22 weeks and growing...

3.21.2007

Hello Family and Friends!

We recently finished our prenatal classes and the reality of childbirth, parenthood, and total life changes are becoming more real! Travis is going to be a wonderful "coach" and often reminds me of my breathing techniques when I find myself getting a little stressed. :)

Travis and I are so blessed to have people in our lives who are very supportive. A special "Thank You" to my sister, Laurie and my mother who are planning a Cleveland shower for the baby. Thank you to all of my aunts and cousins who have already given us many baby items. My mother-in-law continues to bless us with meals so that Travis doesn't have to rely on my high-veggie, low taste pregnancy diet.

Now that the weather is warming up, Travis and I have been taking many walks outside. July is a wonderful time to have a baby [however, I'm certain that each month has its benefits] !!

Recent Craving: Ice Cream and hamburgers

Prayer for our Baby:

You have promised that "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you." We pray for Your peace. We trust You for the care of our baby that is such a wonderful new life growing inside my womb. We commit ourselves to teach our child to love and honor You.

This week the baby grew eyebrows and is 15 ounces!

Love you and we will be seeing many of you in just a couple of weeks!

Lisa, Travis, and Baby Caleb

Here is my friend Jenn and I [she is two weeks behind me].

3.12.07
Things I will do once I deliver:
1. Have a French Vanilla Cappuccino.
2. Lie in a tanning bed until my skin no longer resembles Snow White.
3. Have a coke.
4. Highlight my hair.
:)

Baby Boy!!!

3.9.2007 20 Weeks

Yesterday, Travis and I had our first ultrasound!! We didn't sleep much the night before due to pure excitment! Finally, we will be able to see our little one! I arrived at the appointment 30 minutes early [in the rare chance they could take me early]. I was doused with gel and then the
x-ray device began to explore my belly. We were able to see our little baby move and wiggle inside. The doctor finally announced the gender...we will be having a baby BOY! He was very laid back and his little hand was shielding his face at times. His heartbeat was a healthy 142. Current pregnancy weight gain: 6 pounds. The doctor reported that everything looks great and we can plan for a July 27th delivery!

We can now begin praying gender specific for Caleb and begin preparing ourselves for the task of raising a boy. [There is much this girl needs to know about raising a boy since I come from a family of all very girly girls!]

We started our prenatal classes this week and were given a tour of the hospital in which I will deliver. All the rooms are private and relatively new. There is still much I need to know about giving birth so in my spare time I find myself reading up on pregnancies and infant care.

Pray for our baby: We are in awe of the miracle of Your creation of our baby's mind. Protect his mind now and after birth. Help us to interact with our child in healthy, nurturing ways that will promote his potential and our relationship with him. Give him wisdom as he matures.

"If the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace." Rom. 8:6

We love you!

Lisa, Travis, and Baby Caleb!! :)

My beautiful wife

I have the cutest, pregnant wife in the world! She has been such a trooper lately. She works fulltime, student teaches, goes to school on Saturdays, and works on her portfolio with her free time. Please pray that she does not become overwhelmed. We can't wait to find out the gender next Thursday. I have one special wife and I appreciate all she does for our family!

Feb. 2.27.2007

Family and Friends!!

Hope this posting finds you well and enjoying the warmer weather.

I am about 19 weeks along [or 4.75 months] and enjoying being pregnant. The baby can now hear sounds outside of my body. Upon this discovery, Travis readily began carrying on conversations with my belly. He enjoys telling the baby about the goofy things his mother does since she's become pregnant. For example, whenever I pump gasoline- I put a scarf around my nose and mouth so I won't even breathe in an ounce of that harmful smell. I once put a cup on my nose when I entered a client's house who was smoking. I move slowly so that the baby doesn't get bounced around in my belly, and I don't blow out candles because I heard that it was bad for me to breathe in the soot.

This month also began the movement of the baby, called "quickenings." They are subtle but real.

Pray for our baby: "You are the giver and sustainer of life. What a joy it is to feel this precious little one kicking. Thank you for this baby's life! We pray that our baby may be bold for you and unashamed of your Truth. Help us parent and guide our child in the way of your Word. Amen"

We are slowly preparing the nursery. We have chosen to use bold, primary colors in the room and were able to reuse many of my college dorm accessories .

Recently, I had the pleasure of registering for the baby. Imagine walking down aisle after aisle of strollers and having to chose the safest, cutest, most univeral one! Let's just say it was an all- day event!

The baby and I are reading the book, "What to Pray When You Are Expecting." It's been both educational and spiritual. I recommend it to any newly pregnant ladies!

Love you all!

17 Weeks

2/14/2007

Happy Valentine's Day Family and Friends!

I am still able to hide the fact that I am pregnant due to my small belly. However...I notice the difference in my waistline in the mornings when I attempt to put my pants on...

We had our 4 month check-up last week. The baby's heartbeat was a healthy 153 beats per minute and I clocked in at 103 pounds- an increase of 3 pounds since the previous doctor's appointment. The doctor reported that everything is going well and we can anticipate finding out the gender at our next appointment on March 8th.

My parents gave us a wonderful book for our first pregnancy entitled: "Prayers for My Child." Here is our current Prayer:

Lord, we ask that you equip us with the mind of a good parent, the heart of a loving nurturer, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus Christ, protect, watch over, and bless this child with a lively faith, a fervent charity, and a courageious hope of reaching your kingdom.

We love you and hope to see you all soon.

Lisa and Travis