It's a bird! It's a plane! It's....Superman!

So Andy and I have been talking a lot about boy names ever since we found out about our baby boy bundle last Thursday. We keep coming back around to a name we liked after naming Austin...Elijah Kent. I've always loved the name Elijah, and for obvious reasons - the Elijah of the Bible was a most Godly man, whose name means "my strength is from the Lord", also he was just a manly man. And Kent because it is Andy's middle name - it was his grandmother's maiden name. But lately, I've been having second thoughts about the name because both of Austin's names are family names, and Elijah isn't. Plus I can't imagine yelling the name "ELIJAH!" when getting upset with him down the road....I mean, won't it be sacrilegious, almost like yelling "JESUS!" ???

So, on the way to the lake this past weekend, I decided that we needed to at least explore some other options. We started with family names. After no-ing a few, I remembered that I always thought my grandmother's maiden name would be cool for a boy. Also, it would be neat if both names came from our paternal grandmothers. That is, until I said it out loud....Clark Kent Nix. Not a chance! Although, Andy thought it would be fun because his brother is named Bruce Wayne, but I told him that the family just isn't big enough for Batman and Superman!

So the naming decision continues.....

When It Rains, It Pours!

No, I'm not talking about the weather we've had the last week or so (although, that has been a big deal, esp to those of us with toddlers...hello cabin fever)!

I'm talking about the babies, babies and more babies that have been welcomed into our world lately, and those that are going to make an appearance in 4-5 months! I guess it's just the stage of life we're in...at one point this past year, Andy and I could count 20 couples we knew were pregnant! A few babies arrived here and there this past spring, but many made their debut just in the last few weeks! Three of these families are close church/supper club friends...Jessica and Jordan had Evelyn Ruth; 2 days later Jeremy and Michelle had their second boy, John Mark; and 5 days after that Robbie and Jennifer had their second girl, Mary Claire! (I had to steal a pic from the Allen's blog, b/c I forgot to take out my camera when I went to see John Mark.) And two girls I grew up with had their first babies...congrats to Erin and Matt and baby Andrew and to Kelly and Jim and baby Naphtali! How precious they all are!!

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It will also be raining and pouring babies come the first of the year....we will be having our second right along with some of our other close friends - Candace & Jim, Joy & Ash, and Lindsey & Derek! All will be having their second about a month after us, which the Jonases and Mills are having boys, too!! (I feel like I'm leaving someone out...isn't somebody else due then, too??)

God bless all these babies, pregnancies and families!

Such a Helper!

The other morning, Andy and I heard some commotion in the kitchen, and when we walked in, Austin had pulled out Levi's food and poured a scoop into his bowl! When he saw us looking on, he had the biggest proudest grin on his face! We were so shocked that we made a big deal about him doing it all by himself, and he's done it several times since...even when Levi doesn't need feeding! :) Friday morning I was able to catch him on video in the act, and I thought the little videos were too cute not to share! (they're taken with my cell phone, so they're fuzzy and split into two videos.)

(You'll need to pause the Worship Favorites to hear it.)

"He's Got You and Me Brother in His Hands...."

Austin and his BROTHER!!

This morning Andy and I went to the doctor to see the 20 week ultrasound, and it was amazing to watch! Our technician was wonderful, telling us everything she was doing and looking for...things I thought were very interesting, such as when the bladder is big and full that means the baby's kidneys are working, and when the stomach is big and full it means the baby is sucking well (which, I'm just now thinking, don't they feed through the umbilical cord? Did I hear her wrong?). Everything she saw and measured was commented on with a "that looks good" or "perfect" which is always wonderful to hear. I was emotional this time around watching this baby's ultrasound, I think because I know the overwhelming joy you have when you can finally hold those tiny hands and kiss the tiny nose that you anxiously awaited for 9 months!

When it came time to find out if this little one was a boy or girl, it wouldn't budge out of its cozy position, leaving us in TOTAL suspense! Seriously, for about 15 minutes it moved its little arms and legs all around, but not it's bottom! I rolled from side to side. The technician pushed and jiggled my stomach. I told her that with a 22 month old climbing on it all the time that what we were doing probably wasn't fazing it! Finally, it moved over and we could clearly see that it was a boy! What a perfect and precious little one HE is! How wonderful that we now know and can pray specifically for HIM, knowing already what little boys are made of! Austin and this little one will be best buds!

Thank you, Lord, for giving us another precious boy....You are so good! With Your help, we will raise both of our boys to know You...may they be Godly men who please You!

Happy Birthday, Evelyn Ruth Huffstetler!

Evelyn Ruth Huffstetler arrived yesterday, Aug 12, 2008! So many people have been awaiting her debut, and now she's here! She is so little and so precious! It's hard to believe that it's been almost 2 years that Jessica walked in my hospital room soon after I had Austin carring a most glorious sight.....Taco Casa! It was my first meal in over 24 hrs, and she knew exactly what I needed! (although, now I know better than to eat 2 bean burritos right after having a baby!) But I digress...

Yesterday, when I walked into the room to see Evelyn in the tiniest, sweetest, little package, I was overcome with emotion. Yes, I know I'm pregnant, and that hormones were playing into it, but I also have been very axious to meet this little one, and she was just as precious as can be! Below are some pictures I took at the hospital yesterday. Andy and Austin joined me later. Austin loves Jessica and has actually said "Jess-i-ca" twice since leaving the hospital, but he wasn't too sure of baby Evelyn. He kept saying "no" when we'd go towards the bed. He warmed up enough to blow a few kisses her way, though! :)

9 Lives

Some time ago I started getting into the habit of praying for our possessions along with my prayers for my family...you know, such things as praying that appliances will continue running, our house will have no leaks, our cars will always be reliable, and just praying generally for all of our things. I believe it's part of being a good steward.

Well, in my wildest imaginations, I woudn't have ever specifically prayed for Austin's crocs, but apparently they are covered in the "general prayers" category and have 9 lives! I can't tell you the times we've lost either one or the other! Each time, I feel a little sad b/c Austin LOVES his crocs, they are easy to put on and clean, and they are just so cute on him! They are pretty much the only shoes he wears. We've even joked about getting them bronzed! Thankfully,everytime I have been able to retrace our steps and some one has always returned them to customer service or put them in a place I could see them.

While at the beach, Andy and I were walking back to the house and found one of Austin's crocs on the railing of the boardwalk. We knew it was his b/c he had just gotten one of those things with his name you can stick in the holes. We looked around for the other one, but didn't see it. My mom walked that same way a while later, and found it placed in another visible spot! My mom took this picture....you can see the little blue croc on the rail! (click pic to enlarge)

So from now on, if I see something that someone has obviously dropped or lost, I will do what I can to get it back to the owner! :)

My Favorites!

Just recently, I was able to go my most favorite beach with my most favorite person! Sunset Beach, NC and Andy! For the past several years, Andy hasn't been able to make the beach trips with my family. I always miss him while I'm there because I grew up going there and it's a part of me that I've wanted him to experience. It's not a resort-type beach, but that's what I love about it - no hotels, tall buildings, or a strip to cruise. Just a small laid back island (that can only be accessed from an old draw bridge) with big dunes, beach houses, and families constanly walking or riding bikes.....it has that fun, safe neighborhood feel.

So this year, his new position at his company allowed him the freedom to be able to join Austin, me and the rest of my whole family this year, and he loved all the things about the island I always have. Which, I have to mention that part of the experience I love is being with my family on the beach ALL DAY. My dad loves to get up EARLY in the morning and walk down to the beach to set up for the day. The rest of us join him several hours later, then he eventually goes back and fixes everyone lunch and brings it back to the beach for us. It really is a true vacation! Andy thought I was more fun at this beach than any other because I will actually play in this ocean, and pretty far out in the ocean, I might add! Unlike the Gulf, there are big waves and no threat of jellyfish or shark attacks! Andy doesn't quite love staying out on the beach like I do, but he humored me. It did help that my brother-in-law, John, was there to throw the football with him. :) Austin did great, too! Last year, he was still taking multiple naps and couldn't do anything but sit, so this year was a whole new experience for him! He LOVED it - everything about it!!

It was a double whammy for us because our anniversary was during the trip, Aug 2. We have had 5 years together, and like people told us in the beginning, it does get better every year! Andy is my best friend and spending time with him IS my favorite thing to do! (Yes Andy, even when we're not at the beach!) Thanks for asking me to marry you and being a wonderul father to our two beautiful children! Wo Ai Ni!

Speaking of our second beautiful baby, I'm 19 weeks this Thursday, and we find out Aug 21 if it's a boy or girl! One week and 3 days....not that I'm counting! :) I feel bad sometimes because this baby gets overshadowed by Austin since he's here and is always on our minds. I can get so caught up in our day that I can forget I'm even pregnant, except when I'm getting dressed, of course! Thankfully I have been feeling it move and kick for about 8 weeks and Andy has recently been able to feel some kicks, so it doesn't let us forget about it too often! This is just my opinion, but I think the Lord let me feel this baby early so I would remember to pray for it like we did for Austin!

A Week with Granny and Paw Paw

A few weeks ago, Austin got to go to Greenville, SC to spend the week with his Granny and Paw Paw, or as he calls him , "Po Po". While in Greenville, Austin had lots of fun adventures...one of which was to play with the bunnies his grandparents got him - Sugar and Booger are their names. He knows all about rabbits now and how they sniff and twitch their noses, and that's what he'll do if you ask him what a rabbit says!

Our side of that week was one filled with appointments, lunches, cleaning, and some much needed quality time for Andy and me - we even got to have a date night! Although, I'm not sure how fun of a date I was...I get tired pretty early these days. :) We really enjoyed our week alone, but we were very happy to have him back home! It's not the same without you here, Austin! You have definitely changed our lives, bringing such love and joy and fun! We are so blessed to have you as our own and love you more than you know!