Give me a candle of the Spirit, O God,

as I go down into the deep of my own being.

Show me the hidden things.

Take me down to the spring of my life,

and tell me my nature and my name.

Give me the freedom to grow so that I

may become my true self,

the fulfillment of the seed which You planted

in me at my making.

Out of the deep I cry unto thee, O God. -Amen

George Appleton

15 Weeks Along and Our 5 Year Anniversary

The Island Manor Bed and Breakfast
You started your 15th week on September 25th, our 5 year anniversary! We celebrated 5 years of marriage and you came with us for our Chincoteague Island adventure. We saw lots of wild life on the island and went to the beach. I know you will love the beach! We were also able to see the famous wild horses of Chincoteague Island.
Your dad and I read more about how you are developing in your 15th week. We learned that you can hear us talk now. So your dad took the time on Saturday night to tell you all about our day and all the things you would have loved to see. He prayed over you out loud and made sure his head was near my belly so you can become familiar with his voice. He wants me to play more classical music for you too. Now you are 4 1/2 inches long and growing fast. You are the size of an apple and I am beginning to show more and more. You are loved little one! Five more weeks and we can know if you are a boy or a girl! I am so excited! Love, me

Anniversary Dinner

Exploring the Island

The bay...

The Lighthouse

Sand dunes

Some wild life...

BBQ by the Beach

Second Trimester

Week 14
This week's big developments: You can now squint, frown, grimace, and possibly suck your thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, facial muscles are getting a workout as tiny features form one expression after another. You are also stretching out. From head to bottom, you measure 3 1/2 inches and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. You are about the size of a lemon. By the end of this week, your arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of your body. Though I can't feel your tiny punches and kicks yet, your little hands and feet, which now measure about 1/2 inch long, are more flexible and active. I am feeling better than last week and have more energy. I have moments of nausea but not as much as a few weeks ago. It is amazing what a week can do! We received a package from your Aunt Jen and Uncle Josh. They bought you a really cute outfit. You will be a well dressed baby!

13 Weeks 6 days

Another belly picture, at 13 weeks 6 days...

Belly Pictures

Happy Dad!

He is sad because he has to leave the appointment for class.
He did not get to hear the heart beat!

Baby clothes from Grama and Grampa and your first socks!

Sweet Peanut,
Today we went to our 4th doctor's appointment and although we were on time, the doctor was behind and didn't see us until two hours later. Because the doctor was late, Dad had to leave and couldn't hear your heart beat. He was very disappointed! He had to go to group psychotherapy observation for class. You see, your Dad is getting his PhD and is teaching, going to class and seeing clients. One day, he will be a professor. He is very smart! So as Dad left to go to his observation, I was able to hear the strong heart beat of 150 beats per minute! The doctor says that is right where it should be. All the tests had great results and it was wonderful news to hear. We have been praying for you to grow strong."Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." Psalms 116:7

I also asked many, many questions and received lots of good answers. I am still deciding on where to deliver. Our choices are St. Mary's or Henrico Doctor's Hospital for your delivery. Once we take the tours and ask more questions we can make a better choice for where you will be delivered. Our next appointment will be in three weeks and then in another three weeks we will be able to tell if you are a boy or a girl! Yes, we are going to find out on November 2nd...boy or girl! Every moment gets more and more exciting. I pray that God fills you with his love and covers you with his spirit. He takes great delight in you precious one, even now he quiets you with his love. "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Love - your mommy

12 Weeks and Growing

Here are more cute clothes for you from Aunt Jilly and Uncle Josh...

My Growing belly

...and growing!

Hey Sweet Peanut! Today I received a package from your Aunt Jill to help celebrate 12 weeks! She has such great taste in baby clothes. You are 12 weeks and 4 days old now. You are about the size of a lime, 2 and 1/2 inches long, weighing about 1/2 ounce. Your fingers and toes are growing tiny little nails. My belly is growing a little too and it is getting more and more exciting! Each day we are praying, reading and planning. I am trying not to get ahead of myself but take one day at a time, enjoying each moment. There are moments of nausea and early bed times too, but it is good that you are reminding me I need my sleep! I pray over you these verses and these are some of my very favorite.
Ephesians 3:16 - 21
"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you a mighty inner strength, that comes from his Holy Spirit. I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your heart as you learn to trust in Him. I pray that you will be able to understand, as all God's people should, how long, how high, how deep and how wide the love of God is. I pray that you would experience this love, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Once you experience this love, then you will be filled with the fullness of life and the power that comes from God. Now to Him who is able to do infinitely more than we could dare to ask, hope or even imagine, to Him be the glory in the church and in Jesus Christ to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
I love you little one and know that God loves you more than I could ever imagine! Love, mom

Our evening out to celebrate 8 weeks and 4 days!

Second Ultrasound

Flowers, gifts and cards from friends and family...

It's you...all 18.6 mm!

....waiting and excited for ultrasound #2!

Little One,
Here are your newest pictures. You are growing so big already. Last time we saw you you were 2.8 mm long. Now, you are 8 weeks and 4 days along and 18.6 mm long. You are due on March 19th, 2010. I have to admit that I have been anxious about your continued growth and development. When I shared my anxiety with your Great Grama Seeley, she reminded me that I need not fear, because you are held in the hollow of his hand. He is the one creating you and hovering over you as He did over the first of His creation.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made and even though you have grown so much you are still so small. You are the size of a kidney bean. You are already full of energy. You moved your little self around for us today and Dr. G said, "Did you see that?" and I said "Yes, my baby moved!" Your daddy and I saw your heart pumping away and you starred in your second video, you were great!!! We also were able to see the blood pumping though the umbilical cord. Your daddy is so excited and has even made plans for a special dinner tonight. He told me that I have to dress up! And guess what? You are coming along. So enjoy your special dinner tonight. It is the first official celebration in your honor, little one. We love you! Remember, you are being held perfectly by His love. Love, mommy