Tummy Tracker - Week 31

From this week on, Sayde will continue to gain around ½ pound a week until shortly before birth. Other highlights this week: Due to increasing space constraints, Sayde's arms and legs stay drawn up close to the body now, known as the fetal position. Plus, Sayde can now process information from all five senses—so she'll be all set to smell the pureed peas, taste them, feel them as she mashes them into her hair, hear you crack up and then see the flash as you grab the camera to snap picture after picture. By now, Sayde's lungs are the only system not fully mature. Sayde weighs about 3½ pounds and measures a little over 16 inches.

Sayde's Nursery is coming along...

Here are a couple more shots of Sayde's nursery. Its getting closer, but is still not up to Mama's standards.

You can see the shabby-chic chandelier above the crib. Also, notice the new crib skirt and silk bows (both handmade by Grandmama).



















Sayde's crib is already starting to be filled up with toys and snuggly blankets.

Here is the changing table (and yes the baby blue shelf will be painted)

Last, but not least here is Sayde's Moses basket. The blanket was handmade by Sayde's great Grandmother and Grandmama knitted the overlay.














Much thanks to Grandmama & Nana for coming up to Raleigh and getting the nursery whipped into shape.

Joey hit the next decade

Here are a few pics from Joey's 30th...

Showing off his new handmade slippers!














Joey & his eldest brother, David.



















Joey & his Mama


































Yep, its true...Joey does not tear the paper on his presents to the agony of many!










Joey's favorite...no birthday cake needed when you have homemade cholocalte pecan pie to chow on!!

Merry Christmas!!

To everyone who reads this blog: Merry Christmas!!!

We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many wonderful family members and friends. May each of us reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas. Every time you give a gift, may you remember the greatest ever given to us - Jesus Christ.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

Joey & Page

Tummy Tracker - Week 29

Week 29 and counting. Only 74 more days!!!

Sayde's brain can now control her breathing and body temperature. She can also cough, and her sucking abilities have been perfected. Her skin is looking less wrinkled as she packs on the pounds. She's now beefing up on the energizing and insulating white fat she'll be born with. And speaking of energy, Sayde is on fire these days. Page surely feel her share of kicks, punches and elbows, especially when she is lying down. This week Sayde is a little over 15 inches long—about the length of a loaf of bread—and weighs about 3 pounds.






















Did you say about the length of a loaf of bread? Grandmama (Joey's mom) is getting her hands ready.

Sayde's Ultrasound Pics @ Week 28

Last week Grandmama (Joey's Mom) & Nana (Page's Mom) were in town. As a suprise, they got to see little Sayde during an ultrasound. These pics are precious.

Here is Sayde's profile:















Here is a great shot of her foot:















Yes, Sayde is a modest little girl. As you can see in the picture below, she is already crossing her legs!















And just because she is a girl does not mean she is too girly. In the picture below, you can see her showing off her "guns". She is flexing: - those little boys better watch out!

Here we come again...

D.C. here we come again. Well, at least for me & Nathan. We are headed to D.C. this weekend to shoot some video that will hopefully aid in the upcoming church planting endeavor. The hope is to create a couple of short videos that capture the heartbeat of Restoration Church.

By God's grace, we are not relying upon our own skills. Several very generous & creative people are dedicating their time and expertise to travel with us (and really do all the work for us - all we have to do is say a few things on camera).

Will you please pray for us we go? Please pray that:

-First and foremost, that God will be honored through our work

-The city of DC will have an increasing burden on our hearts

-The weather will cooperate

-All the travel/video logistics will work according to plan

For His Name & Fame-

Joey