She's A Cantaloupe...Week 34 Update!

Week 34 Update...Baby Girl weighs close to an average cantaloupe!

35 Weeks

35 Weeks

Fun Baby Facts:

Baby girl now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. Her adrenal glands are continuing to grow and produce corticoid hormones. Her skull bones are still quite pliable and not completely fused together at the top of her head yet.

How Am I Doing?

This past weekend Ray and I got away to Williamsburg, VA for a few days. We had a really great time. We got to visit Jamestown and Yorktown and tour Colonial Williamsburg. Here's a few pictures from our weekend...

Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg

Me in a an front of the womens quarters in Yorktown.

Ray inside the captains quarters in Yorktown.

We got to see a small re-enactment...

...and a firing demonstration.

Between the heat and all the walking we did this weekend, it was a quick reminder that I am 35 weeks pregnant and I can no longer be as active as I am used to being. The swelling in my ankles and feet got so bad. I can still feel every move that baby girl makes. When I stand up it feels like she's headbutting me in the bladder. When I sit, I can feel her push against my back or against my ribs. And when I lay down, she twists and turns all over.

We are still waiting to set a closing date for the house we are buying and as baby girls arrival gets closer and closer, we decided to go ahead and set up a room at our current house for her. We were trying to wait to do this, hoping that we'd be in the new house before she comes. There's still a possibility that we will move before her arrival, but in the case that we don't...we're all set where we are. We aren't buying her bedroom furniture until we move, so we set up the awesome pack and play that my Aunt's bought for baby girl. The pack and play came with a bassinet and changing table accessory that go on the top.

Me in front of the pack and play (hubby tried to chop my head off!)

Organizing the gifts we got for baby girl...

My dad is coming to visit this weekend...I'm looking forward to seeing him. And next Sunday is our maternity photo shoot! It's going to be a full weekend, but I plan to still take it easy...

We keep getting closer and closer to baby girls arrival...I can't believe she'll be here so soon! Hope you all are getting as excited as we are!

Until next week...

Blessings,
Ray, Summer & Baby Girl

She's A Pineapple...Week 33 Update!

Today I am 34 Weeks, 1 Day. This is our week 33 update and baby girl weighs approximately the size of a pineapple...

34 Weeks

34 Weeks

Fun Baby Facts:

Last week baby girl weighed a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

How Am I Doing?

I have experienced a drastic change this past week from having heartburn in the evenings (which I haven't had my entire pregnancy) to having lower back pain and swollen ankles/feet. The heartburn hasn't been too bad, but I really have to go easy on anything highly acidic. My lower back is aching more and more - thank goodness for my husband's great massages and my heating pad. These have helped a lot in the evenings! And I started having swelling in my ankles and feet last week. One evening my feet were so bad, they actually hurt. I haven't had much swelling in my hands...a little - enough so that I can no longer wear my wedding and engagement rings, but they haven't been too bad. I'm hitting that stage of constant discomfort. Sitting on the couch (or anything soft) is uncomfortable - all I can feel is baby girl pushing at EVERY thing inside me. So I've taken to the floor or wooden rocking chair or lying on my side on the couch. And forget being comfortable and trying to sleep at night!

This past Saturday some amazing friends of mine threw me a beautiful baby shower! It was such a blessing to be surrounded by so many friends to celebrate the upcoming birth of our daughter. We received a lot of stuff from the most adorable baby clothes and handmade blankets to books and diapers. At one point, I lifted up a tiny little skirt that had bloomers underneath and I almost lost it - I still can't believe baby girl will be here in approximately six weeks and that we will have a little girl who fits into the tiny little clothes we were given. WOW! I'll post pictures later...

Ray is done traveling until after baby girl comes. He had a wonderful time in Brussels, Belgium and Tallinn, Estonia...the pictures he took are amazing! I'll try to post some later this week. I'm glad to have him home for a while!

Thursday morning we will be leaving for Williamsburg, VA for four days. We're taking a mini-vacation and we are both looking forward to the much needed time away from home and work and being able to spend a few days with each other.

Well, the countdown is really on...baby girls arrival keeps getting closer and closer!

Until next week...blessings to all!

Love,
Ray, Summer & Baby Girl

She's A Large Jicama...Week 32 and An Anniversary!

Last week I hit the 32 week mark...the countdown is on to our daughters birth! I can't believe she'll be here in about 8 weeks!

Ray left last Wednesday to travel overseas again for work and won't be back until next Sunday. He took the camera with him, so I have no belly pictures for this week...sorry! I guess we should consider buying a second camera...

So, instead of belly pics this week, I've got some pictures of Ray and I from the last eight years, as this past Friday was our wedding anniversary - it's been four wonderful years!

This is us in 2002, we'd been dating for about 1 year at this point...Oh, to be young again!

This was on our wedding day, May 14, 2006.

This was on our Honeymoon in 2006...I think we were at Joyce Kilmer National Park.

Our one year anniversary at Sea World.

July 2007 - the night we left Daytona Beach to move to Washington, DC.

May 2008

May 2009 - Our 3 year anniversary

It's crazy to think about all the changes and things that have happened in the four years we've been married. We don't regret anything and we thank God for the opportunities we have been given. I am so blessed that I married my best friend! I can't wait for all that God has in store over the years to come...

Ok, on to the baby stuff...

Fun Baby Facts:

By now baby girl weighs around 3.75 pounds (about the size of a large jicama, which is a mexican potatoe) and is about 16.7 inches long. Basically that translates to - she's taking up a lot of space in my uterus! Baby girl should gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

How Am I Doing?

I gave in and got a pedicure this weekend...the art of bending over and reaching my toes has gotten really difficult! I can tell that baby girl is growing. I feel EVERY movement she makes. When she gets into a position that causes me pain, I often push on her, to try to get her to move...which only causes her to kick or jab even harder. She certainly has a strong personality - we call her our little fighter.

We are really getting to the countdown of our daughter's arrival...CRAZY!!! We have some buys weeks ahead as we get closer and closer to her birth...We have our last Childbirth Prep class tomorrow night, next weekend is my baby shower, the following weekend Ray and I are getting away from four days to relax and celebrate our anniversary and the following weekend I have a photo shoot for maternity pictures.

That's all for this week...I'll have belly pics next week...promise!

Blessings,
Ray, Summer & Baby Girl

She's the Weight of Four Navel Oranges...Week 31!

Today I am 31 weeks & 6 days...Baby girl is about the weight of four navel oranges...

31 weeks, 6 days

31 weeks, 6 days

Fun Baby Facts:

This week, baby girl measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (like 4 navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin.

Her irises react to light and all five are her senses are functioning.

How Am I Doing?

I am still feeling really good. My body has started aching - mainly my hops and lower back, but it hasn't been anything unbearable. Ray is amazing and has been giving me back rubs just about every night. We've been walking almost everyday too, which has really helped! Getting a good night sleep is just a memory to me now...I've forgotten what it's like and how it feels to have a good night sleep. I've taken to napping daily just to help have enough energy to function.

The last week I've had an odd craving for lemons...mainly lemons in my water, but I there's been a few days that I've just want to suck the juice straight from the lemons. Ray tells me I'm weird every time. My other carving has been for Ice Cream Sandwiches.

We had a pretty low-key week this past week...not too much going on. We did have our child birth prep class on Tuesday night and we got to tour the labor and delivery wing at the hospital I'll be delivering at. It was really nice to be able to know where to go when we get to the hospital, see the rooms and just know the overall process for our time there. We also got to see the postpartum wing and the nursery. There were four newborn baby girls in the nursery while we were there...it made me cry knowing that our little one will be here soon. We also decided on baby girls' name this week too! Ray and I were having dinner a few nights ago, talking about some of the names that we have on our list and just randomly we came up with something else that wasn't on our list. And just in case you are wondering...NO, we aren't going to tell anyone what her name is until she's born!

Friday night Ray and I drove down to VA Beach to attend Regent University's C/O 2010 Graduation on Saturday morning. Our good friend Andy Lloyd and Kristina Jowers both graduated on Saturday. Congrats Kristina & Andy!

Here we are with Julie, Jeremy & Kristina

Ray and Andy

Kristina & I

Andy with his parents

Ray & I with Andy, Julie, Kim

Until next week...blessings to all!

Love,
Summer, Ray & Baby Girl

She's A Head of Cabbage...Week 30!

I am a few days behind on posting last weeks update....

Last week I was 30 weeks and baby girl was the size of a head of cabbage....

30 Weeks, 6 Days

30 Weeks, 6 Days

Fun Baby Facts:

Baby girl is about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in my uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.) Her skin is continuing to smooth out and her brain is getting more wrinkled as she continues to develop brain tissue. She's also strong enough now to grasp a finger.

How Am I Doing?

Last week was a really busy week for me. Ray was still out of the country for work, but I was surrounded by friends all week...I either had someone over or was invited to go over to someone's house every night last week. It was such a blessing to be able to spend time with some of the most wonderful women I know all week!

Last Monday I had an ultrasound. Because Ray was out of town, my great friend Andrea went to my appointment with me. I missed Ray tremendously and really wished he was there, but it was such a joy to share such a special moment with Andrea. (Thanks Andrea for going with me!) At our last ultrasound (around 18 weeks), our doctor discovered that baby girl had two cysts on her brain. These cysts are known as choroid plexus cysts. Choroid plexus cysts occur within the choroid plexus of the brain, which is in the middle of the fetal brain. The choroid plexus produces a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid produced by the cells of the choroid plexus fills the ventricles and then flows around the brain and the spinal cord to provide a cushion of fluid around these structures. Basically, baby girl had one of these on each side of her brain - they looked like a pocket or bubble of water. My doctor was not concerned, as this was the only "abnormal" sign they'd seen up to this point. We were told that these cysts will normally disappear by birth, but if they didn't, they would not impact her development or health. I am very happy to announce that at our ultrasound last week, there were no signs at all of these cysts - they had in fact already disappeared! Praise God! While we weren't worried because we were totally trusting God, it was a huge relief to hear the doctors say that the cysts were 100% gone! Andrea and I got to see baby girls heart beating, her little hands and feet, her cute little nose! It was so precious and amazing to get to see my daughter! I still can't believe she's going to be here before we know it! AH!

Ray was scheduled to come home from Japan on Sunday. Friday evening, I was laying on the couch watching TV (falling asleep), when there was a knock on my front door. I got up and waddled to the door to find my wonderful husband on the other side! I couldn't help but cry because I was so overwhelmed (in a good way) that he came home two days early and surprised me! We spent the rest of the weekend at home, hanging out with each other. It was really great! Ray leaves again next Wednesday for Brussels, Belgium for four days, then he goes straight to Estonia in Northern Europe for a week. (I am secretly VERY jealous of this trip...these are totally places that I'd love to go with him to!) This will be his last trip until after the baby comes.

Well, we are starting to get down to the last stretch before baby girl comes! We can't believe it!

She's A Butternut Squash...Week 29!

Today I am 29 weeks, 6 days...our little girl is approximately the weight of a butternut squash...

29 Weeks, 6 Days

29 Weeks, 6 Days

Fun Baby Facts:

Baby girl now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in her hardening skeleton each day.

She can open her eyes and will turn her head towards a source of any light. Her sensory organs are well developed. Her fingernails and toenails are growing and she is beginning to regulate her own temperature. The bone marrow is completely in charge of production of the red blood cells now. (www.babycenter.com)

How Am I Doing?

I experienced my daughter's foot lodged under my rib cage for the first time this week. I was in the middle of doing a security briefing with a new employee at work on Monday, when she stretched and put her foot under my ribs. This totally caught me off guard and made me jump straight up out of my chair. I had to excuse myself from the briefing to walk around the office for a minute to try to get her out because I was in pain. I apologized to the poor guy I just left sitting in my office...he just shook his head and laughed at me.

Her movements are getting more and more forceful. A few days ago I was laying on the couch with my laptop on my lap. She began kicking and if I hadn't been holding my onto the computer, she would've kicked it right off my belly.

I am beginning to notice that there are things that are becoming more and more difficult for me to do. For example, my measuring cups are in a cabinet that is above our microwave...it's getting harder for me to get them down because my tummy gets in the way. Today I stopped by Moe's to get some lunch on my way home from church, I had to ask someone to get a lid for my cup from the back of the counter because I couldn't reach them...lol! It was slightly embarrassing, but sort of humorous at the same time!

One of the questions we keep getting asked is whether we've picked a name yet. So, for all you who keep asking...no, we have not settled on a name yet. We have decided on her middle name, but her first name has yet to be decided. Once we do know her name, it will be kept a secret until she is born. Sorry to everyone who really wants to know...we have to keep some part of this a surprise! Plus, to be honest, I'd like to spare myself from people's opinions on the name we pick. Sorry! What ever name we do decide on, it will definitely be one that we've prayed over and ut lots of thought into. Ray and I both believe that naming your child is a way of prophesying over them. We won't pick a name that doesn't have a positive meaning for something that we are believing God for with our daughter.

Some other questions we continually get are things like: 1. Are you going to breastfeed; 2. Are you having a natural birth or are you being drugged; 3. Is your nursery set up and ready for her; 4. How much weight have you gained. What's really funny to me is that some of these questions are ones I've gotten from random people in the grocery store. WEIRDO's! But to answer some of them for you all...

1. Am I breastfeeding...Yes!

2. Natural vs. Medicated (I used "drugged" above, because I actually had a women in Trader Joe's come up and ask me last week if I was going to be drugged for my daughter's birth...I didn't answer her, in fact, I just turned around and walked away.) Anyways...We are planning for a natural birth...in a hospital. I say "we" because it's a decision that Ray and I have made together. This decision affects both of us, not just me. He's the one who gets to be with me as I am having contractions and working through labor pains. I am very grateful for such a supportive husband!

3. Is the baby's room/nursery put together? Nope, it's not. Why? Well, because we haven't allowed ourselves to buy anything yet. Trust me...I want to, but we're waiting. Some friends are throwing us a baby shower next month, so we're holding out for that AND we don't know where we will be living yet. Why would I want to set up a nursery in the house we're in now, just to have to pack it and move it before baby girl arrives?! So, no, we are not set up yet.

Tomorrow morning I have another ultrasound. Ray is still overseas, so a great friend of mine is joining me tomorrow morning. I miss my husband greatly when he's traveling. However, I am so blessed by the community of people we have surrounding us...Not a day has gone by since Ray's been gone, that someone hasn't called just to check on me. It often seems that I am busier when Ray is gone, then when he's here, because our friends are so quick to make sure I am taken care of. I can't even begin to say how much this is a blessing. We are truly blessed and I can't wait for our daughter to see what living in community with God-centered relationships is like. I can't wait for her to meet all the people who already love her!

Praying for each of you,
Ray, Summer & Baby Girl

She's A Chinese Cabbage...Week 28!

Today I am 28 weeks, 6 days...

Ray is currently out of the country, on travel for work, so I had to take the weekly belly pictures by myself...it was a little challenging, but I was able to do it!

28 weeks, 6 days

28 weeks, 6 days

Fun Baby Facts:

Baby girl weighs about two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through my womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

How Am I Doing?

This was a pretty busy week for both Ray and I. I entered my third trimester this week, so I now have started seeing my doctor every two weeks. I had a doctors appointment on Monday. Luckily it was a short and easy one. I gained two pounds from my prior appointment. I am measuring right on track with where I should be and the baby's heart continues to sound great.

Tuesday night Ray and I started our Childbirth Prep class. Let's just say, it was an informative evening. We did learn a lot, but some of what we learned was taught, in well, odd ways. Let's just say, my poor husband wants nothing to do with Life Saver's every again. I will spare you the details and visions, but if you are really interested, let me know.

We also decided on a pediatrician and a daycare for baby girl. We're excited about the pediatrician we picked. And though we are still hoping and praying for an alternative to daycare, we really like the place we've picked. So, if it comes down to it, at least we are comfortable with where she will be (despite the crazy cost).

I have been sleeping a little better at night...I think partially because I am so exhausted, but hey, any night that I wake up to move or use the bathroom less than 3-4 times is a good night for me! My challenge though, at night, has been that my legs and arms keep falling asleep. It's really not an enjoyable feeling. Ray actually has been waking me up periodically to make me move. It's the same thing during the day if I sit for an extended period of time. I have to take breaks throughout the day to get up and walk around the office. Guess I won't be taking any long road or plane trips anytime soon!

Ray is out of the country for the next two weeks. He left late last night to head back to Karachi, Pakistan. He will arrive late tonight (our time). He's there for about a week and then he goes straight to Naha, Japan for a week. He gets home May 2nd (I think). He'll be greatly missed the next two weeks! It's sort of funny because the last two times he's been to Pakistan, he's returned home to some pretty big surprises. During his first trip to Pakistan, he returned home to a new house - some pretty awesome friends of ours chipped in to help me move us from our last rental to where we are now. He was pretty shocked. During his second trip to Pakistan, I found out that I was pregnant...so he returned to find out he was going to be a daddy! He made me promise to not have any surprise's for him when he returns this time. Lucky for him, I have none planned (unless someone gives me some great idea!?)...

Well, I am off to take a walk to get my blood moving...

Until next week...Be Blessed!
Ray, Summer & Baby Girl

She's A Head Of Cauliflower...Week 27!

I am a few days late on my weekly post, but I'm here!

Before I get to the typical weekly update and belly pictures, I want to share a little something...

This past week was a VERY hard week for me. It had nothing to do with the pregnancy, but my emotions were probably heightened because of it. In January Ray and I began looking to buy our first home. (Yes we are the crazy ones who like to do everything all at once...if you've known me for any length of time, you know that that's simply how I function...at one point, towards the end of my undergrad I was working 3 jobs at the same time, going to school full-time and planning a wedding...I graduated on May 6th of 2006 and got married on May 14th...so, if you don't know me very well, don't be too surprised that Ray and I would decide to pursue buying a house, while being pregnant, while both going to graduate school, while...).

So anyways, in January we met with our Realtor, Shaun (who is AWESOME!!!), and set out on our house search journey. Well, it's been quite a journey. Only a week after starting to look, we found a house that we liked - put an offer in on it and it just didn't work out. A few weeks later, we found another - put an offer on that one and someone came in with a cash offer right after that. UGH! A little under three weeks ago, we found another house (we'll call this house #3), put an offer in on it and let's just say, we never heard back from the listing agent. After a few days, we submitted an amendment to our offer, stating that if we didn't hear back by 5pm the next day, that we'd pull our offer. Well, we heard nothing and we pulled our offer. Last week we found house #4 and boy did we think this was THE ONE. It was a great house, lots of potential, much bigger than we needed, but the price and location was right and there was a lot we could do with it. So, same as usual...we submitted an offer. We heard back after two days with a counter offer from the sellers. We accepted the counter offer and they were to have the ratified contract to us within the hour. Ray and I (especially me) were totally stoked. It was a done deal, we finally had a contract on a house! Yeah, well, the contract never came and never came and never came. Three days later our Realtor finally heard back and the sellers were "having second thoughts"...the next day we found out that they had received two more offers, both higher than ours. Let's just say, I was devastated. I had done so well up to this point to not allow myself to get attached to ANY house that we looked at, but this one just seemed right and we had been told that we had an agreement on a price and were expecting the contract. Long story short, this past Friday we decided to revise our offer, offering more than the other two offers that came in. Late Friday night we found out that the sellers accepted one of the other offers...an offer lower than ours, but had conventional financing (we're doing FHA). I was pretty upset. To be completely honest, it was really hard to acknowledge that it just wasn't where God wanted us.

While all this was going on last week, I noticed that house #3 had gone under contract. I remember saying to myself, "That's great...at least someone got a response on their offer." Well, Saturday morning we received an email from our Realtor. He had forwarded an email from the listing agent of house #3 - she was asking for Ray and I's birth date's and social security numbers. We all wondered why she was asking for this information because, remember, we had pulled our offer from this house because we never heard anything following the submittal of our offer. We soon came to find out that house #3, which had gone under contract earlier last week, was actually under contract with the offer Ray and I put in on the house almost three weeks ago. We had a ratified contract on a house and we didn't even know it. At first I was VERY upset. I didn't understand how someone could just ratify a contract with our offer when they never corresponded with us and especially after they had been notified that our offer was pulled. Thank God for my patient, calm, wise husband who was quick to remind me that we've been trusting God this whole time for the right place and that didn't it seem He had us in the palm of His hand, protecting us again? My response to his reminder was "Yes Ray, BUT I JUST WANT TO BE MAD FOR A FEW MINUTES! JUST LET ME BE MAD!" Oh boy...it was an emotional and very hard week and I can just imagine that God was watching me (and my foolishness), as I tried to control all these situations myself, and just laughed because I really had NO idea what was coming down the line.

Our good news...we have a contract on a house! It's a great house, in a great neighborhood and we are very excited! It is a short sale, so we have to wait for the sellers' bank approval. Ray and I are believing that God is in COMPLETE control and His will will be done!

This whole situation last week really reminded me of how much God is in control of our lives. The Lord really brought me to my knees this weekend as I was quickly reminded of how much I want His will to be done in my life and not my own - His way, not mine. Hillsong United has a song on one of their latest CD's called Arms Open Wide and I think the lyrics really capture the heart of this...This was my plea to God this weekend...

Take my life I lay it down
At the cross where I am found
All I have I give to You oh God

Take my hands and make them clean
Keep my heart in purity
That I may walk in all You have for me

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

Take my moments and my days
Let each breath that I take
Be ever only for You oh God

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

My whole life is Yours
I give it all
Surrendered to Your Name
And forever I will pray
Have Your way
Have Your way

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

I truly want my life to be all His...to surrender every part of it to His will. And I want this for my daughter as well...I want her to see her father and I walking in God's will everyday in everything we do...

Alright, so onto the weekly update...

27 Weeks, 6 Days

27 Weeks, 6 Days

Fun Baby Facts:

This week, baby girl weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, her brain is very active now. Her retina will develop this week. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. (Taken from www.babycenter.com)

How Am I Doing?

I have been feeling really good. Baby girl is moving so much. She is definitely NOT afraid to let me know or remind me that she's there. Every time I bend or lean over, she kicks...as if to say "Listen you are crowding my space!" HA! I remind her every time that it's MY belly she's in and that technically is MY SPACE. She's not listening though because she keeps kicking. I think that she had the hiccups last week...it was hard to tell, but the movement was more rhythmic than her normal kicks, so it was definitely something.

Something really special happened this weekend. Saturday night Ray and I were laying in bed (one of the rare times that we actually both went to bed at the same time) and she was moving so much. Ray has tried before to put his hand on my belly and feel her move, but it seems that she stops moving when he tries. Well, Saturday night, he placed his hand on my belly and after about a minute, she gave one really good kick. The look on Ray's face was priceless. It brought tears to my eyes. Our little girl made her presence known to her father and I loved it! It was so special to me for him to really connect with her for the first time. AMAZING!

It's really hard to believe that our daughter will be here in less than 90 days. We're in the home stretch now! Every day we get more and more excited to meet her face-to-face!

She's A Cucumber...26 Weeks!

Today I am 26 weeks and 6 days...our baby girl, from head to heel, is approximately the length of an English hothouse cucumber...

26 Weeks, 6 Days

26 Weeks, 6 Days

Fun Baby Facts:

The network of nerves in her ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She can now hear Ray and I as we chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

How Am I Doing?

This week has been really great. Although I'm still exhausted, I have felt great and have really enjoyed being pregnant this week. I had my monthly doctors appointment this past Monday and everything was great. I gained 3 pounds, so my doctor was happy (I'm still -6 pounds from where I was just prior to becoming pregnant, but I'm gaining weight, so that's good!)

Cravings - This week I've drank so much milk! Ray just corrected me...I've drank a lot of CHOCOLATE milk - either way, it's still milk! For the first time in our almost 4 years of marriage, we've (I've) gone through a gallon of milk.

Cleaning - Both my parents and my husband can attest to the fact that I'm not a neat freak. I pride myself on being organized and having a straightened house, but it doesn't have to be spotless. I despise doing laundry. Let me rephrase - I hate folding and putting away the laundry. However, I've cleaned the house top to bottom two times in the last week. Ray is normally the one who has to pull my arm to get me to put away the laundry or clean - I just don't like it! I STILL DON'T LIKE doing it. However, for some crazy reason it has started to drive me nuts for things to be out of place or clothes to not be put away. Don't believe me!? Just ask Ray...doesn't believe it either!

Today is Easter Sunday...we had a great day today. We started with church this morning. It was a great morning - 600 people in attendance. That's the largest attendance we've had since the church started over two years ago. It was a bittersweet Sunday as it was our last service in the theater. This past week the City of Alexandria granted us the temporary occupancy for our new building. Next Sunday will be our first service in our new facility! Needless to say, we are very excited to see where God has taken the church and can't wait to see where things continue to go. After church we spent the afternoon with friends. We shared a great meal and spent the afternoon enjoying each others company. It was a great day!

Well, that's about it for now...I'm off for a glass of milk and am going to retire to the couch for the rest of the evening. Many blessings to you all and I hope you had a fabulous Easter, remembering all the Christ did on the cross for us!

She's A Rutabaga...Week 25!

Today I am 25 weeks and 6 days...our daughter is approximately the size of a rutabaga...

25 weeks, 6 days

25 weeks, 6 days

Fun Baby Facts:

Head to heels, baby girl now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. (www.babycenter.com)

How Am I Doing?

I haven't really felt much of a change this past week. I am still feeling really good. I've had a couple really good nights of sleep - that has made such a difference in my energy level. But then last night, I had a terrible night. I'm really grateful for the few good nights I had!

My cravings have been pretty mild (at least I think so...). I've been craving apple juice and still wanting cookies and creme milk shakes every night.

Friday night Ray and I made homemade pizza's. Ray really got into his - pretending that he worked in a pizza pie shop, throwing his dough in the air and twirling it about his head...it was quite funny to watch him...as flour flung everywhere! I think this might become a new Friday night tradition - pizza and a movie at home. It was a nice, relaxing evening! Here's a few pictures of Ray and our pizza making...



Our Big Blessing...

This week Ray and I received a huge blessing! When we found out that I was pregnant, we began checking into what medical benefits our insurance company and the company I work for offered for maternity leave. We soon found out that there wasn't much. I found out that I was only going to be allotted six weeks of maternity leave and all of those six weeks were to be UNPAID. We looked into whether I was eligible for short term disability and I wasn't. We looked into the Family Medical Leave Act, but my company is able to be exempt from it, as we have less than 50 employees who work within a 75 mile radius of our office.

So, all that to say, until this past week I was getting 6 weeks of unpaid maternity leave.

Our big blessing is that I was informed this week that my insurance company now offers short term disability leave and they consider giving birth a qualifying event. I will still only get 6 weeks, but I will be able to receive 60% of my wages during those 6 weeks! THIS IS A HUGE BLESSING and is another reminder that God is truly taking care of EVERYTHING!

Well, until next week...I pray that God is rocking your world and reminding you of how much He loves you EVERY DAY!

Blessings,
Summer, Ray & Baby Girl

What The...!?

Disclaimer #1: For all the dudes who may read this...I apologize!
Disclaimer #2: I don't normally do posts like this, but I just had to share...

So, I have a few blogs that I follow and read on a regular basis. Today, while reading one of them the author shared about a friend of hers who is pregnant and had asked for advice on what to register for...

Someone recommended that, if she was going to be breast feeding and was planning to pump, that she invest in... {drum roll please!}....

A HANDS-FREE PUMPING BRA!!!!!


Are we REALLY that ridiculously busy that we have to have a bra to hold the pumps because we have "better" or "other" things to do!?

Now don't get me wrong, I don't have a child yet and don't know how much time or effort goes into pumping daily. And while I will soon find out, I still don't think that I need to purchase a bra so I can pump while doing other things!

Disclaimer #3: If you are a mom and own one of these...sorry! If it works for you...great! I just don't think I could do this!

Alright, I am done with my rant...

Off to make a milkshake!

She's An Ear of Corn...Week 24

24 Weeks, 6 Days

Fun Baby Facts:

Baby girl is growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (about the length of an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. Also this week, her inner ear has become fully formed and she's exploring more and more with her sense of touch. (Taken from www.babycenter.com).

How Am I Doing?

I am doing great. I am feeling really well. Still exhausted, but trying not to let it slow me down or hold me back from anything. Ray and I are continuing to prepare for our little girl to come. Each week this looks a little different. On Friday we went and registered for baby stuff. To be completely honest, it really wasn't that enjoyable. I think it was mainly because it was so overwhelming. Sure, they give you this nice checklist of things you should register for, but that was really not very helpful. I mean, come on...sure, I know I need bottles but you give me 20 different types to choose from! And strollers and car seats...THAT was a whole other mind boggling part of the evening. If you know me, I am a planner - I like to be prepared. I had done my research, I even consulted with some friends and a few moms and asked for their suggestions. I had MY list. I knew what we needed to register for and what we really didn't need to worry about. I WAS PREPARED. Or so I thought. Ray was a real trooper and was so supportive. And yet, I came home Friday night frustrated, overwhelmed, and everything in between. I know that these "things" are not what is important in the grand scheme of things, BUT still I found myself not knowing what to do...After a good nights rest and some chill time with Ray, I felt much better Saturday morning. I have to say, I am so glad that stores will allow you to add and change your registry online because that's what I did last night. It was a lot less stressful!

Above this post, there's two links for where we are registered. Both registries are under Summer & Ray Mobley, but I've also listed the registry number next to the link, in case that's an easier way to search for our goodies.

We've had some absolutely beautiful weather this week. So, we spent the majority of the day yesterday out and about. We started out the morning with a stop by Einstein Bagels for breakfast, while we were on our way to look at some houses with our Realtor. We found a great place yesterday, we're keeping our fingers crossed and trusting God to see if the seller accepts our offer. From there we set out to the park to take a walk...well, everyone else in the Northern VA area must have had the same idea...3 parks later we had no luck finding a parking spot. We ended up at the Iwo Jima Memorial.

Ray found a tree...


...and there we sat, enjoying the view (and the weather)....

as we people watched and soaked in the time we had together...

Our day ended with an amazing meal at Los Tios in Del Ray (the neighborhood we used to live in, in Alexandria). And then it was homeward bound for an evening of NCIS re-runs and homemade cookies 'n creme milkshakes.

It was a great day!

Until next week...Be Blessed!
Ray, Summer & Baby Girl

Prayer Points for Baby Girl Mobley

She's A Large Mango...Week 23!

Today I am 23 weeks, 6 days...This week our baby girl is the size of a large mango and she's been beating up my insides - kicking and moving all around...

23 weeks, 5 days

23 weeks, 5 days

Fun Baby Facts:

Baby girls sense of movement is well developed. Babycenter.com, which is where I get my fun baby facts from, says that baby girl can even feel me dance. She's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango). Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that her increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world.

How Am I Doing?

I am actually feeling pretty good. The weather is finally starting to warm up and the sun has been out. It's amazing what this has done for my mood AND my energy level! Ray and I have been walking almost every day - it's been so nice.

She has continued to become more and more active. The thing she has responded to the most is music and loud noises. Last night Ray and I went to a concert to benefit Restoration Ministries. Restoration Ministries is a Christ-Centered organization working with young girls who have been trapped by sex trafficking in the DC area. Long story short...the main event last night was our awesome friends, Finity Affliction. Finity Affliction is a rather loud band and Ray and I were sitting up towards the front, close to one of the amps. It seemed like every time baby girl heard or felt the amp, she felt the need to move around and beat up my insides. It is such a neat feeling, but after an hour of kicking and poking, it can sometimes become a little painful! Her daddy is VERY excited that she's reacting to music - she's a musician at heart!

This morning, lying in bed, I actually saw her move for the first time. A part of my stomach actually moved and could be seen! THAT was nuts! I can't wait for Ray to be able to put his hand on my stomach and feel her move!

Ray was on Spring Break this week and it really ended up being a busy week for us. We are still looking for a house, so we spent a view hours on Monday looking at some places. We also toured a daycare AND a pediatric office.

Well, that's about it for this week... Looking forward to next weeks update...

22 Weeks, 6 Days

Just a few belly pictures from today...

22 Weeks, 6 Days

Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday! Ray and I are getting ready to head out for a walk...we've had beautiful weather for two days now! Yesterday we walked about 3 miles, we'll see how far we make it today!

Blessings to All!
Summer, Ray & Baby Girl

She's A Spaghetti Squash...Week 22

I am doing my week 22 post a little earlier than normal, mainly because Ray was able to take belly pics tonight, as he was out of the country with the camera last week...

Today I am exactly 22 weeks and our baby girl is the size of a Spaghetti Squash...

22 Weeks

Fun Baby Facts:

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, baby girl is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her eyes have formed, but her irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment.

What Else Is New?

I had my monthly doctor's visit this morning and was happy to hear that everything looks and sounds great. I gained 6 pounds in the last month. That's the first time I've had a positive weight gain in my pregnancy. My doctor was very happy with that. She also measured my uterus for the first time (this will be done at each of my appointments through the remainder of my pregnancy). I measured at 22cm, which is exactly where I am supposed to be at 22 weeks. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again. She was moving a lot during my appointment, so every time my doctor found the heartbeat, we'd loose it again. It took a few minutes, with some prodding of my belly to get a good listen, but everything sounded great. Praise God!

She's A Carrot...Week 21

I am behind on last weeks update, but here it is...

And sorry, so belly pictures from last week as Ray was out of the country with our only camera...

Fun Baby Facts:

Baby girl now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. She's been practicing martial arts as she is fully kicking and nudging often throughout the day. Her eyebrows and lids are present now.

Week in Review:

Last week was a busy week. I am continuing to feel good and am eating more and more. Ray was on travel in Saudi Arabia for work last week and he was very missed! However, as always, I was able to stay quite busy as I visited with friends, toured the West Wing of The White House, attended a Women's Conference with some of the female leadership of our church and even got a promotion at work!

YES, you heard that right...I have a new job! I am still working for the same company, but I am now the Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) for my company. Don't ask what all I do, because I still figuring it out. After many months waiting and praying to see if this job transition would happen, I finally started this past Thursday. My head is barely above the water as I am literaly figuring things out as I go, but I am excited and grateful for this new opportunity.

Let's see what else...in regards to the pregnancy, I am sleeping slightly better and am getting used to having to sleep on my side. I am a stomach and back sleeper and neither of those are options right now, so onto my side I go. I've woken up in the middle of the night a few times over the last week with super crazy and really painful leg cramps - similar to a charlie horse, but it takes over my whole leg from thigh to foot. IT HURTS!

I am also continuing to grow out of my clothes. I have yet to buy any maternity clothes and it looks like I am going to have to give in and get some this week, as I am not sure I'll be able to wear the pants I've been wearing or many of my work shirts.

My belly has also gotten more noticable to others. Last week I was in the grocery store and I encountered my first belly touching stranger. It was a scary experience for me as this women, who I DO NOT KNOW came up to me and reached out her hand to touch my belly. As she leaned in for the touch, she said "You have such a cute baby bump, how far along are you?" I seriously wanted to scream! Instead, I politely backed away from the stranger, saying "Thank you, I am 21 weeks and I'd appreciate if you would not touch me." My husband laughs because he says I've gotten a little bolder with this pregnancy. I don't know if it's boldness or the fact that I just don't want strangers to touch me!

Well, that's all for now...

It's a Banana...Week 20

I am 20 weeks...I have reached the half way mark. So far it's going by pretty fast...

Our big news from this week is that we found out that we are having a baby GIRL! We are very excited!!!

20 weeks, 5 days

Fun Baby Facts:

Baby girl weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel - about the length of a banana. This week was an important week for her sensory development...her taste, smell, hearing, seeing and touch are all developing into their specialized area of her brain. She is also swallowing more and more which is great practice for her digestive system. Her skin, hair and nails are also growing and developing. Her heart is getting stronger and of course...she's getting bigger!

This Week In Review: How Am I Doing?


This week was a busy week for Ray and I. Monday was a holiday and we started out the morning with me going to a dermatologist appointment. I had a minor surgical procedure done to have a spot removed on my chest that my doctor thinks might be skin cancer. Fourteen stitches later Ray and I went home and spent the day lounging around the house.

Tuesday afternoon was our sonogram appointment that I blogged about earlier in the week. We are so excited to know that we are having a little girl. The time we spent with the doctor, watching our little girl move around was amazing. They looked at everything...measured her head, her little arms and legs; looked at her brain development and all of the chambers of her heart. Ray and I just sat amazed at the detail we were able to see. And we are excited that she's strong and healthy! It's been so great to be able to refer to the baby as "baby girl" and not "it" or "the baby"...it's so much more personal.

Ray has spent the rest of this week preparing for his upcoming trip to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He will be gone for one week.

I have been eating more and more (per doctor's orders). I've been craving silly things like strawberry pop tarts, cheese curls and clam chowder. All of which I have found and eaten this week!

I have been able to get by so far without buying any maternity clothes. Early in my pregnancy, I purchased a bella band, which has allowed me to continue wearing many of my jeans and dress pants. However, I think I am going to have to give in very soon and get some new clothes...