13 Weeks

How far along? 13 weeks and 3 days

Total weight gain? Still down 5 pounds from my beginning weight

Maternity clothes? Yes, please! I have a few work pants that still fit, but my jeans and shorts are all really uncomfortable.  I've been living in comfy dresses for the past few weeks. Luckily, I'm spoiled rotten, and my sweet mom took me shopping for some "back-to-school" clothes. 

Stretch marks? Ummm...can we be honest? None that weren't already there. Ha! 

Sleep? Now that I'm not napping all day back at work, sleep is coming easier, but my legs are really hurting at night. 

Best moment of the week? Getting my appetite back! 

Miss anything? Is it weird that I'm totally craving a beer? I'm usually a wine drinker, but the smell of beer is absolutely amazing right now. 

Movement? I wish I felt something, but it's still too soon. 

Food Cravings? Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I can't get enough of sweets. I'm usually a salty person, but sweet is where it's at right now.  Also, I had a weird craving for tomatoes with balsamic vinegar this week.  Good thing I have a sweet hubby who will go to the store for me. :-)

Anything making your queasy or sick? Meat still has me a little weary. I did eat some fajitas this weekend and some of Gigi's Poppyseed Chicken last night. Yum! 

Gender? My prediction is boy. Andrew's prediction is boy. Mimi's prediction is girl. Ha! She can't wait to find out if she can start stocking up on little girl apparel at The Yellow Daisy Festival this year. We are going to pay to find out the gender early. Three weeks to go! 

Labor signs? way too soon

Symptoms? Despite the back surgery, my back has been killing me this week. I think it's because all of my ligaments are loosening up to make way for this baby.  I'm not complaining, though! 

Belly button? In

Wedding ring on or off? On

Happy or moody? Well, this would depend on who you're asking. Ha! I've been mostly happy with the occasional brattiness (is that a word?) thrown in. 

Anticipating? Can't wait to find out if this sweet baby is a boy or girl. Also, Andrew and I are both dying to feel it move! 

Baby Names? Our boy name has been decided since we got married since we are using family names from Andrew's side: Sawyer Hearn Clower.   We have been back and forth on girl names.  We're definitely using Dianne as the middle name in memory of my Granny.  I love the name Evelyn, but Andrew is not liking it so much.  I try to get him to agree to names when he is falling asleep or really in to a tv show. Some other contenders for girl names are: Collette, Holland, Hollis, Noelle, Charlotte, Lindly, and Jolie. I'm also open to any suggestions. 

Psalm 107:1

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. 

Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah

Anyone else love that song like I do?  No?  I'm sure if Baby Clower is ever at Camp Granada his/her grandparents will be happy to save him/her! 

Andrew and I were so excited to tell both of our parents about the new bundle of joy. I had done a little lot of research on how to share the news, so I was armed and ready with plenty of ideas! 

My parents were on a cruise the week we found out, which actually turned out for the best, because I would have called my mom right away, but I'm so glad that I got to see her face instead!  Since my parents were coming back on a Saturday, we decided to wait until then to tell both of our parents. 

Andrew's parents, Gigi and Grandpaw, were surprised with this frame as house warming gift. 

My parents, Mimi and P-Paw, were given this book to unwrap together.  

By: Jean Reagan

Plenty of hugs ensued from both sets of thrilled grandparents! 

Big Sister is less than enthused since cousin Gracie has already told her what to expect...a lot less ball throwing.  Womp. Womp.  

Psalm 108:4

For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 

Jeremiah 29:11

I've been dying to write this post. Well, mostly I've been dying of morning all-the-time sickness, but also I've been chomping at the bit to share our news.  We've waited so long for this moment, and I was worried it would never come, but...

I am currently 10 weeks, and the baby's estimated date of arrival is January 31, 2014.  We're going to have a little New Year's baby! 

The Lord has just blessed my little family in so many ways, and I am so excited to share His blessings throughout this pregnancy.  I have to share this short story that only solidifies His existence for me.

Hubby and I have been trying for over a year for this sweet baby, and I found myself losing hope several times throughout this journey. I have wonderfully, amazing, supportive friends and family, and I just couldn't BE more grateful for that. (Chandler Bing anyone?) Throughout my months of negative tests, I always turned to the comfort of Jeremiah 29:11.

I found out I was pregnant on May 20, 2013 at only 4 weeks. While I was beyond excited,  I was also a constant nervous wreck that I was going to miscarry. On the weekend of May 31st at 5 weeks, I attended our yearly Beth Moore Conference with my mom and our sweet friends, Penny and Mandy.  At the door, the attendants were handing out greeting cards as a "special gift". I have been to several Beth Moore conferences and this is the first time they have ever done that. We got to out seats and I opened my card. Y'all are not going to believe this...look what it said on the inside!

Seriously, I cried.  The Lord is more amazing than we can ever know or imagine. Thank goodness He loves my sweet, growing family. 

"Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3