words touched me even more.

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." Psalm 127: 3 "What a precious son God has given you, and what a wonderful mother God has blessed Ethan with. Keep up the good work! Secret Santa" Along with this was a bag of Ghiradelli chocolates!!!

So, to whoever you are, I want you to know how much your words have really touched me...more than through this potty training adventure, but to my very soul. What you don't know is that I've been struggling a lot lately. I've had a hard time with Brad's work schedule, the fact that he works so much and it's even worse that he's scheduled for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after. He'll leave at 5am and will return at 7pm. I've cried and hurt and have shamefully even gone through some jealousy of other families who have their Daddy home each night and on the weekends. I've felt lonely and longed for deeper friendships with Godly women who can help me grow in my walk with the Lord, and get me through these hard times. Knowing that someone cares enough about me to do this, means so much to me. It has encouraged me. So, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Thank you for allowing God to use you to lift my spirit and encourage me. (I sure hope you're reading this;)

Day 3 is going great. We've again had a few little accidents but Ethan quickly realizes it and we run to the potty to "finish."

Some funny things about our potty training adventure:

- When Daddy was home & Ethan would potty for him, he would quickly come and find Mommy and proudly tell me what he'd done. "Mommy, Ethan pottied!" Oh, I'd hug him and kiss him and tell him how proud I was of him!
- Ethan will be finishing up on the potty and start saying, "Denny (Aunt Jenny), Ethan potty!" or "Weeene (Uncle Wayne), Ethan potty!" and he goes through a list of people he wants to tell, Nana, Papa, Daddy, Con-Con (Cousin Connor) Gia (Cousin Angelia). So we usually make a phone call. Thanks to all the family who still get excited when you hear him tell you!
- Ethan LOVES his new big boy undies. He gets so excited each time he gets to pick out a new pair. It's a 5 minute ordeal to pick a new pair. He'll start with one and then change his mind a dozen times until he finally decides which ones are the best! He loves his Elmo ones and his Sooooouper Grover ones!

Some advice for those of you thinking of trying:
- Have plenty of underwear
- Have plenty of Lysol Wipes
- Don't plan to go anywhere. Just stay home fro 3-4 days and enjoy spending every moment with your child. Color, play with play dough, build with blocks, bake, play in the yard, just enjoy giving your child your complete undivided attention!

This is our special M&M firetruck. Ethan pushes the ladder down and out come M&M's. Every time he goes, he gets 2. When he goes poo, he gets a special treat, like a cookie, or a small cupcake, or a chocolate covered pretzel with sprinkles!

Through our little journey, my sweet little boy is growing up. Brad said last night that when Ethan was given the opportunity to grow up, he took it! He's now sleeping in a big boy bed and even goes to sleep on his own! That's AMAZING for us! He lets us tuck him in and then tells us, "Mommy, Daddy, other room." He tries to sneak out...we'll hear his door open and I'll tell him to go back to bed unless he needs to go potty. He says, "Uh, huh, Mehm" (We're teaching him to say Yes Ma'am, No, Ma'am, etc. He says Ma'am whether it's to Daddy or not. We've gotten several great laughs from this...it's so cute!)

Thanks for sharing in our journey with us!

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3

Potty Training...Day 1

2010-12-20T14:46:00.000-05:00

The house is stocked and we're going nowhere for at least 3 days. Our focus is to be diaper free (or at least for awake times) by the end of the Christmas break. I actually tried to start potty training after church yesterday but it was a miserable mess. In the first 20 minutes, Ethan had about 5 or 6 accidents. However, later that day when we were out he asked to go twice at Target and he did. He's so ready, so whether I'm ready or not here we come!

Wow! What a morning! I've been peed on and pooed on many times before noon today. I've done so much laundry already that I think everything in the house is clean....right now. We'll see how long that lasts. However, with all this work has come wonderful moments. Ethan and I have played together, read books together and have had fun. We've colored Elmo pictures and watched Dora. Ethan brushed my hair and called me pretty:) He's hugged me and kissed me when I haven't even asked!

He's doing a really good job on using the potty. Yes, of course, we have had many accidents and many changes of clothes already for the both of us, but he's so excited. Uncle Wayne stopped by to drop off a step stool for Ethan to be able to use to wash his hands at his sink and Ethan was so happy to "perform" on the potty for him. Another time, he wanted to tell Papa so while he was sitting on the toilet we dialed Papa and Ethan said, "Papa, Ethan potty!"

The sad thing is that my little boy is growing up. He went to sleep in his own bed by himself. I asked him if he wanted me to pat him (he loves for me to pat his back) and he told me, "No, Mommy. Other room." He was asking me to go in the other room. However, he'd cry when I left. He was arguing with himself whether he wanted me or not. So, for all my friends/family who told me to rock him until he didn't want it anymore, thank you for that advice. But, sadly, the day has come when he no longer wants it.

So, here we are at nap time and I'm finishing up the laundry and taking a moment to reflect. Just as God expects me to be growing in Him each day, I must be happy that my little boy is growing up too.

That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. Colossians 1: 10

Christmas Update

2010-12-18T22:56:00.001-05:00

Well friends, it's that time of year for a wonderful Christmas letter;)

Here are some updates on our family...

Ethan is about to turn 2 (2/14) and he's a very sweet little boy, but VERY active. We just changed his bed over to a "big boy bed" and he's very excited about it. As Brad was finishing up & putting his tools away, Ethan said, "Thank you, Mommy. Thank you, Daddy!"

We start full force potty training on Monday. Ethan has been using the potty several times a day for a few months so we're going to go ahead and get onto "big boy undies" too!

Ethan loves Elmo, dinosaurs, books, choosing his own clothes, wearing Daddy's hat, jumping, playing, running, wrestling, and so much more. He's truly a very active child from the moment he wakes up each morning (usually around 6:30), until he goes to bed at night!

Ethan is still not too fond of Santa this year. Maybe he'll be different next year! But, he liked the Santa Cows at Chick-fil-A!

Ethan helped me make some goodies for his Sunday School teachers. I had to bribe him to put on the apron but he did! He helped a lot actually but as soon as I turned away, he snuck some Rolo's into his mouth!

Ethan loves his Bible and the picture of Jesus' owies (after he died on the cross). We are already trying to get him to understand that Jesus got owies for us because He loves us so much. We try to talk about Jesus and the amazing ways he blesses us all the time. It's funny because if we ask him who made him, he says, "Jesus." Ethan got some hand me down shoes that he really liked...they were bright yellow boots. I asked him if he knew who gave them to us and he proudly said, "Jesus!"

Brad is working hard....lots of hours each week. We are working hard on getting out of debt (Dave Ramsey style) so Brad picks up a lot of part time hours. He really enjoys police work. He misses the fire side of things since his main focus is now on police work.

Brad is a wonderful daddy and Ethan adores him. Ethan loves to dress up like Daddy and put on his belt, hat, boots, and anything else:)

I am teaching preschool 3 mornings a week and work 2 nights a week at our church. God has provided great jobs for me that allow me to not have to miss a lot of time with Ethan. I sure do adore that little boy!

I turn 30 tomorrow! My mom & sister helped plan a little party for me at a local clay/pottery place. I've always wanted to go and we had so much fun!

Every time we go to Kroger, Ethan loves to see the giant frog stuffed animal. He begs to play with it and never wants to leave it. Brad & I found some extra money and decided we could get him this frog for Christmas. We can't wait to see Ethan's expression and how happy he'll be to get this surprise! As we celebrate this Christmas, don't forget the amazing gift that Jesus gave us. He loves us so much and wants us to spend eternity with him. He suffered a tortuous death to take our punishment, so that we can have eternal life. I know I am not very wealthy here on earth, but my Jesus has a mansion for me in heaven one day. I know that one day, I'll see & worship him face to face. I hope you, too, have accepted that gift...

Praying you & your family will celebrate the love & joy of Jesus this Christmas!
Love,
Brad, Becky,& Ethan

Precious lessons from the mouth of a babe!

2010-11-18T19:56:00.000-05:00

I'm so thankful that God can use my child to speak to me. I pray that I'll always be listening...
Last week, Ethan was very sick with a sinus infection:( He could hardly sleep because of his constant cough. As I was rocking my sick little boy down for a nap, we had prayed, like normal. A few minutes later, as his coughing persisted and he could not find rest, he sat up and begged, "More Jesus, Mommy!" So, once again, we prayed. We prayed that Jesus would allow Ethan (and Mommy) to rest and for Jesus to allow Ethan to feel better. Immediately, Ethan laid his head down, and fell asleep peacefully in my arms.

Wow! What a lesson aimed straight at my heart! My Savior used my 21 month old son to remind me that I should have the attitude each day where I am BEGGING for "MORE JESUS!" Just as Ethan immediately found peace & rest, I can be certain that with more Jesus in my daily life, I can give up my struggles and burdens to Him, and find rest. I am so stubborn and seem to have to keep learning this lesson throughout my life. Why do I insist on handling things on my own and forget that the maker of the universe tells me to give it all to Him? I'm so thankful for a Jesus who doesn't let me forget that. I'm thankful for an Almighty God that desires for me to find rest in His arms. I'm so thankful for a Savior who has blessed me with a precious son who already has a heart for Him and that He's using my Ethan to remind me that I will always need, MORE JESUS!

Later that afternoon, after Ethan woke up from his nap, I asked him if he was feeling better. Ethan eagerly answered, "Yes!" I hooted and told him that Jesus allowed him to feel better and that we needed to thank him for it. He immediately said, "Thank you, Jesus!" It touched my heart. The rest of the afternoon, he would randomly shout out, "Thank you, Jesus!" Again, I found myself humbled at the words coming from the mouth of my little boy.

Matthew 11:28-30:
"Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Addition to Heaven

2010-11-04T21:39:00.001-04:00

As many of you may know, my Grandma went to see Jesus 2 weeks ago today. She was diagnosed with cancer shortly after Bobby's wedding, sometime in May, I believe. I am thankful for the few minutes we were able to share together at his wedding, but was jealous for more as her body quickly began to shut down. Grandma was anxious to go meet her Savior face to face and to see her parents, sister and others who have gone before her. So, her passing was one of sadness, however, we rejoiced and celebrated for her.

A few really neat "God" things happened during the trip and I just have to share them. For those of you who may not fully believe in Jesus Christ and His incredible love for us, I hope this will cause you to rethink...

We left for MI on Wed. night. My mom & I both teach at church so we thought we'd wait and leave after, however, my Dad got a call that Grandma was in a coma and not expected to make it through the night. He really wanted to get on the road in hopes we could see her. We left here about 6pm and arrived at my Grandma's house in MI at 9:15am. We were able to see her, hug, kiss, and love on her for a few minutes. I had tried to send her a CD of Chris Rice's song, Come To Jesus but it was broken in the mail. (Listen to this song if you can, especially the last verse.) I was so happy to be able to play it for her. Grandma passed away at 9:56, about 40 minutes after we arrived. I am SO thankful that the Lord allowed her to hear our voices and that we were able to say goodbye to her.

The hospice nurses came in to prepare her body for our final goodbyes before she was taken to the funeral home. As they were in the room with her, a song came on with the lyrics, "He is here..." and they were in awe.

Later that afternoon, I found a box of scripture on cards that Grandma had and the first one I pulled out said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 Wow! God is so good to us to have that reminder in front of me! The next day, I found another set of these scripture cards and again, the first message was straight from God to speak to me..."The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever." Psalm 37:18. Again, Wow, God! Thank you for those messages that spoke directly to us at that very time.

God is so good and sovereign. I'm so thankful to serve a LIVING God who hears our prayers and can speak to us. It was hard to say goodbye to my Grandma but I know she's rejoicing at this very moment! I also know she was laughing during her funeral because of the not-so-perfect timing of toddlers....Ethan and Savannah were NOT about to sit still during the service. Savannah started singing, "la, la, Elmo's World" as soon as it became quiet. Ethan was right along with her being noisy. So, Wayne, my brother in law and I took the babies out. Wayne insisted on keeping them both so I could be a part of Grandma's funeral, however, he was a Pallbearer and would need to be back. So I agreed to switch places with him at the end. A few minutes later, I heard the door open and close and then felt a tap on my shoulder. I was told that I was needed by my son. So, off I went to find my poor brother in law covered in poo! Ethan had asked Wayne to hold him so Wayne picked him up, only to discover Ethan had a blow out. It was EVERYWHERE and all over both of them. So, Wayne, the babies and I left back for the hotel. I stayed there with the babies and had Ethan in the tub. Wayne had to change and get back for the pallbearer duties. So, I ended up missing Grandma's funeral. Our great God also has a sense of humor!

Chris Rice's Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PANiveIKVX0

Topsail Island Family Vacation

2010-09-29T22:31:00.000-04:00

Last week my entire family was able to go on an incredible vacation to Topsail Island, NC. Wow! It was so perfect. The weather was beautiful, the house we stayed in was perfect for our group, the time of year was great and the beach wasn't crowded.

Ethan amazed me with the vocabulary he quickly picked up while we were there. The first day he learned to say: beach, waves, ocean, and more. Every morning he'd wake up before the sun rose and would say, BEACH!

On the way home we stopped at the aquarium. It was really fun. Today Ethan saw a picture of us all there with turtles as the border and he said, "turtles!" I couldn't believe it! He's such a smarty!!!

Here are links to our pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=281314&id=688595672&l=4b7e203880
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=281328&id=688595672&l=44b172ec0e

A few other cute stories to share real quick...

Yesterday we were at Walmart buying grapes. Ethan wanted some but we told him we had to wait to pay for them. Apparently, he thought we said, PRAY for them because he quickly bowed his head and folded his hands! So we quickly paid for them, thanked Jesus for making grapes and gobbled a couple down!

As we were driving, I started singing songs to Ethan to keep him happy in the car. He kept calling Brad out for not singing. So, Brad would sing for a minute and stop. Ethan would say, "DADDY!" until he started singing again!!!

Ethan said his first FULL sentence! He looked at his diaper and said, "Elmo (is) kicking a ball!" I was so proud of him! On the diaper is a picture of Elmo kicking a ball!!!

Thanks for reading our blog. I want to leave you with a scripture that has been really been on my heart lately. I hope it will challenge you in your walk with Christ as it is in mine.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Our Life

2010-08-19T22:10:00.011-04:00

Hello Friends!

It's been awhile since my last post...sorry! Life has been so wonderfully enjoyable that I've not really sat at my computer with my thoughts together in awhile:)

Ethan is now 18 months old. He's so much fun! Each week he seems to pick up at least one new word or phrase! He's talking ALL THE TIME and we laugh because he even tries to read books by himself! It's absolutely precious. He knows that Daddy is a firefighter (hasn't really figured out the police thing yet, except that he has a shiny badge)! We have visited his part time station several times and Ethan loves to run from fire truck to ambulance and touch all the buttons and climb in the seats. There's a couple of books Ethan has that show fire trucks and emergency vehicles. He proudly turns those pages and says, "Daddy's!" as if Daddy owns all those trucks:)

Ethan wakes up each morning sweet, cuddly, & asking for cereal and Nana. Now, Nana means 3 things so we have to decipher which it is! Nana is my mom, however he calls his cousin, Savannah, Nana also. Nana is also a banana! So, you can see our confusion!

Some of the funny things Ethan is doing now:
- CLIMBING on EVERYTHING
- Singing
- Asking for Elmo (I have no idea how this obsession started. We have 2 books with Elmo in them and the potty seat has Elmo on it. We haven't really watched him before or paid much attention to Elmo, but one day, Ethan would NOT STOP ASKING FOR ELMO!)
- Saying NO! Yikes! Honestly he says no to a lot of questions, even if he means yes. I guess it's just a fun word!
- He throws his head back & laughs out loud when the rest of us are laughing.
- Telling us where to sit! He will point at a place and say a name and direct you where you should sit!
- Loves wearing everyone's shoes, even Mommy's heels!
- Loves to help clean (see picture above)
- The best thing is: We ask him if he wants to be big & strong and his response, as he flexes his baby muscles, is to say "LIKE DADDY!" in the most manly, grovely voice he can! We laugh every time! (see picture above)

We are starting to slowly work on potty training. We have the potty seat that Ethan likes to play with. We don't force him to use it, we just want him to be aware of what it is. It's more of a toy, actually:) I was cleaning the bathtub with my little shadow behind me. I heard him grunting, so I turned to see him lifting his potty seat up on the toilet and trying to pull off his shorts. I thought, well, he just wants to sit and try it, which we've done several times "for fun." (Yes, the fun around this house is just breathtaking!) So, I undress him and set him on the potty as I go back to tub scrubing fun:) The next thing I know, I hear a "shhhh" sound so I turn and look. What to I see? PEE!!! Hitting the wall, the towels, the floor, the tub, myself, it's EVERYWHERE! Instead of being upset, I start laughing & found those shorts we just took off to contain the flow!!!! I was so proud of Ethan and we cheered together as I cleaned up the mess. I can't believe that he was trying to tell me and that he actually went!

Ethan has really started adoring Brad. He used to be such a Momma's boy and he is to an extent. But, he just adores his Daddy. Each time Brad comes home we try to run out to meet him. Last week, Ethan & I walked almost to the end of the street because Ethan was so excited to see him, he couldn't stand waiting in the driveway! Ethan asks to drive Daddy's pick up truck and they usually spend a few moments together while Mommy slips away to finish dinner or some fun chore! Brad is such a wonderful father to Ethan. He plays and makes silly noises. They have games the two of them do each night Brad's home, like "jumpy jump" which is when Ethan jumps in his crib and calls for Daddy. Daddy hides around the corner, and sometimes sneaks in the other room to kiss Mommy, before he RUNS and SHOUTS at Ethan! Ethan squeals and begs for more. Mommy has tried this game before, but she never seems to get the same squeals out of him!

The first 13 months of Ethan's life was a huge challenge for us as parents. But, Ethan has turned into a wonderful toddler. He's usually very kind and has a sensitive spirit. He loves to snuggle and give "loves" (hugs & kisses). If he is unkind he can usually be corrected with a firm warning and we ask him to say sorry. This means he comes and hugs us or gives us a kiss. He can't quite say the words yet, but he's learning that his actions can do the same thing. Our little man is doing very well sleeping now. I'm so thankful! He takes naps like a champ and usually goes down at night pretty easy, too. One of the most precious thing he does is pray! He folds his hands and will start to babble someone's name. Tonight he folded his hands and said, "Weeene, Nana" which interpreted is Wayne and Savannah. Apparently they were on his mind. It's a constant reminder that his little mind absorbs so much. It's my daily challenge/goal to be a Godly mommy and teach my little boy about our Savior.

Every day I get to rock Ethan before his nap and I pray for protection over our sweet little boy. I ask Jesus to keep Ethan sweet & sensitive. I pray for the choices he will make as he grows up and pray that Ethan will know Jesus as his Savior and the amazing love He has for us. I even sometimes pray for his future wife. I thank God for the amazing family we have. I am overwhelmed with the blessings God has chosen to give me. I pray that I will never take these things for granted!

I'm no longer keeping kids at home. God is amazing and when he closed that door, he opened new ones! Tomorrow is my first day to teaching preschool 3 mornings a week at Richland Creek Community Church. It's where Bobby & Brooke and Jen & Wayne all go. Also, I'll be working at our church several nights a week with the childcare ministry. I'll admit, I do NOT like change, but I know this is the best thing for our family. God is so gracious and has allowed me to find jobs that will still give me time with Ethan every day. I'll still be able to rock him for his naps! Do you know how special that is to me? God knows my heart and He's chosen to find these jobs for me! I really didn't do too much...they kind of fell in my lap, which was an obvious blessing from God!

Brad's new job (police/fire) is going very well. His schedule is always going to be a challenge, but I hope we'll eventually adjust. He's enjoying it and actually had his first foot chase! Unfortunately, they didn't catch him, but they're still working on it. He's almost done with his training period and will have his own car next week. Brad works part time as at the Vance County Fire department doing fire & ems. They're flexible with his hours and allows him to keep up with his paramedic certifications. I'm so thankful for such a hard working husband!

We are so excited to find out that Bobby & Brooke are having a baby girl! They're due the end of January and we can't wait to meet the sweet little one.

Please continue to pray for my grandma. She's fighting cancer and has lost quite a bit of her strength is a very short period of time. I really pray that we'll get to see her again this side of heaven. S

My whole family is going to the beach next week. It'll be the first time all of us have vacationed together as married adults with our kids. It's going to be wonderful and we can't wait!

We've also planned to visit Brad's parents for Thanksgiving! We can't wait to see them and let Ethan get to spend some time with them.

Until next time...

Short Update

2010-07-13T12:49:00.004-04:00

Our Ethan boy is growing! He's still off the charts for his height and now weighs 28 pounds, 12 ounces. He's learning lots of new things, including how to throw a temper tantrum!

Brad has officially been sworn in as a police officer! Hooray!

I'll update more another time!

Messy Ethan

2010-06-11T21:31:00.002-04:00

Ethan is loving to eat food on his own now. BIG MESS!!! and LOTS OF BATHS! Enjoy the pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5988636&l=ce015a6e57&id=688595672

15 Months

2010-05-15T20:33:00.004-04:00

Our little boy is growing up! He is now 15 months old and has changed SO much! He's babbling tons & talking "real" words too. He gets very excited when he sees someone he knows, family, kids, or sometimes even strangers if he's in an outgoing mood. He can recognize pictures of us, too! Ethan is pointing now and it's fun to see what he's getting excited about! He's finally sleeping better. He goes down around 8 or so and gets up at 6 am. We're thankful that he's finally sleeping through the night but just wish we could get him to sleep in a little later. It doesn't seem to matter when he lays down, he's up at 6. However, we've come SO far, so we won't complain! He's doing much better with naps, too! He sleeps every day for about 2 hours. Mommy finally get time to clean the house, work out, and even catch a little nap herself sometimes!

We pray with him, especially before meals & before bed. He knows how to fold his hands when we say we're praying and even says "amen!" It's precious!

Ethan does some sign language. It's nice that he can communicate with us even if we don't know what his babbles are. One of our favorites to see him do is "sleep." That tells us when he's ready for a nap or if he's sleepy. It's so funny for him to come up to us and see him tell us that he's ready for a nap! He also knows,
all done
more
eat
drink
mommy
daddy

Ethan has really gotten mobile now. He loves to run around. He had us cracking up at how much fun he was having running around Old Navy & Home Depot last week. We've also gotten a kick out of how much he likes to be out of the house. He got that from Daddy. Mommy is more of a homebody. Last week, Ethan took my hands and led me to the car door. He wanted to go somewhere. We've found out if he's cranky & fussy, if we leave and go out for a little while, he's in a better mood.

Here are his favorite things:
1. His belly button (he gets very upset if he can't get to it at all times...so no more onsies, overalls, or rompers!)
2. "ah-bows" or Bubbles
3. His wagon
4. Pointing
5. Swimming in the pool
6. Giving hi-fives
7. Drinking from a straw
8. Steps
9. Dirt
10. Sticks
11. The song, Head, shoulders, knees & toes

These are the words we can make out:
1. Dada
2. Mama
3. Papa
4. Bob-bob (Uncle Bobby)
5. Ah-bows (Bubbles)
6. Amen
7. Hi (he loves saying this one!)
8. Bye
9. Dog
10. Kiss
11. Lola
12. Macy
13. Water
14. Moo (like a cow)
15. Monkey sounds (ah, ah)
16. Roar (like a lion)
17. Woof (like a dog)
18. Bawk Bawk (like a chicken)

Bastian's Visit

2010-04-18T12:49:00.001-04:00

Brad's grandparents, aunt, & cousins came to visit! We had a great time visiting with the Bastians, Julie, & her kids!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=207716&id=688595672&l=720276ec71

March Pictures

2010-04-18T08:58:00.000-04:00

Here's a link to more of our March pictures. Enjoy!

I'll post more later but you can read the captions on the pictures to find out what's going on!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=207526&id=688595672&l=3079fc5190

Happy Easter

2010-04-17T13:19:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful Easter. Please enjoy the pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=207441&id=688595672&l=989e2c7801

I remembered!

2010-03-17T07:55:00.002-04:00

I finally remembered the other 2 things I meant to add to Ethan's 13 Month post....forgive me!

He's walking around! Just about 10 steps at a time before he decides that crawling is easier, but he's getting better & more brave every day!

Also, we've been working on a few sign language words, mostly all done & more. We try please & thank you but he's not getting those or is choosing not to use them. He does make a 2 syllable grunt when we say thank you or give him something. It's as if he's trying to say thank you:) Anyway, he's really good & more & all done, though. He's not just applying them to food, which is way more than we expected. Last week, in the car, he very clearly made his point that he was all done with the car ride! He wanted out! He's also let us know when he's all done filling his pants, playing with a certain toy, and of course with his food. The funny thing is that the other day when Brad got home from work, he was telling Brad, "more" to play with him more. A few minutes later, he told him he was all done and wanted his Mommy again! We laughed & laughed! He's a smart little cookie!

Thanks for keeping up with us!

13 Months

2010-03-16T14:32:00.002-04:00

Hello friends & family!

Ethan is growing & changing daily it seems. We absolutely adore him!

Ethan's latest things:
1. Making animal noises, mostly like a lion
2. Trying to walk
3. Getting into everything (he loves the cupboard with the red solo cups because Daddy has't gotten the locks on it yet!)
4. Riding on his jumping zebra toy
5. Riding on his tractor
6. Puzzles
7. JUMPING in his crib
8. Books (reading them & eating them)
9. Making noises

His latest thing is he likes to growl/roar! We have taught him animal sounds and his favorite is "what does a lion say?" and he goes "roooooorrrr!" At church he turns around and "roared" at the people behind us. He did the same thing at a restaurant, too. Most people get a good laugh from it. Well, the other night he was asleep in my arms. I lifted him up to put him on my shoulder to carry him to bed and he lifted his head up, opened his eyes, said, "ROOOOOOORRRRR" then laid his head back down and was asleep again! It was hilarious!

Ethan has 9 teeth now! 4 on top, 4 on bottom plus one mollar. He still doesn't sleep through the night. We did get 2 good nights in a row last week. Ethan still hasn't been able to make it through 2 hours of church. Each week we have to choose either to go to Sunday School or service. One day it'll happen...he may be 5 but it will happen:)

Uncle Bobby is getting married next month. Ethan is in the wedding party with his Mommy & Daddy. We'll post pictures shortly after the wedding. We are so exciting to see lots of friends & family from all over! We'll also get to see Linsey (Brad's sister) & baby Carson! We can't wait for the cousins to meet:) We'll be making a trip to GA the week after the wedding.

Brad is doing well in the police academy. It's a lot of work & requires a lot of time, but Brad is an amazing man. He's balancing it all pretty well. We look forward to 7pm each night when Daddy gets home!

Today we went to JC Penney to get 1 year pictures with his cousin Savannah. They are adorable together. They fight a lot now but do love each other. Here's the address to the pictures:
https://www.smilesbywire.com/home.asp?AC=LTPP0364115901JCP
Customer Name: Becky Knutson Access Code: LTPP0364115901JCP

I know there's more to say but I can't think of anything else at the moment. Until later....We love you!

Happy 1st Birthday Ethan!

2010-02-14T16:01:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful day! Today Ethan turns 1 (at 10:44pm)! Yesterday we had a fabulous celebration with our wonderful family & friends. Grandma & Grandpa Knutson came from GA and the Keefer family came from MA (and 4 feet of snow)! Plus, we had all the Schelske side here as well as lots of friends! Thank you to all who made it out. It meant so much to see how special everyone else thinks our little boy is:)

Ethan is growing & changing & brings incredible joy to our lives.

There's so much to say but so little time. I'll try to update more later. As for now, Ethan has cut another tooth, making it 7! Ethan is close to walking. He's cruising on everything and loves to climb!!! He's got lots of bruises to prove it:) (Mommy is getting a few grays to prove her worry as he's learning to climb down from things instead of going head first off of whatever he's climbed on!) He's finally starting to sleep & nap better. We still get up at least 1 time a night but he's taking a good 1.5-2 hour nap each day (usually).

Brad is doing an amazing job in the police academy. God has blessed him with a strong mind to retain information and he's currently #1 academically in his class!!! It's his goal to graduate as #1 academically. He's challenged with the physical fitness portion and often comes home from class exhausted & barely able to move. We are so proud of him!

Enjoy the photos!

Love,
Brad, Becky, & Ethan

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=190653&id=688595672&l=7fcd2d8d26

Family Updates

2009-12-17T09:29:00.009-05:00

Lots of things are changing! Brad has started his new job at Butner as a Public Safety Officer. He's enjoying it so far but will begin "shift" work on Friday night. He'll work 12 hour shifts from 6-6 for the first few nights then he'll have a couple days off, then switch to days. It's crazy & complicated but he'll end up having a full week off every month. He'll begin BLET (basic law enforcement training/police academy) in January and he'll be on daytime schedule until May. That'll be nice! But, after the academy, he'll begin his new job doing both police & fire. He's very excited for the academy & all the physical training he'll get.

Last Saturday he competed in a grappling tournament and came out as a 2 place winner for his weight class. He did an awesome job from what I heard. Unfortunately, Ethan & I didn't make it for his fights. Brad was there all day standing by as a paramedic and wasn't sure when he would compete. It ended up being right during Ethan's nap. If we would have known what time, we could have had Ethan nap in the car, but that's just how it worked out. Hopefully we'll make it to his next fight. Brad's goal is to one day do a cage fight! (Like on UFC!)

Ethan is changing so much! He turned 10 months old this week! OH MY how time is flying by! Yesterday Brad got him up from bed and found him standing in his crib for the first time. Ethan was quite proud of himself! He's now chewed up his crib terribly. There are bite marks all up & down the top rails! He has 6 teeth now and is exited to use them every chance he gets! He's army crawling around and trying to walk. He pulls himself up on everything and toddles around on holding onto furniture or windows or anything else he can get. He's got several bruises on his legs to show for his attempts at walking:)

Our little man isn't so little! He's wearing 18-24/2T clothes. He's so long and our scale reads 26 pounds:) He's still quite the little chunk! He's still nursing & isn't too interested in much table food. He doesn't like a lot of baby foods but he does enjoy the Gerber Graduate "cheeto" puffs. They have all sorts of flavors & his favorite are the cinnamon maple for breakfast & the cheese or zesty tomato for the rest of the days snacks. He's so funny. When we offer him something other than those things, he squints his eyes, whines, and turns his head away. He has such personality!

I take care of some sweet kids after school during the week & when they're tracked out of school. Will (1st grade) & Emma (5th grade) are here quite often & Ethan has grown to LOVE them! He squeals and squeaks when he sees them. He hugs & kisses them (and he mostly refuses to kiss Brad & myself anymore).

I'm so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to find work that keeps me home with Ethan more, yet still allows me to help with our income. I'm working at the YMCA in the nursery 3 mornings a week, also. Please pray for us, though, especially as Brad goes through the police academy. Brad is used to working quite a few hours of part time work as a paramedic each month. During the academy, he will be limited on how many hours he'll have to work those extra hours. We have come to depend on that income and money is going to be very scarce. I know God will provide for us and that we won't miss a meal...Brad says we'll eat "oodles of noodles." :) I've become good at couponing and have stocked up as much as our cabinets/freezer will allow. We're excited to see how God, once again, will provide for us. He's always been faithful!

Ethan is getting better at sleeping. He has slept through the night now a few more times. A friend of mine gave me a book to help me teach him to sleep better. It's called Secrets of the Baby Whisperer & I highly recommend it. We're getting about 2 naps now during the day!!! They usually average about an hour each. It's not as much as I'd like...an hour goes by so fast when I'm trying to get everything done! But, it's such an improvement! To all you parents who have babies that like to sleep...you have NO idea how lucky you are! We hope that our next child will be a sleeper:) Ethan is usually up & ready for action between 5-6am! Ethan is really enjoying books! Sometimes he even likes to hear the words, other times he just eats them!

In other family news...BOBBY IS GETTING MARRIED!!!! We're so excited that the Lord has brought Brooke into our lives. She is a wonderful, Godly lady, and is going to be a wonderful addition to our family. God so obviously had his hand in this! The wedding is going to be in early April!

Unfortunately, Brad works Christmas during the day so we'll be celebrating on Christmas Eve. We're so excited for Ethan to experience his first Christmas. We've decided to give Ethan 3 gifts each year, to symbolize how Christ was given 3 gifts by the wise men. It'll also help us to keep Christmas more focused on the real meaning & not on getting presents, as well as helping us keep things within a budget!

I'm sure there's much more to tell you but for now, this will have to do. I'll update more later!

Here's a link to our latest pictures...enjoy! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=174263&id=688595672&l=e940556027

Christmas Pictures

2009-11-28T18:12:00.002-05:00

Hello Family & Friends!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We spent it with my family at my Mom & Dad's house. The whole family was there and it was wonderful. Ethan & Savannah had some turkey and the other fixins! I'll post pictures soon.

Ethan is 9 months old now and about 25 pounds. He's back on the charts for his weight (the first time since birth) and is still off the charts for his height. He is wearing 18-24 month clothes because he's so tall! He's just wonderful & precious!

He babbles Mama and Dada all the time now. He is getting better with sleep now too. A friend suggested a wonderful book that's helped us train him to sleep without making him cry it out forever. It's a great approach & I'm so glad we found it! Thanks, Lisa!!!

We got pictures taken at JC Penney. To look at them follow this address: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=169749&id=688595672&l=57118d22bf

Love you all,
Becky, Brad, & Ethan

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-09T21:14:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends!

Hope you all had a Spooky Halloween! We had a fun time, sorta:) Ethan & Savannah were Pebbles & Bam Bam, thanks to their wonderful Nana who made their costumes. Ethan had a bat, too, but he was more interested in the candy bucket than the bat, so sorry it's not in the pictures. We went to 3 houses in our neighborhood to show off our little man. He is VERY attached to his Mama right now and he wouldn't even let Brad hold him while we walked up & down the street. It was hot and it was humid...much different from the Michigan days of us dressing up & trick or treating in the snow:) I was exhausted when we got home, but we had fun watching the babies play with thier buckets of candy.

Ethan is 25 pounds and is teething once again. He had 2 teeth on bottom & is cutting 5 more! YIKES! Poor little guy. He has his 9 month check up next week, so I'll update more then.

For now, check out our latest pictures....
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=163965&id=688595672&l=46a8b9f056

Here's a link to more pictures from my sister's camera:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=949823757113:518847577&facebook=true&sourceId=984136008703

8 Months

2009-10-11T13:15:00.002-04:00

Our baby boy is growing so fast! He turns 8 months old on Wednesday! Time is flying by! He now has 2 teeth and lots more hair. He had his first bloody nose this month as he tried crawling & smacked his precious face on the hardwood floors. It was a sad day:(

Ethan has learned to play games. My brother has moved back from MI! (WOO-HOO) and we were all at my mom's house for dinner. Ethan had not given me one kiss all day but had given one to our friend Chloe earlier that day (this was the 1st time he'd met her). Then he kissed Bobby, his friend, Jen, Wayne, my Mom, my cousin & everyone else BUT ME! I would ask for a kiss and he'd grin & look away! The little stinker! But later that night in the bathtub he reached over and kissed me!

Here's a list of some of Ethan's favorite things:

-walking around by holding our hands
-giving kisses
-baby Einstein
-baked beans
-watching people clap hands
-peek-a-boo
-biting on his crib
-whining
-giving big smiles
-Mama (he's starting to go through separation anxiety)
-the swing
-seeing Daddy when he gets home from work
-sitting on Daddy's shoulders
-pulling himself up in his crib & on toys
-eating ice
-chewing on everything
-little "zesty tomato" snacks (by Gerber)

Here's a list of some of Ethan's not-so-favorite things:

-sleep
-eating from a baby spoon (he likes to eat from a regular spoon or feed himself)
-when Mommy or Daddy take something away from me

Brad is still hoping to hear from Butner...they said he's next on the hire list. We're waiting on the Lord for his perfect timing. I'm hoping that something will come through for work for me. Ethan is just not happy at the Y and has been sick 4 time already in just a couple of months of us being there. God knows our needs & we trust him to provide.

Enjoy the latest pictures!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=155609&id=688595672&l=5ac18f79f1

Ethan update

2009-09-17T18:15:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

Here's a link to our latest photos! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152118&id=688595672&l=76709a1938

Ethan got his first pair of levi's and they're adorable! I got them at the consignment sale last week and am so glad I did!

Ethan is growing fast & is cutting a tooth. It's ready to pop through, we can feel it and see it a little bit too.

Ethan turned 7 months old this week! WOW! Time really is flying by! He's trying to crawl but his chunky body is giving him some challenges to getting around. He'll get it soon enough!

Please continue to pray for us with Brad's job situation. It looks as if Butner has fallen through, again:( We know God is in complete control & are trusting in Him.

Love,
Brad, Becky, & our precious Ethan

Swing!

2009-09-12T00:57:00.000-04:00

Brad built a post and hung a swing for Ethan on the deck! He loves it! Here's a link to the latest pictures!

Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=150126&id=688595672&l=86dc97f0af

6 Month Check-up & More

2009-09-01T07:50:00.002-04:00

Our Ethan is a BIG BOY! He is off the charts again in his height & weight. He's almost 23 pounds and 29 1/4 inches long! He's wearing mostly 18 month clothes. He loved the dr. office paper on the table but HATED his shots. He had to get 3 of them. Brad had to hold down his strong legs and I had to hold his arms. It was so sad:(

Speaking of 18 month clothes...Ethan had outgrown the hand-me-downs from friends. He had caught up to the sizes of the babies that have given us clothes. So, we were blessed with more wonderful clothes from friends. I can't wait for you to see his cute red, white, & blue baseball outfit! It's my new favorite!

Brad's parents came to visit last week and bought my car. I'm going to be getting a mini-van soon! Yes, I'll be a mini-van mama! I can't wait! I hate trying to get Ethan in & out of the car in parking lots with small spaces. I want sliding doors. Plus, the payments will be cheaper! Anyway, it was so nice to see them. Ethan was getting sick & not the happiest baby unfortunately. Hopefully the next time we see them, he'll be his fun, silly self.

I love staying home with my precious Ethan. We're still not quite sure how we'll pay our bills next month, but trusting in Jesus! I've become determined to save money with coupons and am doing a pretty good job, I'd have to say! You'll see a picture of the things I got at Target for $2!!! I was so excited!

Ethan loves the windchimes outside and the fire hat that hangs from his ceiling fan. He does NOT like solid foods except his little puffs that melt in his mouth. He's made us laugh at his gagging face lately when we try solids and cereal. He gags, then purses his lips together & shakes his head NO! It's hilarious!

Well, here's a link for pictures. Enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=146885&id=688595672&l=21fda47c3e

Love,
Brad, Becky, & wonderful Ethan!

6 months

2009-08-15T09:40:00.007-04:00

Ethan turned 6 months old on Friday. It was also my sister's birthday so she will always remember her birthday is his half birthday;)

Ethan has learned many new things. He gives "sugar" and opens his mouth for a wet kiss. He loves to run around the house in his walker...he really works up some speed! The dogs have learned to stay on carpeted areas when he's in his walker! He babbles all the time now and has learned to use his arm to make sounds with his mouth (he learned this from cousin Savannah). He often makes noises that sound like mamama and dadada. Ethan loves to drink from a sippy cup now too!

He loves to play peek-a-boo. He even pulls my hands away when I cover my face and say, "where's mama?" It's precious. Ethan loves to be held & cuddled. He loves the dogs & always smiles or laughs at them. He loves to play Up, Down, Jump-Jump-Jump with his Nana and he laughs when he "boxes" her! He laughs when we jump around in front of him and make silly noises. He loves bath time and splashes like crazy but absolutely HATES getting his pajamas on afterwards. Brad & I joke about who has the duty to get him dressed after a bath!

He has tried solids but isn't a big fan. He'll enjoy a few bites and then straightens his back and starts fussing. He's happy to be nursed & apparently doesn't see the need to eat solid foods. Ethan has started to like Clifford, the Big Red Dog! He loves Baby Einstien except the "real world" things. He likes the puppets and toys but when it flashes to rivers, lakes, people, he gets frustrated. Just the other day, he started to clench up when he gets frustrated. He clenches his fists and makes a funny face until he gets over it. He loves to reach for things...anything and everything. You'll see some of the pictures of him reaching for glasses, remotes, paper. We have to be very careful now! Also, Ethan LOVES his tongue! You'll notice this in a lot of the pictures!

Ethan is teething and has been for a few months now. He's been running a fever off & on for the past 2 weeks. No tooth has popped through yet, though.

Our scale at home says that Ethan is 23 pounds. He is wearing 18 month clothes now! He has the most precious knees...they're just rolly! His cheeks and muscles are adorable, too.

He still sleeps terribly. He's slept through the night a handful of times, but there has been no rhyme or reason. He's actually taking a nap now that has lasted almost 3 hours!!! This has never happened! He had a rough night and a fever, too, though! We're hoping that this will change, soon! I've tried the cry it out method many times but lately he's off and on with a fever so I just can't make him cry it out when he doesn't feel good. I'm hoping that with my new schedule at the Y and babysitting that he'll get into a good routine.

Ethan still strongly dislikes car rides. Anything more than 15-20 minutes turns into a major nightmare. It's just not fun! Brad accuses me of having hermit like tendencies...I'd honestly be fine to stay home all week and go to church on Sunday and maybe do some grocery store runs in the week. I love to be home;) But, Ethan has made me even more like this. He's so unpredictable and an outing can turn into a totally unenjoyable trip. It's just easier to stay home!

I have started working at the YMCA. I work in the nursery so I can keep Ethan with me. I work on M, W, & F mornings until about noon. Ethan has come with me twice now. He has taken naps in the swings and has done ok. It's going to be an adjustment, but it's necessary. I'm also going to start babysitting two children from two different families part time. I'll watch a 2 year old all day Tuesdays, when I get home from the Y on Wednesdays and every other Friday after the Y. I'll watch an 18 month old little boy on T & Th. mornings while his mom home schools his sisters. I'm still hoping to find a family to work with for afterschool care.

Brad got a call the other day from one of the captains at Butner Public Saftey. (This is where he'd be both a police officer & a firefighter.) It was to let him know that it was an unofficial congratulations. They said they were waiting on something else to go through so they'd be in touch soon.

God is continuing to bless us. It's evident every day that He is faithful to care for us. Whether it's just an encouraging phone call or e-mail from a friend or a beautiful smile from our precious son, we know that God is good. He will continue to provide for us. We still don't have it all figured out regarding finances, but we're trusting in Him.

Check out the latest pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=142426&id=688595672&l=9955af15a1 (It was running really slow so I couldn't edit them as much as I probably needed to. So forgive the duplicates...)

Trusting in God

2009-07-23T20:15:00.003-04:00

Big changes are coming into our lives! I'm excited to share our journey of faith with you...

As you all know, after going back to work from maternity leave, I really struggled. I cried every day leaving my precious son, even though he was in the hands of my wonderful mother, father, and husband, it still broke my heart every day. As much as I had desperately wanted to be a stay at home mom, I was realizing that it wasn't looking possible, at least not for this year. So, Brad & I decided that it was best for our family for me to plan to return to teaching in the fall.

Over the summer, I became desperate for something to change. I searched online for hours on end looking for some kind of job that would allow me to spend more time with Ethan, yet still bring in income for our family. I prayed that God would let me find something. However, God wanted me to learn some things first (so keep reading).

As you probably know, Brad has been waiting on a job in the city of Butner, NC. He'd be a Public Safety Officer, which means that he would be both a police officer & a firefighter. He had actually applied & had hoped for a position months ago. A glitch in his application caused him to not get the job. He was devastated. We had prayed about it and it seemed like God was opening all the doors. So, it hurt when it was turned down. However, we trusted God that there was a reason. In this process, his current job at the firehouse became a frustration for him. It seemed as if the cards were stacked against him.

Weeks passed & we had moved on. At the beginning of the summer, Brad received a call with urgent instructions to quickly submit another application to the city of Butner. The chief had found out about the "glitch" in the process before and was fighting for Brad to be hired. So, the process began again. However, this time it got hung up on the state budget (we're still waiting for it to be approved even though it was due by 7/1). If Brad gets the job at Butner, he would have to go through the police academy. During this time, it would be very difficult for Brad to work his part time job and bring in the extra income we're used to. However, after those 6 months, he'd be making enough for me to be able to work part time. Keep all this in mind as you continue reading...(I know it's a long story but just wait to see how good our God is!)...

The past few weeks were very painful. Realizing that my summer with Ethan was running out and that soon I would have to leave him to go back to work was sending me into a depression. I cried all the time and felt heartbroken. I felt that by going back to work full time I was going to miss a year of my baby's life. I didn't know how I was going to be able to do that. Although I absolutely loved my job and would certainly miss it, I couldn't imagine putting Ethan in daycare, in the hands of a total stranger. I called my boss to tell her that I was really struggling with the decision to go back to work and was looking for other options so she could have a back up plan. She gave me a week & a half to finalize my decision.

Our marriage was suffering because Brad felt that he couldn't make enough money to allow me to stay at home and that hurt him. I was feeling angry that he was going to "force" me to go back to work. He was working extra hours and finding side jobs to try to make more. Brad worked diligently on a budget, yet no matter what things he changed and cut, the numbers were not working out. If he got the job at Butner, if he didn't, if I worked part time, if I worked full time, if we cut this, if we cut that. It wasn't adding up. However, since the beginning of the summer, God blessed him with a very big "side job" that has given us the money to pay off a lot of our debt. This helped change things a little.

In the meantime, I was seeking advice from some wonderfully Godly women (Sarah, Melissa, Michelle, my sister, my mom & others) who reminded me that God wanted me to be honoring to my husband no matter what. God also spoke through them to remind me that He was in control and that I needed to put my ultimate faith in Him. With a broken heart, I told God that I would do as He asked, no matter what. If His best for me next year was to leave Ethan in someone else's care, I would do it. I would cry, but I would do it and honor & love Brad if that's what he asked. I trusted God to give Brad the peace about our decision.

Amazingly, as soon as I gave over all my control to God, as soon as I put my complete faith in Him, things started changing. I saw Brad differently and fell more in love with this amazing, hard working man. I got a call about working part time at the Y. I also got some responses about keeping kids after school. A friend reminded me that God gave us this child and that He would want me to be the one to care for him, that He put the great desire in me to be with Ethan. I prayed for Brad that he would feel a peace about the decision we had to make. A lot of it seemed to be riding on Butner, however, we found out that they would not approve the budget now until August and my decision had to be made today (7/23). A few days earlier, I was filled with fear and heartbroken and now I was filled with an incredible hope as I was feeling God taking control.

On Tuesday evening, Brad called me on his way home from work and told me in the middle of a casual conversation that he thought I could put in my resignation at CCS. I said, "WHAT????" I didn't know if I really heard him right! So I asked him if he had a peace about it and he said that on one hand he did that he believed it was the right decision, however, he said when he looks at the numbers he feels sick.

As we both stepped out on faith and totally trusted God, even more things started happening! I got an interview at the Y and was hired. Butner called the next day and had Brad go through the next steps. He should hear a final answer in 2 weeks but it looks pretty good.

All of this to say that God is SO good! I don't know why it took me so long to completely give Him the reigns and let him have all the control. I guess I didn't realize that when I was praying, I wasn't asking for him to do His will, but asking him to do what I wanted. Brad & I are so excited to see what God has in store for us. We both know that there will be challenges ahead. There will be times when we won't have any idea how we'll pay the bills, however we serve an awesome God who will provide for us. I have learned so much about faith and surrendering control to our Maker. I am in awe of Him and don't ever want to forget this journey.

Thank you for reading this. Please pray for us as we head into this new phase of our lives.

Love,
Brad & Becky

P.S. Here's your Ethan update: He's amazing!!! We adore him so much! He's started a new "whine" sound when he wants something. The other night Brad & I were eating dinner and had Ethan watching Baby Einstein in his exersaucer and he turned around, looked at us, and gave us the most pathetic whine like he was begging for us to pick him up. Brad laughed so hard he almost choked & I picked up the adorable little guy.

Ethan turned 5 months old on the 14th. He's probably 21-22 pounds now. He wears mostly 12 month clothes and has chub rolls all over him. I didn't realize that knee caps could be a place for a fat roll! Our little guy is healthy for sure! He's slept through the night twice this week! He usually gets up 2 times though to eat.

He loves to roll over. He rolls all around now! I found him at the opposite end of his crib on his back when I had put him down on his tummy. I put him on the floor in the computer room while I worked on the computer and the next thing I knew he was under my feet.

He has a walker (Thanks JENNIE!) and has become very mobile. I caught him eating a plant and the garbage bag this week! Yikes, time to baby proof!

Enjoy the pictures!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=136170&id=688595672&l=3e7f078e92

Ethan Laughing

2009-07-10T21:27:00.002-04:00

Brad is teaching me how to upload videos. So, enjoy this one. It's of Ethan laughing with Brad at the fire department on Father's Day.

MORE pictures

2009-07-05T21:36:00.002-04:00

Ok, I know...enough pictures, right? Well, I just can't help myself. Ethan is just too doggone cute!!! I got pictures of him today in some cute blue plaid pants that are just adorable. Plus, there's some pictures of him with his buddy, Sawyer who is about 2 weeks younger than him. Enjoy:)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=131543&id=688595672&l=a9aab2278a

More Pictures

2009-07-05T12:40:00.001-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=131168&id=688595672&l=09723b0045

I added more to this album. You may have seen the first few but there's lots more:)

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T12:40:00.002-04:00

Happy Fourth of July everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful day with your family & friends! Ethan & I are going to go with our friends Lori & her son Sawyer (you'll see pictures from the link) to our Sunday School Party. Both of our hubbies are working. Her hubby, a State Highway Patrol officer and Brad are both working.

Our family got together yesterday for a party. We had a great time with lots of food.

Enjoy the latest pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=131168&id=688595672&l=09723b0045

Summer Pics

2009-06-27T21:11:00.001-04:00

Here's some recent pictures of our summer fun!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=129600&id=688595672&l=d1477abb08

4 Months Old

2009-06-25T15:58:00.003-04:00

Ethan is now 4 months old! I can't believe it! He is healthy & growing, but still has sleep challenges!

He had his shots/check up yesterday and he's off the charts again in his height & weight. He's just shy of 20 pounds and is 27.5 inches.

We started letting Ethan sleep on his tummy during naps because we were desperate. The doctor got on us about this as well as letting him be spoon fed. I didn't even tell her we had tried sweet potatoes yet!

Our little man is having a rough time from his shots. He's got a runny nose & is fussy. He's not too interested in eating and that is SO not like him! Hopefully he'll be better tomorrow after a good nights sleep (I'm hoping!)!!!

On Father's Day, Brad had to work:( We were very sad. Ethan & I went to church and I worked in the nursery. Then we came home and took a nap before we went to see Brad at the firehouse. It was a fun little adventure.

Ethan learned how to squeal & scream yesterday just for fun! Oh, joy for us! Also, he grabbed his toes on his own and sucked on them today!! He really enjoys them and makes a loud sucking sound! Ha, ha!

Here's the latest pictures! Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=129110&id=688595672&l=073bda4b81

Love you,
Brad, Becky, & Ethan

Groth Spurt

2009-06-16T10:47:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends!

Ethan is going through another growth spurt. We have weighed him at home and he's between 19.5 and 20 pounds at 4 months old. Brad says it's like we're back to phase 1 with his eating. He eats every 2.5-3 hours again. We were doing 3-4 hours and during the night we could go for 6 hours or longer. Not any more! It's so hard being up again every 2.5-3 hours to feed him....I thought that was over! We have his 4 mos. check up next Wednesday.

We've started cereal and last night put sweet potatoes in it. He loved them and tried grabbing the spoon! He & I were both a MESS!!! Enjoy the latest pictures!

Ethan's latest hobbies:
1. EATING!!!!
2. Jumping! Even when I'm falling asleep I like to jump!
3. Blowing bubbles! It makes LOTS of drooly mess and fun noises!
4. Rolling over...done it a few times
5. Grabbing my toes! I get out of breath sometimes....it's hard work to reach over my tummy!
6. Pulling Mommy's hair! Sometimes she gets a little mad though!
7. Trying to sit up on my own.

Also, please be in prayer today for Ryan Settlemoir's family. His fueral is at 11am.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=127099&id=688595672&l=e380344d6e

Our Growing Boy

2009-06-05T21:08:00.002-04:00

Ethan is now 3 1/2 months old. He's more than 18 pounds and is growing so fast! I just cleaned out his drawers of all the 3-6 month clothes and he's now in 6-12 months. He's so chunky and adorable. We call him our chunky monkey or chubbalicious! It's so fun to give him a bath & have to clean under his neck roll and in between all his leg rolls, too:) He's definitely healthy.

I'm on summer break for now. Ethan has quickly gotten into a routine. We joke that he understood that we were going to make him go through our own Baby Boot Camp and make him cry it out in his crib for naps. He's suddenly learned how to nap and takes several a day in his crib. Today he took a nap for almost 2 hours (a little interruption in the middle, but still!!!)!!! I worried that this day would never come and stressed about making him cry it out, but it just happened! Praise GOD!!! He knew I couldn't handle it:) He's slept through the night twice this week. One night it was over 9 hours and another was over 10 hours! It was absolutely amazing! Hopefully we'll get another long night tonight. Today...I got laundry done, brushed the dogs, vacuumed, and even got a mile and a half on the treadmill (on my own, mind you...Brad is at the firehouse)!

Please pray for us as we look for God's guidance for next year. I would LOVE to stay home with Ethan, but financially, at this point, it doesn't look possible. So, please pray that we will find someone to keep Ethan for us a few days a week (my mom will be able to keep him 2 days and Brad may be able to keep him 1). We want a Christian home with someone who will love him & kiss him & cuddle with him when he wakes up from his nap and just wants to snuggle. God knows and has someone in mind. I'd love for that to be me, but I told God I'd quit arguing with him over this and accept that I have to work this year. Maybe the following year I can stay home.

Ethan is eating cereal now. We've been putting a little in his bottles but now we're spoon feeding, or trying to at least. He likes to grin at me as soon as I put a spoonful in his mouth so it just falls right out. It's pretty funny. I usually end up putting it in his bottle instead, but we're working on the spoon feeding.

Ethan is overall a happy baby boy. He coos and has really found his voice. We laugh hearing him talk and make new noises. It's just precious. He likes to look at books and loves Baby Einstein, too. He loves playing in his johnny jumper and as soon as Brad can help me, I'll post the videos. He can really jump pretty high! Sometimes he gets the most serious look on his face. It's hilarious. (Look at the pictures of him reading with me.) He laughs at the dogs. He always lights up when they come around him. He is adorable and he often catches my eye and just grins. He follows me with his eyes around the room when I'm doing something. Sometimes he'll grunt and get my attention and smile so big that it just melts my heart. I HAVE to stop what I'm doing and go kiss all over his precious, huge cheeks:)

Check out the latest pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=124653&id=688595672&l=0db5f78a47

Honestly, is he NOT the cutest little baby boy you ever did see???? (Ok, if you have a son, you may argue, but he's the top of my list for sure!!!!)

A quick little note

2009-05-24T19:56:00.003-04:00

Ethan has enjoyed spending lots of time with his Nana, Papa, and Daddy. Check out the cute pictures they've taken with him. I love the evenings & weekends with him. We got to take a little nap together today.

By the way, we have a little rebel on our hands...he got kicked out of nursery today! I got a page, "PLEASE COME" while we were in Sunday School. I rounded the corner to the kids area and heard him screaming. It was a little funny:) Poor little guy...just wanted his mommy.

I have one more week of school left. I still cried every day last week. Please pray for us for decisions for next year...

Enjoy the pictures....
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=121851&id=688595672&l=57870af4f3

Ethan is 3 months old!

2009-05-16T22:30:00.002-04:00

Our baby boy is growing up! He is 13 weeks old today! By the way, congrats to Linsey & Austin! Baby Carson was born today!

Ethan is now about 17 pounds and very long. Most of his clothes are at least size 6 months! He's wonderful and just makes our lives so much more incredible than we ever thought.

My first Mother's Day was very special. Brad got home from work early Sunday morning & cooked me a wonderful breakfast. Then he gave me my presents from him & Ethan. I got 2 beautiful necklaces and some earings to match. Then we went to church where we had a special service. Ethan was dedicated to the Lord. As parents, we have chosen to raise him in church and promise to teach him the love of our savior. We pray that one day, Ethan will understand that Christ died for his sins, and ask Jesus to be the Savior of his life. That's what the baby dedication service meant for us. (I was able to lead one of my students to Christ this week. It was an incredible experience and made me look forward to the day when Ethan comes to know the Lord.)

I had to go back to work this week. It was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. I cried every morning. It hurt, physically, mentally, & emotionally. I now have only 2 weeks left before summer break, though.

Today was one of the best days of motherhood yet. I was so looking forward to being able to be with Ethan again all day. He smiled and cooed and was happy all day long...it was almost like he was happy that I was with him all day, too. He actually laughed out loud for the first time today! We were doing this very strange baby & mommy yoga workout and he started giggling at me! It was the most incredible sound I've ever heard! Gosh, I love being his mommy!

I feel like there's more to say, but I'm exhausted and need to get to bed. More updates to come...

Here's pictures:)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120035&id=688595672&l=6b40940f33
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=119225&id=688595672&l=643af99fd2

2 month check up

2009-04-22T13:01:00.003-04:00

Ethan's appt. went well today. I DIDN"T CRY!!! Poor little Ethan did, though. We talked about it yesterday and this morning & I told him it wouldn't be as bad as his circumcision. It wasn't. By the time we were checking out, he was asleep on my shoulder. Sweet, precious baby.

He's off the charts in weight & height...14 pounds 12 ounces and 25 1/4 inches long. His head is in the 50th percentile. The doctor told us how cute he is. She probably says that to everyone, but I was beaming:) He is just beautiful and I love his smile. Even at 5:00 this morning when he thought it was time to be up for the day! He just grinned & cooed at me.

We are so happy to have a wonderful son. Being parents has changed us completely. It's absolutely amazing.

We got to introduce Ethan to Brad's parents & brother. He loved them lots!!! He's crying now so I can't type more...

More updates to come...

Visit from Grandma, Grandpa, & Uncle Scott

2009-04-21T21:18:00.002-04:00

We had lots of visitors this month. I have 3 weeks left until I go back to work and I'm really struggling with that already. Tomorrow is Ethan's 2 month check up (he's 9 weeks now) and he has to get shots. Pray for us. I hate it when people make my sweet baby cry. I know it's for the good and I wouldn't have it any other way, I just hate seeing him hurt.

Here's more pictures!!!

Enjoy:)

I'll update more after his appt.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=114155&id=688595672&l=e9d1def406
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=114755&id=688595672&l=17fa500010

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T11:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

I've got a few recent pictures to put on, so enjoy!

Ethan & I finally made it to church for the first time. It was exhausting but we did it. We made it to the sunrise service at 7am. We went with my parents since Brad had to work:( But, he was able to get Ethan dressed for me while I got a shower before he had to leave. Ethan slept through the whole service & my parents got to show him off at the breakfast afterwards. They were so proud and he was SO handsome. His Easter outfit was adorable but the shirt will not be worn again. It was too small on him and scratched his precious little head when we pulled it off. I have a picture of him in a onsie that says, "Just Hatched!" I bought it last year after Easter and thought I could have my baby wear it one day. There's also pictures of him in his swing this morning with his "Easter basket things."

Here's the link: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112335&id=688595672&l=987e92c2e0

8 weeks

2009-04-09T09:13:00.002-04:00

Ethan will be 8 weeks old on Saturday!!! I just can't believe it~time has gone by so fast.

He's absolutely adorable. I call him my chunky monkey and he smiles:) He is starting to make more noises and coos all the time now. He certainly recognizes faces and knows his mommy, daddy, and certainly Nana and Papa. It's absolutely precious to see him respond to Brad when Brad has been gone for his 24 or more hour shifts. Ethan just stares at him. I read somewhere that babies tell you they love you at this age by staring to the point where it would otherwise be considered rude. It makes me just smile and fall in love more with them both when I see them interact together.

He got to meet Aunt Linsey & Uncle Austin and will get to meet his Grandma & Grandpa Knutson next week.

We have his 8 week check up next week. He's at least 14 pounds I'd say so we'll just find out all those details next week. He has to get shots, though. I'll probably cry with the little guy. I hate the poking of my sweet baby.

I'm learning to distinguish his cries. His I'm hungry cry is sweet & funny. His I don't feel good cry breaks my heart. We're still working out the reflux & napping issues. He loves to sleep on Daddy or Nana during the day.

Here's a link to the most recent pictures. Enjoy! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=111799&id=688595672&l=0ce20019f6

More pictures

2009-03-26T18:07:00.002-04:00

Ethan is now 5 weeks old. He is smiling & cooing all the time, especially when he's on his changing table for some reason. He's growing like a weed! I estimate that he's about 12 pounds now, or close to it. He's so tall and is almost outgrowing his bassinet. There's a funny picture of him in it in the link below.

We found out that he has reflux. It's been rough for a few weeks and I thought I was going to lose my mind at points. I didn't know what to do to calm him and all he wanted to do was nurse. He'd be awake for 12-16 hours at a time during the day! We took him to the doctor and now he's on some medicine. We're seeing some improvements but daytime napping is still not going all that well. Have you ever heard of a newborn who doesn't take naps???

Next week Linsey & Austin, Brad's sister and her husband, are coming to visit! We're so excited to see them! They're expecting thier first, a boy, in May! A couple weeks later, Brad's parents & brother are coming to visit!

I'll update more later. Ethan is hungry & wants to eat. Brad doesn't have the "goods" to satisfy our growing boy.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=109104&id=688595672&l=97a1d533cc

We gave Ethan a bath & decided to try to tire him out first by playing in the water. He made a big mess and we had to get him out quickly before the "floaters" got to him. Then I had to clean the tub/toys and try all over again. As soon as we did, he peed in the water!!! Boys will be boys! By the way, I submitted this to America's Funniest Home Videos!

Our big baby boy

2009-03-04T18:13:00.003-05:00

Ethan had another check up this week. He's a big boy~ He gained 11 ounces in 10 days. He's now 9 pounds, 8 ounces. That puts him in the 70th percentile. His height is now 22 3/4 inches, the 95% and his head is the 40%. He will have his next appt. at 2 months. He still eats a lot and I'm desperate to get on a schedule/routine of some sort.

We have good nights & bad nights. We seem to find that nights where he's had a bath are better.

Brad is back at work. It's an adjustment. Tonight is the first night where he won't be home at all so my mom is staying the night with me to help out. We definitely miss daddy when he's gone, though.

Ethan's cord fell off yesterday...he's got the cutest little belly button:)

We love being parents and can't wait to see what great things God has in store for our little man!

Here's a link to some pictures...enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104630&id=688595672&l=0de1f
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104633&id=688595672&l=4e9a2

More pictures of sweet Ethan Aaron

2009-02-24T18:56:00.001-05:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=102780&id=688595672&l=87955

Ethan stories...

2009-02-22T14:41:00.003-05:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=102165&id=688595672&l=e494a

Some of these may be duplicate pictures....sorry if they are. I have more to put on later. I'll have to walk Brad through it because I'm sure I won't get the chance to get on again any time soon.

Funny story...Ethan's first bath
He did NOT like it at first. But, when it came to rinsing him down, he settled down. Well, when we got him out, I of course, wanted a picture of him in his cute bath robe. As Brad was trying to put on the robe, I heard a funny noise, so I looked to see Ethan squirting all over Brad. I said, "oh, Brad!" and he jumped back. But, when he moved, Ethan got the wall, the gifts that were in the corner of the room and the brand new clean basket of laundry. So, we got his diaper on quickly, just in time for him to make a very loud poo in it. As we tried to change that diaper, he pooed some more, all over the changing pad! We laughed & laughed. We'll try for another bath tonight. It wore him out so much that he slept for 4 hours straight and then again later that night for another 2 hours! He's pretty much on a 2 hour schedule where he eats every 2 hours. Each feeding takes at least an hour so that leaves an hour in between for a quick nap or shower or getting myself something to eat. It's exhausting. I feel terrible because I find myself wishing this part will go by quickly so I can sleep again and I know I should not every wish the time to go fast. Anyway, I'll try to put more pictures up later so check back soon!

Home from the hospital

2009-02-19T17:28:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone!

We're home & starting to adjust. Life has been very busy & interesting. The dogs LOVE Ethan...especially Macy, which surprised us. We thought Lola would be more interested. But, every noise he makes, Macy is right there checking on him. It's sweet.

Ethan has had a rough few days, which means mommy & daddy have too. He has jaundice, which we know is common. However, he's had it severly enough where we had to order a special "billy blanket" for him. It makes him look like a glowworm! The worst part has been that he's had to be "pricked" a lot, which I just can't handle. He got pricked 2 days in a row. We had a break today and have to go through it all again tomorrow. We have to go to the lab at WakeMed and then right to the doctor's after that. Please pray for us tomorrow....the last time, I cried while Ethan slept through it! Unbelievable. Then, every time I thought about it, I cried again! The doctor was initially concerned about his weight as well as the jaundice. He was 8 15.5 when he was born and dropped to 8 4 when we went to the doctor's on Tuesday. When we went back on Wednesday, he had gained 4 ounces!!! Now he's 8 8. I'll tell you why...he LOVES to eat! He eats nonstop it seems. I haven't been able to update or do much of anything in between his feedings except sleep or shower or grab something to eat real quick. I'm very interested to see what he weighs tomorrow.

I'll put more pictures on Facebook...it's easier and faster that way. I'll add the links for those who don't have facebook!

Thanks for those of you who were praying for Savannah. She is home from the hospital now...it was very scary for awhile! They thought she had menningitis, then it was RSV, now it appears that it was just a virus. Here's a note from my sister:
Friends,
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. We are home! Savannah had a great night at the hospital and is no longer running a fever! All of the tests are negetive so it seems that it is just a small virus that will just run it's course. Her temperature is normal now and she is breathing fine!
Thank you again,
Jenny

Facebook photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101498&id=688595672&l=bd7c4

Ethan Aaron has arrived!

2009-02-15T08:31:00.002-05:00

Our precious baby boy has arrived! My water broke at 3:30am on Saturday the 14th. Labor took forever and Ethan came to meet us at 10:44pm. He was 8 pounds 15.5 ounces and 22 inches long. He has a head full of sweet black hair. He's happy & healthy and we just adore him. Here's some pictures!

39 weeks!

2009-02-07T21:40:00.005-05:00

38 weeks

Holding Savannah during the Superbowl.

My "budda" belly! It's a very nice shelf.

39 weeks...can you believe how big it is?

39 weeks

Hello Everyone! Ethan is due a week from tomorrow (Sunday)! I can't believe how fast time has flown by! I've got a few pictures for you to enjoy of my enormously growing belly. I get funny looks now and even had someone tell me that it almost looks fake because it's so big, round, and straight out in front of me:) It really is funny but I'm ready to meet the sweet little guy (and to reach my toes, and bend, and have gracefulness again)!

I had an appt. on Wednesday and the doctor just made me cry because I had gained 4 pounds in one week. I think it's water retention because my feet & ankles have never looked more puffy! But, when I told her my fears of having a c-section because he may be too big, she told me, "My biggest piece of advice for you is to WATCH YOUR WEIGHT!" I'm so happy that I don't have to see her again this week. I go again on Wednesday and am hoping to find out something exciting. I'll keep you posted if so, otherwise, the next time I update, it'll probably be with pictures of him!!!

Please continue to pray for us...we're excited, scared, and very anxious about it all!

This week...

2009-01-23T18:14:00.017-05:00

This was a great, but exhausting week. (Ok, so I'm 9 months pregnant, everything is exhausting now! I have to literally roll, or be pushed out of bed! I keep getting comments like, "You haven't POPPED yet?") Anyway, we started off with a snow day on Tuesday after having Monday off. So, here's some pictures of our beautiful NC snow! We also got a 2 hour delay on Wednesday because of black ice.

A view from our front yard, toward our neighbor's house.

Lola & Macy playing in the backyard.

Macy LOVED the snow! Every time she came back in her face was covered with snow!

Sunrise the next morning.

On Thursday, my class threw me a baby shower. The parents even had games for the kids to play. There was cake & lots of food that all the parents brought in and it was so nice! It was so sweet and the kids were so excited. They oohed and ahhed with each gift! Even the boys were into it! I really was surprised by all the wonderful gifts and generous gift cards we received. Today, one of my little guys brought me in a sweet, soft, duck throw/rug that he had as a baby. He said he really wanted Ethan to have it now. It was so precious! Here's some pictures of the baby shower at school.

Last night we went to a class on breastfeeding. It was very informative...but I won't put pictures of that on here, haha!!!

Today after school I went to my friend, Wendy's house. Her little boy, Wil, was in my class last year. Around Christmas I had dinner there and got to see many pregnant goats. Wil's been keeping me posted on their "condition." They had their babies last week and Wil really wanted to have me over to show me the sweet little things. So, I went today and got a full tour of all the amazing farm animals they have, including the sweetest little baby goats. It really makes me want to move to the country. Seeing Wil, Hampton (his little brother), with thier daddy on the farm, made me think of how much fun it must be for boys to live like that...forget city life. Anyway, it really touched me! Thanks, Wil, Hamp, & Wendy, for showing me around! Here's some pictures.

Oh, by the way, my doctor's appt. was Wednesday. I have just over 3 weeks to go now. The baby's head is in place and he's happy and healthy. I'm 50% effaced (sorry for the men reading this), which says to me that the process has begun!!! Please pray for Brad and me now as we're really preparing to be parents SOON! I have another appt. on Tuesday.

I'll update more next week. The school is throwing a shower for me on Monday, too!!! In the meantime, here's some more pictures of our precious new neice, Savannah. She'll be 3 weeks tomorrow (Saturday).

Brad's first time meeting Savannah.
This is so precious! It made us both yearn for our little Ethan.Watching Brad with Savannah made me so excited to see him be "Daddy" soon.

Big Sister made a Hannah Montana Build a Bear. Big Brother made a bear for Savannah!

A Wonderful Shower!

2009-01-19T19:20:00.003-05:00

Saturday was my first baby shower! It was so wonderful and I had lots of great friends and family show up! My mom, sister, & friend Jennie helped throw the shower for me. It was at my mom's church and two of her sweet friends, Tamara & Jeannine, were also there to pitch in and help. (Thank you SO much for all who helped!)

The whole theme was firefighter and we were overwhelmingly blessed with gifts. Ethan has TONS of clothes, pacifiers, and soft, snuggly toys. We received our pack & play that is also a small basinet. Our friends let us borrow another bassinet that we'll keep in our bedroom for the first little while. There's so many wonderful, thoughtful gifts that were given that I'm so overwhelmed! Now I just have to figure out where to put everything:)

I had lots of friends come, including several friends from school. My cousins, David, Joy & her son, Aiden, came up from South Carolina. We had our friends from Maryland that came & stayed with us. It was so sweet of them to want to come for the shower!

The weekend was wonderful, but exhausting, physically & emotionally. My brother, Bobby, & his girlfriend, Autumn, moved back to Michigan on Saturday as well.

I just found out we're having a snow day tomorrow so I'm so glad to have another day to catch up on laundry, organizing Ethan's gifts, and just getting ready to go back to school again. (For my northern friends....By the way, there is NO snow or precipitation yet. It's not scheduled to come until after 9pm. It's 7:30 and there's already 97 closings for tomorrow! Life is so different in the south! I just LOVE it!)

The parents in my class are throwing me a shower on Thursday and my friends at school (CCS)are throwing me another shower on Monday the 26th!

I begin my weekly visits tomorrow (as long as the doctor's office is open). I'm 36 weeks now and have 27 days until Ethan's due date. No one seems to think I'll make that, though! Goodbye for now! I'll update you when I know more!

Enjoy the pictures of the shower!

Jen & Savannah (2 weeks old)

Family!

Mom, Jeannine, me, & Tamara

Grandma, me, & Mom

Beth & sweet Savannah

Beth, Joy (cousins), me, & Autumn

Savannah crossing her fingers! Isn't that precious!

Jenny O'Steen (teaches 5th grade at CCS)

Vicki (teaches 4th grade at CCS) & Ellie (in 1st grade) Fouts

Laith & April Reynolds. April taught Kindergarten at CCS until this year!

I miss you, April! PS she's expecting baby #3!!! Woo-hoo!

Jen (teaches PK) & Izabelle (in 2nd) McClelland (from CCS)

(LtoR) Karyn (I tutored her son), Jane Speer (3rd), Kim Burton (1st),

Kathie Spicer (now at KVA...miss you, Kathie),

me, Jen Brauer, (my WONDERFUL partner teacher in 2nd grade)

Sarah Burton (I taught her last year) & Anna Brauer(teaching her this year)

Caroline, Brian, & Kim are friends from Maryland.

Kim & I used to teach together at Royal Elementary.
Uncle Brad holding Savannah with 1 hand!

Welcome Savannah Grace Castator!

2009-01-03T22:49:00.003-05:00

Exhausted Mommy & Daddy with Savannah
She wasn't sure if she was ready to wake up!

Big brother Connor, Big Sister Angelia, Savannah, & Aunt Becky

Grandma Castator, Angelia, Savannah, & Nana Schelske

Nana & Papa Schelske with Savannah

We have a new neice! Jen & Wayne had their sweet baby girl today! She wasn't supposed to come until Monday with a scheduled c-section, but she decided that today was a better day. I was glad...I got to be there! Unfortunately Brad had to work today. Savannah & family are all healthy, well, and VERY tired! She weighed more that both her siblings; she was 9 pounds 13 ounces and 20.5 inches long! Good thing it was a c-section! She has a head full of dark, curly hair and likes to use her lungs a lot! But, Papa & I had a little way of calming her down! It was so wonderful to be there today. I was a mess...I cried and at one point, Angelia (6) asked me if I was going to start crying again. It was just a special, neat thing and with Ethan coming in 6 more weeks, I just couldn't help myself!

Enjoy the pictures!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-27T08:32:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful time with your family & friends.

Great news....Brad has completed his paramedic program with flying colors!!! This has been a rough 9 months and the last 2 had been the hardest. Brad wasn't able to work his part time job due to all the hundreds of hours he had to do for clinical time, so Christmas was very different for us this year. But, we're so excited that he's finally done with the program!!! He actually has days off now! It's amazing! But, please pray for him as he prepares to take the state exam next month. It's tough and it's been known that it usually takes 2-3 times to actually pass it. We're praying that he'll pass on the first time!!!

I had been quite sick leading up to Christmas so it just wasn't the same this year. The flu hit me hard and even put me in the hospital for an evening. It was NOT fun! So, I was a little late on everything, so please forgive me as I have LOTS of catching up to do!

I've published pictures to a different website, http://bradbecky.shutterfly.com/. It's just quicker & easier to share our pictures.

We've slowly been working on Baby Ethan's room. I'm almost 33 weeks now!!! We ordered his adorable furniture through JC Penny. It should be in this week, except for the crib, which is backordered! However, we figured he'd just sleep in the bassinet for the first few weeks anyway. There's some cute pictures of Brad's artistic talents as he's designed the room. So, enjoy them! The theme is Puppy Tales by Carter's.

The next group of pictures was of my family at Outback on the night of my birthday. I'm 28 now! We had a great time together...all the kiddos had a babysitter for the night!

We spent Christmas Eve at the Schelske's home with the Knutson's tradition of German Pancakes. Brad & I cooked for the family and it was lots of fun. Our nephew, Connor, was thrilled to know that we could put Ice Cream on our pancakes, not to mention the whipped cream, strawberries, blueberries, powdered sugar & syrup! {Plus, we had scrambled eggs, sausage & bacon, too. It's so good and so fattening that you can only do it once a year! Then, since money has been quite tight lately, with Brad finishing his paramedic program, we decided to do a Chinese/White Elephant Gift Exchange with my side of the family. It was so funny! Brad & I found an Obama shirt on clearance for $4 and a McCain/Palin shirt for $1!!! It was tons of fun!

Unfortunately, Brad had to work on Christmas day. It was quite depressing to be honest with you. Brad was able to take a 2 hour leave and come back to the Schelske's house for a wonderful Christmas feast and to open a few gifts before he had to head back to the station. The shift decided to have the families come up that evening and all the wives prepared a dish for us to share together. It was nice, but just not the same. Later that night, he had a big fire and came home exhausted the next morning. Anyway, we opened our gifts from the Knutson's on Christmas Eve. Ethan got some cute little clothes!

I'll update more soon. Until then, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

P.S. My sister is having her baby on Jan. 5th!!! We can't wait to meet Savannah!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-29T09:50:00.003-05:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Brad was actually off!!! (He has to work on Christmas, though.) We had Grandma Schelske with us along with cousins and siblings. We had lots of fun. Thanks, Mom, for being a wonderful host! The food was wonderful and we had a great time being together. There's so much to be thankful for! Brad & I took some pregnancy pictures outside in the beautiful fall leaves. (Thanks, Jen, for your photo skills!) Enjoy!

Isn't this sweet?

You want me to sit in the leaves?

Fine!

Brad being a goof ball!

28 weeks ...officially in the 3rd trimester!

Now my appointments are every other week!

Angelia, Connor, Lexi, & Isaiah with the turkey!

Isaiah, Angelia, Lexi, & Connor playing in the leaves!

They were excited for us to finish pictures so they could jump in!

Jen, Wayne, Connor, Angelia, Chuch, Grandma, Brad, Becky,
Becky, Brooklyn, Beth, Lexi, Dad, Mom, & Isaiah

Papa being silly with the 6 year olds!

Grammy's Funeral

2008-11-19T17:08:00.003-05:00

The Lord called Grammy home on November 2nd. Her funeral was a wonderful time to see family that I haven't seen in many years. Almost all the grandchildren were able to come! We celebrated Grammy's life and enjoyed stories of her life together. Here are some pictures of us all...

(Well, I tried 5 times to upload them and it's not cooperating. So, I'll try again another time. Sorry!)

I've tried for several days to upload pictures...anyone else having trouble? Well, since I can't get it to work, here's a link to my snapfish album of all the family. Enjoy!

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=262808645/a=9102417/t_=9102417

Registering & more

2008-10-15T17:15:00.005-04:00

We have now registered at Target, Babies R Us, and Burlington Baby Depot (the only place we can find our nursery set). We started with Target a couple of weekends ago. We went to Babies R Us this weekend! Word to the wise...don't go on a Saturday evening! It was crazy! There were more people there registering than there were shopping! It was really wild and overwhelming. But, leave it to Brad to make it into a fun time.

We had a great time...he had me laughing through most of it! Some of his comments..."What do we need this for?" "A diaper warmer? That's the stupidest thing I've heard of!" "A baby gown? Our boy will NOT wear any gown!" "Why do we need a swing, a pack & play, a crib, and a bouncy seat?" "What do you use that for?"

He did, however, enjoy the silly sayings on bibs & onsies. I heard a mischevious laugh and a beep with the gun. When I turned to see what it was...well, here's a picture!

On another note, I'm feeling Ethan move all the time now. It's really the most incredible feeling! Brad has enjoyed several hard kicks from Ethan when he has his hand on my big belly. A friend of ours told us that he must already be practicing martial arts and taking after his daddy! It makes me laugh and I thank God every time for the reassurance that he's ok and for the incredible miracle that's taking place. I just can't wait to hold this precious child in my arms! By the way, one of his favorite times to be moving around is 3am! Or, if I roll over on my belly, he kicks and squirms until I quit squishing him.

This was at 20-21 weeks.

I'm 22 weeks now. Apparently Ethan is the size of a spaghetti squash now! I've only got a few more weeks left in my 2nd trimester! I can't believe how fast the pregnancy is going.

I'm mostly over the morning sickness. However, Sunday morning my breakfast came up 5 times! I think I may have been fighting a bug, though. I stayed home from work on Tuesday to rest & get better because I was still feeling bad. But, I haven't lost any more meals since Sunday! Woo-hoo!

On Friday night we went away to Berry Hill Resort in South Boston, Virginia. I had gotten a free trip through the Cotton Company. Our room was beautiful and it was nice to just get away from all the craziness here. Brad is so busy finishing his paramedic program (please keep praying for him) and all the hours of clinical time he has to complete, that it seems we have to really fight for time together. This was a perfect way to just be together. Here's a few pictures of our trip.

The view from our balcony.

It was a beautiful day! Isn't this a beautiful room? A 4 poster canopy bed!

This was the mansion. The hotel was behind it.

It's sad that this was exciting! We got gas for $2.99/gallon!

I'll update soon....

Love,
Brad & Becky

Brad's NAGA Fight

2008-10-09T17:28:00.001-04:00

This is Brad's NAGA fight (North American Grappling Association). I quit filming at the end because he slapped the mat, which I took as a sign he was mad that he lost. Really, he WON!!! But, I was so bummed that I missed the hand raise to declare him the victor! Yeah, Brad. He won 2nd place in his division.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8LIEC1H9tc

Pregnancy Pictures

2008-10-09T10:21:00.000-04:00

14 weeks
16 weeks
21 weeks: This is my sister, Jennifer and me. She's 6 weeks ahead of me and expecting her 3rd child. She's having a girl!

Hello Everyone!

Brad & I are doing well. The baby is now moving and keeping me reassured that he's ok. I am now 21 weeks. I keep getting comments from people like..."You're only 5 months! You MUST be having twins!" Oh, my gosh! Those are awful things to say to a pregnant woman. I may not be able to hold my tongue the next time someone says that to me! So, pray for me:) My response so far has been, "Have you seen my husband?"

I've been feeling well for the most part. This was a rough week, though. I got really sick on Monday morning, twice before I left for school. Tuesday was a terrible day. By the end of the night, I had gotten sick 7 times and hadn't felt Ethan move all day/night. I was scared and just prayed that God would give me a peace that he was ok. On Wednesday morning, a friend who is due in 2 weeks, told me to drink a coke because the sugar & caffiene would make the baby move. It worked and I was never so grateful to feel his sweet little body moving inside me. I really thought I had hurt/killed my baby!

I had just been exhausted the past few days and am so grateful that we're on a fall break. No school today or tomorrow (Thurs. or Fri.). So, today we're going to work on the baby's room. I have a doctor's appointment today (at 2:30), so please pray that everything goes well and that they don't tell me I'm too fat again! Tonight Brad has an open house at the fire department in Henderson. So, if you're local, feel free to come see his station and enjoy the craziness! Brad and I are going away for a little trip to a resort in Virginia for a night. We leave tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that. My parents are going to stay at the house & take care of our other babies (Lola & Macy).

I'm so sorry that I haven't put pictures on the blog yet! I've been putting them on Facebook and slacking on this website. Sorry Brenda! :) Enjoy them....just don't say anything crazy about how much of an enormous baby I must be having! Miss you all & love you tons!

Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS to Linsey & Austin on finding out they're pregnant with thier first! We're so happy for you! Linsey, I hope you have a fun, not-sick pregnancy! We miss you & love you!

It's a BOY!!!!

2008-09-17T19:01:00.000-04:00

Yeah!!! It's a boy! We both just had this inkling that it was!!! We had our appointment at Duke Perinatal today. They did lots of ultrasound pictures to measure and be certain that the baby, Ethan Aaron, is growing healthy and strong. We saw his brain, kidneys, and so much more! It was so amazing! At first, he would not let us see his boy parts but he was later convinced when another nurse came in to try. My friends from school told me to drink orange juice so the baby would move around. Well, that baby flipped and flopped all over the place! It was so funny! The nurse was glad I didn't drink all of it because she was having a hard time getting the pictures because he was moving so much. He was so cute and kept showing off his precious little feet! Enjoy the pictures!

Head and spine.
Cute little foot...he kept putting his feet out:)
Another cute foot view! He's proud of those little toes!

Isn't this precious?
His healthy spine.
He's waving!
There it is! It's definitely a boy!
Face view! The black spot on his head is his brain.

Asheville

2008-08-09T11:36:00.001-04:00

Our last vacation before the baby...

Brad surprised me with a wonderful, romantic getaway to Asheville, NC. We had gone there for our 2nd anniversary and had a wonderful time. It was nice going in the summer so we could really explore the mountains. We stayed at a GREAT place, http://www.ashevillecottages.com/. We stayed at the Laurel this time (last time we stayed at Bent Creek).

Here's some pictures of our cottage.

This is goofy but the toilet handle to flush was neat! You had to lift it! I took this picture for my brother:)
I know, this is the sink. But the faucet was so cool!

We went to Chimney Rock and hiked up millions (or maybe just thousands, but it felt like a million) steps! The view was beautiful.

Brad in front of one of the caves.
There were probably 15-20 of these sets of stairs that we hiked up!
A view from halfway up (I needed a break)!
Vista Rock (part of the way up).

Looking up toward our goal!
We made it!!!
Look at that view!
We made it! You can kind of see my little baby bump, too!

The waterfall was so pretty. The mountains are in a drought so it's not as gorgeous as they say it can be. Either way, it was an impressive view of God's handiwork.

Out to dinner.

Of course Macy & Lola got a present from Asheville!

The trip was just perfect, exactly what we needed before I go back to work on Monday and our lives are crazy again. Brad will begin his 500 hours of clinical time in the hospital and on the ambulance. This will be in addition to his regular schedule and his part time work as well. We'll be lucky if we get one night a week together. Please pray for us because this will be very hard on us. Especially now that my emotions run a little crazy and I cry more when he's gone. Poor Brad!

By the way, on the drive back home, I was reading in the famous, What to Expect When You're Expecting Book, about what to expect after delivery. I was so scared that I cried and am protesting the book (at least for awhile)! Wow, to all you moms out there, you're amazing. I'm scared to death about the delivery/post delivery part and am hoping that maybe I can just bypass all that. Brad thought it was pretty funny when I tossed the book in the back seat with tears rolling down my cheeks. He was sweet and supportive, though, and tried to be encouraging.

On another note, some of you had heard that I had an experience in the emergency room a few weeks back. Unfortunately, the baby had cut off my bladder for 8 hours and I had to get a catheter. It was an awful, terribly painful event that I hope to never have to go through again. However, I'm hoping that God was allowing me to go ahead and get the painful part over and that maybe everything else will be less painful than that! I can hope, right? The doctor said that once I'm out of my first trimester (very soon), it shouldn't happen again.

I'll be 13 weeks on Monday and will start posting belly pictures soon. Right now it just looks like I've been eating too much cake! The great news is that I haven't thrown up in 3 days!!! Hopefully that part is passing. I'll keep you posted!

Thanks again for your love and prayers!

Wow! Look at those legs!

2008-07-18T21:05:00.001-04:00

We had our big ultrasound today. We were so excited & VERY early. We were over 45 minutes early in fact! The doctor made my official due date February 15th! Wouldn't it be fun if the baby was born on Valentine's Day? A true love baby! So, that makes me 9 weeks and 4 days today. I've already gained 6.5 pounds. Yikes!

When the picture of the baby first popped up on the screen, I squealed! I couldn't believe how much bigger he/she's gotten since the last ultrasound at the end of June. You could clearly see its head and hands and precious little feet and if you look close enough, even little toes! It's so unbelievable that God is allowing this baby to grow inside me!

Look at the long legs on this baby!!!

According to my due date, the baby is already about a week larger than it should be! Brad was 23.5 inches when he was born so the thought of this little one following in Brad's footsteps terrifies me! I wish the picture came through a little clearer and you could see the tiny toes and the end of its long legs!

We thought we were almost getting a preview of the sex today, but it turns out that it was the umbilical cord between the legs! Brad was starting to really put out his chest and be a very proud daddy of a very bold little boy. But, Brad will still be proud, either way:) We'll find out what the sex is somewhere between Sept. 14-28th.

This picture shows the baby's hand close to its face.
It's legs aren't stretched out like they were in the first picture.
Isn't this truly amazing?

We were able to also hear the baby's heartbeat today. It was beating about 166 beats per minute. The average is between 160-180, so it's just fine & healthy. It was so loud & clear that I giggled! I couldn't believe we were actually able to hear it so clearly. The doctor told me to quit giggling or it would cause us to lose the heartbeat on the monitor.

I've been quite sick, nausea and not keeping things down, at least once a day. It's so sweet because I think Lola & Macy (our dogs) sense that there's something happening. They follow me around a lot more and they know when I'm sick. I'll often hear Macy running behind me to the bathroom and she stands behind me as I get sick. The rest of the night she will not leave my side. It's funny, it's like they make sure one of them is always on duty with me to be sure I'm ok. The doctor has given me Zofran, which is supposed to be stronger than the last "morning sickness" medicine and I'm really looking forward to its help. However, either way, I am sure that all the sickness and skin problems will be completely worth it once we hold this amazing miracle in our arms.

I also found out that a friend of mine from high school, Shenelle, is also expecting! Congrats, Shenelle & Nemer! We'll be due in the same month!

My sister is doing well with her pregnancy and will be able to find out the sex of her baby in just a few more weeks. She's due on January 2nd!

We'll keep you posted. Until next time (my next appointment is Aug. 15), please keep us and this precious gift from the Lord in your prayers. We're so grateful that God is giving us this opportunity to be parents so please pray that we can be worthy of this great calling.

We love you all!!!

Brad & Becky

One more week...

2008-07-11T14:42:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately we were running a few minutes behind (we forgot how long of a drive it is to the doctor's office.) On top of that, traffic was unusually heavy. We arrived to our appointment 10 minutes late so they canceled the appointment. (Not to mention that last week I waited in the waiting room for more than 10 minutes!) Of course, I cried. We now have to wait another week. So, next Friday at 9:10 (we'll be EARLY) we'll have the BIG ultrasound. Sorry for the delay!

Here's the picture from our first, early ultrasound. The baby is soooo tiny!

First Prenatal Visit

2008-06-26T21:22:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

We had our first prenatal doctor's visit today. They were only going to do the "not so fun" female physical stuff. I asked them if there was any way they could just check to see if the baby was healthy. I was a little nervous because my sister had a miscarriage with her first pregnancy and several of my dear friends have also experienced miscarriages. So, the doctor obliged and we saw the baby's heartbeat!!! It was so neat! The crazy thing is that based on the size of our little "butter bean" (that's what the doctor called it), I'm only 6 weeks 3 days along! We thought we were heading into our 9th week. The doctor said that if this measurement is correct, my due date is more like Feb. 19th. However, the mobile ultrasound machine they used isn't as accurate as the "big one" that I'll get in 2 weeks. So, the due date may change again. I have the picture of our little precious baby but don't know how to get the scanner to work. So, when Brad has a chance to fix it, I'll put the picture up!

As for those strange pregnancy things: I am fighting a little morning sickness. It's not too bad, I'm sure it could be much worse. I can't move fast to get ready in the morning. I'm not up for peanut butter much more. Leftovers in the fridge turn my stomach. Working out is much more difficult than ever before. I love naps. I get carsick very easily. My skin is breaking out...that's the worst! My hair is constantly falling out, too! Oh, and by the way, I'm emotional:)

My sister, Jenny, is also pregnant with her 3rd. She's due the beginning of January! My mom has already gotten matching baby clothes for the babies (if they're girls)! She also gave me the WillowTree angel of the pregnant woman. Oh, that made me cry! My friend, Jennie, had me over tonight for tacos. It was so nice of her and fun to hang out with her family since Brad wasn't home. She gave me my first baby record book and a subscription to Fit Pregnancy! I'm so excited!

Anyway, that's the news for now. I'll update in 2 weeks after the next ultrasound!

2008-06-11T18:00:00.000-04:00

Well, we've finally gotten a blog! Thanks Val & Rachel for your persistence!

Now, we have a wonderful way to share our BIG NEWS!!! We're going to have a baby!!! Yes, I'm tearing up as I type! We're so thrilled and can't wait. The first doctor's appointment will be soon, but from our mathematical/scientific calculations (or the internet), we are due January 30th.

Brad insists it's a boy and we don't need to find out. But, we'll just see about that. So, our top names so far...

Ethan Aaron (Brad's middle name is Aaron & we just like the name Ethan)
Allysa Elise (My friend Erika's middle name was Elise)
Ashley Elise

We just found out on Thursday morning, June 5th. I thought I would wait to take a test when we returned home from our trip to MI, but just woke up thinking..."I should take it before we leave." So, at 2:45 am (our flight left at 6am) I was jumping around the house and turning on all the lights shouting and telling Brad that he was going to be a daddy! He was a bit in shock, as you can imagine, due to the time of day and all the "loudness" as he put it. He wasn't quite convinced with the darkness of the line so when we arrived in MI we bought 2 more tests, just to be sure. He was later convinced! Anyway, we're so, so, excited and know that God has incredible things in store for our lives.

Please pray for the health of the baby and that the pregnancy will continue going well. The only things I've noticed is that I'm really tired and seem to want Peanut Butter & Jelly and dark chocolate raisinettes a lot. Other than that, I've gotten sick 4 times but I'm not complaining. I feel great and pray that I'll stay this way.

We'll keep you updated with pictures and information. Thanks for your love & prayers through this VERY exciting time!

Love,
Brad & Becky

More pictures from MI

2008-06-11T17:00:00.000-04:00

Uncle Jeff, Aunt Amy, Steven, Mandy, & Matt

Our dear old friends, The Brookbanks

Becky & Dory (it was quite windy!)

Our trip to Michigan

2008-06-11T16:49:00.000-04:00

We got to spend some time with Brad's family. His grandparents were in town from Idaho as well as his sister and her two wonderful boys! Brad's brother, Scott, graduated from high school. We got to see some other family & friends. Wish we could have seen everyone but we just didn't have the time. Enjoy the pictures!

Brad & Scott are both into the MMA (mixed martial arts). They "fought" each other every chance they had. Brad even went to class with Scott to "teach" him a few things :)

He did it!!!

The whole group! We missed Linsey & Austin, & Shane, though!

Aunt Becky and Keagen coloring together.

Uncle Brad with Chad & Keagen.