Franklin update

I wanted to give you an update on the fundraiser for Franklin. Jeremy and I have been excited to see the money coming in for Franklin to continue living and studying in Tegucigalpa. You still have time to give if you are interested. We still need $1000 for monthly expenses and then money for medical expenses since Franklin doesn't have health insurance.

Oh, we received money for the sewing machine. :) I can't wait to call Franklin's foster parents with that news since I know it will be a huge surprise for Franklin. I never mentioned to his foster parents that we were trying to raise the money for one!

If you would like to help, please e-mail me ASAP. Jeremy will be taking the money to Atlanta in a week.

Thanks!!!

Lots to blog about...

We had a nice Christmas and are happy to be in 2008. I took a long break from blogging to spend time with Jeremy and Samuel. Jeremy has been home for 2 weeks, which has been so nice. All good things come to an end though. Jeremy will go back to Atlanta in the morning. I'm sure I'll shed a few tears since my pregnancy hormones seem to be in overdrive these days. I might cry, but I do know that the Lord has a plan for Jeremy, our family, and for our house.

Speaking of the house, we lowered the price again on Dec. 18. We had 2 showings on New Years Eve. We pray for more showings and an offer soon.

I will have baby news on Tuesday after I go for my 16 week check-up. I feel great. I'm definitely enjoying my 2nd trimester burst of energy. The new burst of energy made me start thinking... I am thinking that I don't like Kylie as much as I thought I did. I guess it's a good thing that I thought about this before the baby was born (if we're having a girl). So, Jeremy and I are discussing more names and probably won't decide on a girl's name until after the ultrasound since it might not be necessary anyway. I have 2 names that I like. We'll see if I convince Jeremy...

Samuel is doing well. He enjoyed Christmas and is getting over a cold/cough that he came down with after Christmas. I am the one to blame for this because I was sick for over a week with a cold/cough. It was hard to watch him suffer and not be able to give him any medication. Thank the Lord that he weathered the illness without losing any sleep. I prayed that his cough wouldn't keep him awake at night, and it didn't. It's strange to think that in 4 months he can have the cough syrup that he can't have now. I wonder what's so magical about 2?

I will post pictures from Christmas soon.

Happy New Year!!!

Franklin from Morolica, Honduras

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Samuel's 18 month photos by Amy

Fun way to send cards, etc... to friends and family

Mandi sent me an e-card last Easter from Smilebox. It was the cutest card with pictures and music too! I was so impressed that I signed up for it and downloaded the program onto my computer. Since then, I haven't used it as much as I should have... Well, this Christmas seemed like a great time to use it again. My dad is actually the one that encouraged me to send an e-card when I told him that I just couldn't send cards this year, so thanks for the idea, Dad!

I created a Christmas card during Samuel's nap today and am going to get Jeremy's approval before I send it. The downside is that a few of our relatives don't have e-mail, but I will just put a card in the mail to them. When you're trying to save money, it is always nice to have the internet at your disposal! Thanks, Smilebox and Dad!

Try it out! You won't be disappointed!

Smilebox

12 week appointment and other news

I went to my 12 week appointment today. It went well. I'm definitely gaining weight faster this time, but I expected that after talking to friends about their experiences with 2nd babies. I didn't think to ask the heart rate, but my doctor and I heard it going strong. We also heard several kicks. It's amazing to think that a 3 inch baby is kicking away... My doctor says we can expect this little one on June 24 or 25. If we're still living here, I'm going to consider induction in order to have the same doctor that delivered Samuel deliver this baby. Last time I was basically induced (minus the Cervidil), so I don't have a fear of induction. I do like the new doctor in the practice, but I am already used to Dr. Werner and have a good relationship with him. He says he's not sure he wants our house to sell... What a sweetie!

I am looking forward to finding out the sex around Feb. 5th. :) If it's a boy, I will be excited about Samuel having a little brother to play with. If it's a girl, I will start my search for cute bedding and clothes! Also, we will probably move Samuel to a single or double bed around his birthday, which is 2 months before my due date. That way he will have a chance to get used to being in a bed before the baby gets here, and we won't have to buy another crib.

Please continue to pray that our house sells in the next 12-13 weeks. I am not comfortable switching doctors any later than that.

We lowered our price by $12,000 today, so we are praying for more traffic. Oh, the couple from Charlotte was hoping for a price reduction. They love the house, but the husband wasn't sure that he wanted to spend what we were asking. According to my agent, she thinks it was at the top of their price range. Maybe the $12,000 will make the difference. Their agent has been informed of the price reduction, so we shall see... If not, someone else will come along!

Have a blessed day!

Back from a trip to Atlanta

Samuel and I decided to tag along with Daddy last week. We spent the week in Atlanta with Michael, Amy, and Bryce. We also had the chance to see other friends that we hadn't seen since July. We spent some time with Marty, Tressa, and Will. I had the chance to attend a baby shower for Suzanna, which was a lot of fun! All of the cute gifts made me want to have a girl this time around... (Not that I wouldn't be thrilled with a boy!) Then, we also had a chance to go to Lillie and Bennett's birthday party, which we enjoyed!

Samuel enjoyed himself. It was so fun hearing him say names, but I was beginning to wonder if he loved Amy more than me. (Ha Ha) He said her name non-stop. He also said, "Byce" without the "r" and "Mamal" for Michael. While we over at Marty and Tressa's house, he said, "Will". It wasn't until a few months ago that he started using names. It is amazing how much more he is saying these days. His vocabulary is definitely increasing, and Jeremy and I can't wait until he says a complete sentence. The most we've gotten so far is, "Bye bye, ___________ (insert name)."

We're happy to be home, but we would sure like to sell this house! If it doesn't sell in the next couple of months, we might have to just wait and move once the baby is born because I can't imagine changing doctors during my last trimester. I guess we could rent the house back from the buyer if we sell it after Feb.. Let's pray it sells during my second trimester. That means we have 3 months to sell it. If you want to pray specifically for that, we would appreciate it!

I don't have pictures to post yet, but I will soon.

Have a blessed day!