Welcome Levi!

Levi Paul Carpenter
October 7, 2010 at 6:02pm
7lb 15 oz, 22in. long

Countdown...

So the countdown is on! At our last doctor appointment, he told us that he will check me at our next visit to see if we are ready to induce on the 7th or not. It might be a little later than that. I am hoping our little guy comes on his own in the next few days.

We are busy getting last minute things done and enjoying our last few days as a family of 2!

Our community group prayed for us on Thursday and I have been feeling more and more peace. I have been struggling with anxiety and nervousness because of the unknown. I know I can trust in the plan that God has for our baby to be born. The story is already written and now we get to see what it is!

Time to rest

I am officially on maternity leave! We went to the doc today and he decided I was done and that he is going to induce me on Oct. 7th. It is surreal to have a possible date our child will be born. Wow! Crazy! It will be so nice to have these next few weeks to rest.

Here we go!

Summer is over! School starts next Wednesday. My classroom is set up (thanks to my wonderful family) and I have most things prepped to begin the year. I'm not sure how long I will work, but am hoping to just make it through the first 2 weeks. I am actually looking forward to going back to work for a little bit.

We went to the doctor's yesterday for a check up and ultrasound. Everything looks good but the doc wasn't able to take any pictures of our little guy because he was hiding with his hands in front of his face. From what we did see, he definitely looks like Randy! He is measuring 4lb 14 ounces, which is in the 80th percentile. I know they can always be off at least a pound either way with those estimates, but I wouldn't be surprised if we had a big baby! We are on the home stretch... only 7 1/2 weeks to go! Who knows, we might even go sooner if he keeps measuring big!

Nesting

I believe nesting has begun! I'm cleaning out drawers, organizing, and thinking of a million things I want to do, get rid of or sort through. It's nice to have enough energy to accomplish some of these tasks. All the baby clothes I have so far are washed and put away. Baby hangers have been bought and things are hung up according to size. I look at these newborn outfits and can't imagine our baby will be so small. He might not fit into some of the teeny tiny things if he is a big baby. I was 9 pounds. Well, 8 pounds 15 1/2 ounces, but let's just call it 9 (for my mother's sake) and almost 21 inches long. Everyone comments on how they thought I looked like a 3 month old baby...ouch! So, all that to say, I am getting very excited to become a mom and to hold our little guy for the first time.

26 weeks, 5 days
Next appointment is on Monday, July 19th
We are loving the name Levi for now, but if you know us, that could change
That's all for now!

You're Invited

You've been invited. This invitation is not to a party but to a person. Jesus wants to open his heart to you, so he has said, "Come to me." This invitation is addressed to all who are weary and carry heavy burdens. This invitation is for you. Jesus wants you to come to him so he can give you the gift of rest. He knows that what you need is real rest--not just for your body, but also for your soul. And only Jesus can give you soul rest. He wants you to rest from trying to be good enough and from doing too much. He wants you to fully rest in his finished work on the cross, his provision of salvation. This is rest that begins now and continues into eternity. Jesus knows that if we don't rest in him, we'll sacrifice the important for the urgent, the personal for the public. If we don't rest in him, we'll end up empty on the inside, moving through life in a fog of meaningless religious ritual.

So how do you RSVP to Christ's invitation? He said, "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you." At first this may sound like just another burden. But the yoke of Jesus is the burden that makes all other burdens bearable. This yoke is what connects us to Jesus so that he can share our load. He wants to bear the weight of your burdens with his strong shoulders.

So when you find yourself searching for something to soothe the pain in your life, will you listen for the voice of Jesus whispering his invitation into your ear, "Come to me"? When you feel your frustration building and your strength fading, hear Jesus saying, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens." When you find yourself weighed down by unrealistic expectations or unbearable emotions, Jesus says, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30, NIV).

Jesus stands with his arms outstretched saying, Come away from what is insignificant and empty so you can enter into what is eternal, essential, restful. Come to me. Let me love you. Who could resist such an invitation?

-Nancy Guthrie, The One Year Book of HOPE

Clothing Swap and Girls Night!

Come one, come all to a clothing swap and girls night! Just bring all of your unwanted clothing and accessories and swap with other girls! Invite all of your friends! Please bring $5 to participate. All money will be going to Children's Hunger Fund! After the swap, we will be enjoying a potluck dinner, games and hanging out. I will be making chicken enchiladas. Please RSVP with what you will be bringing to share. Or just come for the clothing swap. Or just come for the dinner and hanging out! See you then!

Friday, July 9th at 6pm

Carpenter House

Summer

School is out! What a wonderful feeling! I have all next week off before starting summer school. This year has been challenging and growing. I will remember my class with great fondness. I will treasure the friendships I have made with fellow teachers. Welcome summer!

We're Having a ...

Boy!

19 1/2 Weeks today

Baby Boy Carpenter is due October 16th

He is measuring 11 ounces

We are so excited!

Baby Carpenter

Pictures at the 12 week ultrasound :)

Currently 17 1/2 weeks

Next ultrasound on May 26th to find out if the baby is a boy or girl

I started feeling little kicks last week

We are so thankful for this blessing!