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!!!!

Proud to announce...

If any of you know me, you know how much I don't do surprises, and when something exciting is going on, I am always ready to share the good news!!  I always like to know when something is going to happen, and to be in control of the situation...  If I have learned ANYTHING in the past 8 weeks, it has been, I don't (and won't) have to be in control of every situation, and sometimes- I can keep exciting things in!!

Re-Cap of mine and Brett's life the past 4 months...

Early spring Brett and I prayerfully decided to sell our house..  After lots of prayer (and to be honest, silly impatience on my part- an example of a situation where I wanted to be in control) ...we sold!  It really didn't take long for our house to sell, and the way it all happened made it very evident to us that God sold our house.  He totally took the situation and made it happen very effortlessly!  The timing was perfect, for many reasons!!  His timing always is perfect!!  In our prayerful decision to sell, we were prayerfully deciding to build a home.  In August we moved into an apartment, and bought the piece of land that we will be building on.  We are very excited about all of this!!

It was the day before my 27th birthday when we found out that we had a lot more than a new house on the way!!  I remember being like, OH MY!!! And.. OOOHHHHH MMMMYYYYYY!!!  At first I really couldn't believe it, then the stuck on grin appeared!!  I told Brett that afternoon, and it took him a bit to actually believe me- and showing him the proof!

Ha.. I actually took 5!!!

It was my silly smile that I think kept throwing him off!!  It wasn't long before we were both totally pumped and filled with many wonderful thoughts!!!!

We are now right at the 12 week point (Thursday) and so far.. so good!!  This of course being our first has been filled with excitement, scares, and many smiles.  Throughout this whole thing I've realized more and more how out of control I am.  Thankfully, God is in Control.  When a little bit of worry comes in I am comforted in knowing that God is taking care of everything!  Everyday I catch myself saying, "For I know the plans for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11-- how awesome is that!!  This whole process truly is a blessing, and I can't wait to see what all God has in store.  Our always constant prayer is to follow God's path for us- to listen to Him- and go where He calls.  God is so good!!!!!!  We are so thankful for the miracle He has happening to us right now!!

CHEESE ALERT----

I have to share how TOTALLY AMAZING Brett Paulk has been.  Amazing doesn't even cover it!!  I couldn't ask for more support, encouragement, respect, guidance, patience, -- I could go on and on!!  I haven't been feeling great.. nausea, fatigue, extra trips to the doctor, and what really would look like pure laziness to any outsider!  He has kept up with laundry, cleaning our apartment, dishes, meals, garbage, getting me anything I ask for, praying for me and our baby, dropping everything and going to the doctor with me, watches me take naps, and all without the first complaint or asking of anything in return.  All while opening the gym at 5:30am 4 out of 5 mornings a week, working all day, doing some traveling for work, coaching a 6 year old flag football team, creating our house plans, and preparing tailgates... I AM SO BLESSED!!!!  God gave me such a gift when He allowed Brett and I to form our relationship, have it grow, and become married.  Thank you so much Brett for the man you are!!!!!

AND NOW, INTRODUCING BABY PAULK:

"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.  Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you" Jeremiah 1:5

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him" Psalm 127:3

Christmas Time at the Paulk's

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!  The holiday season truly is my favorite time of year.  All the time spent with friends and family, wonderful decorations, amazing dinners and smells of the season, coats and scarves, and so much more.  The main reason I love it so much is because I'm reminded how truly blessed I am.  It's amazing how God continues to bless Brett and I daily, we are truly thankful, and should be showing our gratitude more!!  If the holiday season wasn't filled with lights and tinsel, home cooked dinners and a red and green wardrobe I hope that I would still enjoy this time of year just as much.  If we had nothing I hope I would still be just as grateful as I am now for I will always have the blessing of Christ's love for (which is HUGE!!!!!! I'm so unworthy, but He is so good!!).  God is so good, and I am thankful!!

On Veterans Day Brett and I were both off work so while he was doing things in the garage I was inside decorating the house for Christmas (yes, this was 2 weeks before Thanksgiving!!).  I was a little excited, it was the first time I was decorating my own home!!  Many of our Christmas decorations were wedding gifts so it was so fun to open them back up and be reminded of how truly amazing and perfect our wedding was.  It was so much fun filling our home with all the decorations of Christmas, but I was reminded (again by reading another's blog) again that if we didn't have all of this, would I be satisfied?  Am I satisfied with Christ's love alone?  I think I am, I pray that I am, and I ask friends to let me know if I am not living accordingly!!  I read the hymn, In Christ Alone, and wow did it touch me.  So as you scroll through some of the pictures of our home this holiday season I will have the lyrics to this wonderful song...

In Christ alone my hope is found

he is my light, my strength, my song;

this Cornerstone, this solid Ground 

firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My comforter, my All in All

here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone!  who took on flesh

Fluness of God in helpless babe!

This gift of love and righteousness

scorned by the ones he came to save:

till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied-

For every sin on him was laid;

here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the fround His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me.

For I am His and He is mine-

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

We try to have our home be a place that is open for anyone to come in and always be welcome.  Our house is not huge by any means, but it is perfect for us and we couldn't need anything else.  We like to ultimately fill our house with love 365 days a year.  An abundant love for Christ and an abundant love of each other through Christ.  If you're ever in the neighborhood stop on by!!

Merry Christmas, love the Paulk's

I finally got my picture thing to start working!  So here are a few random ones!!

my 26th birthday, and yes I had some of both cakes :)

Brett and I got creative one night and made this door sign, we make a great team!

Penn State game, Candace, Brittany, and I

my date for the Penn Sate game

My dad and Robin came up for the UA vs Florida game, it was such a great weekend, we so enjoyed showing them where we lived and sharing them with friends!

We found my brother, Zane, tailgating with some other Florida fans

Brett held his first little one!!  He usually waits for them to be at least one year old, but how could anyone resist this sweet sweet boy!!  We love Luke, and the whole Guinn family!

Brett and I at the Florida game.. RTR!!!

My classroom's pumpkin for the pumpkin carving contest...

The Blue Room Express!!!

For trunk or treat this year we were part of the "Paulk Duo, Boykin, and Breedlove.. The Greatest Show on Earth".  Brett and I were the knife thrower and assistant. 

Such a fun circus!

Brett and I at LSU.. not the best outcome game, but we still had a good time, and would like to return to Baton Rouge sometime!

So that's what's been going on with us, well a little glimpse!! We're always on the go, but full of joy in all we do.  We are looking forward to the holidays to spend time with family and friends and reflect on all our many many blessings!!  This truly is my most favorite time of year... and yes, the Christmas decorations are already up in the Paulk house :)

It's been too long!!

Well I have been too long with adding a post!! Not that too much exciting has happened, but still!! Life is great for the Paulk's! Were still always on the go, but loving every minute of it!

recently I decided to get off of Facebook, so if anyone has looked for me there, that's why you couldn't find me! It was way too much of a time waster for me. I was truly obsessed with it, sad I know, and it would be the last thing I looked at before bed, and the first thing in the morning I'd want to check. THere are so many better things I could be doing with that time.. Reading God's word, having quiet time, talking with Brett, or even sleeping! Another problem I would have with facebook is that I would be very judgemental about things I'd see and even get jealous of things I would see that others had, and there is just no sense in that!! Brett and I are blessed beyond measure and that's what I should focus on and sing praise for it!! I may or may not decide to get back on facebook... we'll see!!

Brett is now finished with his little league flag football team, so now it's on to... Basketball!! He'll be coaching that same 2nd grade age group for PARA basketball this winter, from one thing on to the other-- we wouldn't have things any other way!!

We have been enjoying this fall season spending lots of time with friends and family, having great tail gates, loving our Alabama Football team-even depsite some poor games, it's just so much for us, and we're so glad to live in this town and enjoy it all!!

Work is great for us both, we are both really enjoying our jobs. Brett at the Sate Highway Department, and me with my precious 4/5 year olds. We are both learning something new everyday and trying to make the most of it!!

I'll try to post some pictures later, for some reason blogger is just not cooperating with me these days in uploading my pictures!!