What's in a name...

OH SO MUCH PRESSURE!!!!!
Since we found out almost 3 weeks ago that baby Paulk was a boy, we've been really trying to give our sweet boy a name.. but so far, all we have is a narrowed down list :)  Growing up I always knew just what I was going to name my children (as well as where I was going to live, what I'd drive, my career, etc- and yeah, none of that is exactly what I thought, praise the Lord!).  I'll come up with some names and Brett isn't 100% on them, he'll come up with some and I'm not 100% on them.. we either know someone with that name that's too close to us, it reminds of something we'd rather not think of on a daily basis, or we just don't love what the name could be shortened to!  Yes, we know we are blessed to have this 'problem' of naming our first born, and yes our child is blessed to have parents taking the time to give him the perfect name!!  Maybe by my next post we'll have to perfect name our precious miracle!

Merry Christmas

Brett and I spent Christmas in Fort Deposit at Brett's parents house (where we have spent Christmas together the past 10 years!!! Well, he has his whole life of course!

Christmas Eve the boys got to play golf, while we girls did some last minute shopping, resting, and Mrs. Sharon baked.  Christmas day was a wonderful day spent with family.  Not a whole lot going on, just nice togetherness, complete with the traditional waffle breakfast (that was actually lunch after church :) ) Brett and I talked about how this would be the last Christmas of it just being the 2 of us, and how from now on we'd have a lot more excitement and Santa business to come!!  We are so excited!!  On Monday we had McCraney Christmas (Brett's moms side) for lunch and the Paulk Christmas for dinner.  It was yet another fun filled family day!  Although I missed seeing my family, it was a great weekend being close to those we care about and being so loved.  It's always great to be reminded of what the holiday season is all about, and reflecting on the real Christmas story.  Being reminded that we should always adore Him and he showers us with blessings year round.

So, how's baby P...

Size: at 20 weeks (last Friday) he was the size of a mango, and the length of a banana.. mmmm!!! About 10 1/2 ounces and 10 inches from head to toe.
Me: I feel great!!  Definitely enjoying my time off from work on Christmas break!  I have do now have a 'bump' and I think it's getting bigger by the day!!  Sleep is still good, minus those potty breaks, of which I feel like are all the time!!
Movement: I feel him very often now, and I love it!!  Christmas Eve I felt him a lot and called for Brett to come feel, because I could feel on the outside as well, but alas, by the time he got in the other room, baby P had stopped!  I know soon enough Brett will feel the little guy too!!
Cravings: Nothing new, nothing crazy.. just a little bit of everything- in moderation of course!!

We are over half way there now, and I know time is going to fly by!!  May 12 (or whenever he makes his grand appearance) will be here before we know it!!

 So, I really hope baby P looks just like him!!!!!

McCraney family Christmas 

fun times!!!

Happy Birthaversary...

I'm very thankful and blessed that 2 years ago my best friend shared his special day with me.  I always wanted a Christmas wedding... Christmas time brings me so much joy, and this would only add to it.  My grandparents got married on my Grandfather's birthday, he always said my Grandmother was the best birthday he ever got, I loved that!!  These grandparents definitely had the type of marriage that stood for everything important, so doing anything like they did was a plus!!!  After dating 7 years, Brett popped the question...  It was perfect!!  To be honest, I can't believe I didn't totally drive poor Brett crazy in my anticipation in this event happening!!  But he did such a great job in picking out the ring (all by himself) and coming up with the proposal plan!

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!

My grandmother :)  Brett had her, and his family hiding in the stands, his sister took pictures :)  I was lured into the stadium by our great friends the Boykin's and Davis' saying they were taking Christmas card pictures and we were meeting the boys there (they had been there for a dinner)

A little over a year later... We were married.  It was a day taken straight out of a fairy tale.  I can't express how absolutely wonderful that day was.  All my dreams came true and everything was absolutely perfect!!!  I can't thank our parents and the Boykins enough for all they did to make everything so wonderful.  Every time I think about our wedding, I think about them and all they have done for us, did for us that day, and what they continue to do.  We are 2 years and counting in our marriage, and with a baby and new house coming this year, I can only imagine how exciting next year will be!!  We are so blessed.  I am so blessed by a husband that adores me, treats me with respect, cares what I think and my opinions, asks for my advice, seeks the Lord for council, is a hard worker, has compassion for all, strength, and the kindest heart.  I love you Brett!!!

The Wedding Party 

The Handsome Groom!! 

 yes, it was pretty cold!!

beautiful bridesmaids!! 

My family

Brett's family

The Hollidays!

Brett's Grandma 

the Boykins 

Trey and Amy 

Mary Helen 

Mary Helen singing, 'Angels Among Us' 

Clayton, the perfect ring barer- he took his job seriously! 

Thank you, Andy!! We couldn't have asked for anything more perfect!! 

 Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Brett Paulk

The Lamb family- they are AWESOME!!! if anyone ever gets a chance to hear them or have them at an event, jump on it!!!

Thank you Rayla-- the cakes were AMAZING!!! 

Oh Amy!!

And we're off to NYC!!!

It's a...

BOY!!!!!!!

The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name.

Isaiah 49:1

Yesterday was such an exciting day for us!!  I have to again say, I was a little nervous about this appointment, but then became just totally excited!!!  Thursday was like the day before my birthday, and I was just counting down until Friday morning!!!

My appointment was at 8:30 and we went right back!  When i first looked at the screen it was just so amazing to see how much our sweet baby has grown!!  From looking like a butter-bean to a sweet baby!!  Then we saw that heart just a beating, which always brings a smile to my face...  then, they continued scrolling down and ask to make sure we wanted to know the gender, of course I said YES before she could finish the sentence!!  She got to that area and asked if we could tell what it was, it just took a glance and it was very easy to tell that we indeed have a baby BOY in there!!  Even Brett could tell :)

The entire ultra sound was just so cool, Brett and I just kept asking questions about what was what and how he was positioned and how in the world ultra sounds really worked!!  We were very intrigued!  Our little guy is already acting like is his daddy in that he would.not.be.still.  We wiggled, squirmed, flapped, and kicked the whole time!  He was so funny!!!  A few times he actually looked liked he was waving to us!!  It was amazing to see this human being, our son, growing inside of me!

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. 

                                                            Psalm 127:3 

I am now 18 weeks along, and at yesterdays appointment we were told everything is going perfectly!  We saw that his kidneys and stomach were all great, and that all 4 of the chambers of the heart were right in place!  He was right at 7oz. and progressing right along!!  We saw his little hands with his little fingers, and his sweet little feet that were nicely crossed his sweet toes just wiggling. 

Baby BOY P- is now the size of a Bell Pepper... and moving his little arms and legs!  I am starting to feel this more and more... Still mostly flutters but more and more defined.  It's a wonderful feeling!!

Name- Now comes the fun :)  We had a girl name in mind, but we just don't think we have found the perfect boy name yet.  We have a few ideas, but not 100% yet.  I can't wait to give him a name and start calling him by it!!  

Since we found out yesterday that it is a boy, I already feel more connected, and so many wonderful thoughts are already going through my head about this wonderful blessing.  Brett didn't have a huge fist pump reaction or let out a sigh of relief that it's a boy, he 100% didn't care and is only desiring a healthy baby (and mamma)!  Don't get me wrong, he had a huge smile on his face, and as the day went on he made more and more comments on how excited he is.  The first thing he said was when we went back tot he waiting room, he looked at me and said, "Looks like you're out-numbered now!"  And I can't wait!  Brett is going to be an amazing daddy, and I pray our little guy takes after him!  That he gets Brett's compassion, strength, gentle heart, smarts, spiritual leadership, and so much more!!  And of course I hope he looks just like him :)

We can't put into words how excited and how blessed we are.  We are praising God for all this wonderful news!!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 

John 1:16

looking at us

putting his hand over his face (something his Daddy would do while taking pictures :) )

thumbs up!

sweet man

HEY!!!

first "something blue" from Stacey when I got back to work :)

It's beginning to look a lot like... there's a baby inside me :)

And here we are... 17 weeks!!!  And confession... my blogging skills are awful!  But let's be honest... who really reads this ;)

Since my last post, about 3 weeks ago, it seems as if a little 'pouch' has sprouted at my stomach!  It's crazy because sometimes I'll do a double take in the mirror, and think wow, this is really happening!!  My last appointment went great!  They found the heart beat using the doppler without any problems, which relieved this often worrisome think the worst mamma!  I have to give a shout out to my Dr.'s office.. I absolutely love everyone that is there!!!  My nurse is great and so is my doctor.. along with everyone else in the practice!!  Anytime I have had any question or concern I have had NO problems getting an answer quick, coming right in to the office, and having my mind set at ease.  We are so thrilled to be being taken care of by such great people!! for those wondering...

Baby P- is now the size of a turnip (about 5 inches long from head to bottom, and weighs about 4.94 oz- says my baby app ;) )

Movement- I have to say, that I really think that I have felt some flutters recently!!  It happens about the same time everyday (once I sit down after standing up for a long time and after I eat) and at about the same spot.  It's a crazy feeling, and so cool.  And again, let's be honest, this is my first rodeo, so what I think I'm feeling could actually be indigestion ;)

Gender- FRIDAY is the big day!!  We will find out if we have a quarterback or cheerleader in there :)  What do I think... I've said girl from day one, no real reason for why I think girl, I just do!  Every 'old wives tale' and urban legend I've done all point to BOY, so... we will see!!  I'm very anxious about Friday's appointment, no not because I care that much about if it's a girl or boy, but because we will learn so much more.  Making sure all organs are growing correctly and in the right place, seeing those 10 (or 11 if it's like my granddad) toes and fingers, and hearing that wonderful heart beating!!  I keep reminding myself
 "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
And what is our prayer??  A healthy baby- of course!  And most importantly God's plan to play out.  After all that is what the name of this blog is referring to.  Brett and my desire to follow where God is calling us to go and rolling with whatever He blesses us with.  He has the plans for this wonderful blessing He's giving us already laid out, I just hope we don't stand in His way! "Before you were born I set you apart I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5


Weight Gain- Right at 5 pounds.. in 17 weeks, I'll take it :)


Cravings- Nothing crazy, still just bad McDonald's french fries!!  I'm still having my aversion to sweets, with the exception of peppermint milk shakes from Chik-fil-a!  Wow.. these aren't good cravings, huh!!!


Sleep- No real problems in this area.. just those extra potty breaks!!


I still have to throw major props to my amazing husband!!  Brett continues to be AWESOME!!  I was sick last week with the stomach bug, and he didn't hesitate in one bit of taking care of me, and cleaning up messes!!  He continues to pick up my slack on keeping our life organized and not a total mess!!  I am truly blessed, and so thankful for him!!!  Last week I actually had him convince me to go back to the gym... and I'm so feeling it right now as I'm struggling walking and reaching with my arms!!  Having a trainer for a husband is awesome, but sometimes painful ;) (And for those that asked..  No, Brett is not a full time trainer..  Back in July he got certified to teach Crossfit at the gym we are members of.  Our good friends the Shamblin's run this gym, Drew just lets Brett teach the 5:45 am class... Brett is still 100% engineer)


What's been going on with us...  We spent Thanksgiving in Fort Deposit, and had a great time, and ate wonderful food.  We have so much to be thankful for!!  We went to Auburn for the big game Saturday after Thanksgiving weekend, and for the first time, out of 6 tries, I FINALLY got to see Alabama beat Auburn in person- I'm still surprised Brett let me go ;) despite a little extra effort in getting home, we had a great time.  Now...  we are awaiting the festivities of Christmas and enjoying life as a family of 2!

Andrew couldn't see!  We <3 the Boykin family!!!!!!!!!

Our annual picture!!  Some of our oldest friends, Amy and Trey Huff, love the friend.. not the school! RTR guys!!

wonderful phone picture!!  At the end of the iron bowl, too bad you can't see the 42-14 on the score board!!!

14 weeks... and growing!!

Well, so much for updating every week ;)

I have to say it's hard for me to believe that I am already over 14 weeks along now!!  I just know the holiday season will fly by, and we will be well into the new year before I know it!!  At 14 weeks, I feel as if I am finally over the hump of nausea and having to have crackers on stand by at all time!!  I hoping all my energy comes soon as well!!  My only complaint recently is just lots of drainage and sinus pressure..  I really can't complain too much though, I have heard many worse horror stories from other women about their pregnancy experiences!!

And, in case you were wondering...

Baby P--about the size of a lemon... on everything I've read the baby's size is always compared to a fruit- some of which I've never heard of!
Movement--haven't felt any yet!
Weight gain--is about 2 lbs. (I think ;) I go to Dr this Thursday)
Maternity clothes--Haven't worn any official maternity clothes yet, but I do have a 'belly band' and have used a rubber-band to 'button' my jeans.. They will button, it's just not comfortable all day!  I feel like this past week I've just started poking out!
Food cravings--nothing crazy that I've noticed.. The only thing I've really wanted is McDonald's french fries- which I resist the urge :) and I guess along with cravings, I have NOT desired any sweets- now that's weird for me!!

             Sleep--I've been sleeping well except for the 4-6 potty breaks ;)

As I said earlier, I go back to the Dr Thursday, she told me it would be a 'boring' visit because I won't have a sonogram, and I've had one at every other visit!!  But hearing that precious heart beat will make it totally worthwhile and NOT boring!!  It's a humbling thought knowing there is something with a beating heart inside of me-- GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

We should find out the baby's gender December 8, less than 4 weeks!!!  As always I am so thankful to God for this amazing blessing he placed upon Brett and I to start this family!  He is definitely taking care of us every step of the way!

Here's what's been going on with us recently...

For Halloween Brett and I were "Shrek and Fiona"

At the gym everyone calls Brett "Shrek", this started years ago when Drew first called him and ogre, and then well, Shrek just stuck!!  It could be worse... I guess!

Tailgating.. our favorite thing to do in Tuscaloosa on gameday! 

Fam Jam!  This was before the LSU game.. although the game didn't turn out as we had hoped, it was a great day!

On Veteran's day, Eileen and I decided to use our day off to take a road trip to Florence to visit Katie.. Katie we miss you!!!

And 3 years ago today, November 13, 2008, my best friend asked me a very important question..,

and I, gladly said YES!!!!