Welcome, Baby Hamp!

On Monday, May 24th, this little guy made his debut into the world...






He arrived at 2:09 pm and immediately filled our hearts with joy unexplainable.

8 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 1/4 inches.

We love you, Hamp! Welcome to our little family!

Wordless Wednesday - Hamp's Nursery

The Princess Way

Kate's birthday outfit and hair bow arrived in the mail this week.

For the past three or four months she's been insisting on having a Cinderella cake for her birthday. I never even asked her what she wanted on her cake - her birthday isn't until June, so clearly I wasn't planning her cake back in January. But the little princess had her wheels turnin' and was already planning her own party.

We're having her birthday party earlier this year, about four weeks early, because I thought it'd be easier to have it early than to try and throw a party with a two-week old baby.

I had to weigh my options:

throw a party nine and half months pregnant or with a newborn?

So early it is.

And really. Who would object to having their party early?? Knowing good and well she'll get special treatment again on her real birthday. It's a win-win situation.

And since we're really into princesses lately, particularly Cinderella,....

...Daddy brought home a special surprise for Kate today that even I didn't know about.

When he got home and let her open it (wrapped up nice and neatly in a Wal-Mart bag), she went nuts. Her night was complete.

Good job, Daddy!

Update on the preg front: Headed to doc tomorrow and bringing Kate and M to the Izz-A with me. Should be a interesting fun-filled day! 2 weeks and counting!

He's still workin' on me

Mother's Day weekend was more than I could ask for. M to the Izz-A went out of his way to make it special. We spent quality time together working on home projects, pushing baby dolls in strollers, eating pizza and waking up near tears with heartburn, and allowing craigslist to be our friend. We found ourselves a Sit and Stand stroller (can you believe I'll be needing one of those things?!) and some bar stools. From here on out, when in need of a new purchase, I will forever check craigslist first. Oh, Craig, you do me right.


With a special Mother's Day with Kate and M to the Izz-A come and gone, and baby Hamp on the way, I'm reminded of the kind of mother I wanna be. I continually pray that God will help me chip away the 'self' and put on the 'Christ-like'. And when I say that, I always think to myself, "He's gonna need a pretty big chisel." Especially when I think of those times when I've given something to God and ended up taking it right back.



I pray that He'll constantly show me areas that I need to work on, or even rid myself of completely, in order to be the kind of mother, wife, and woman of God that He has intended. I've learned that when you ask God to reveal areas of your life that you need to work one, be prepared, because He doesn't hesitate to show you. If I'm honest with myself, I could really come up with areas that need work on my own. I'm no stranger to my weaknesses and shortcomings for the most part, but I always want to make sure there's not an area I'm overlooking or justifying for my own comfort, which I've noticed in my own life is so easy to do. One thing's for sure, being a mom is often hard, and I mess up all the time, but it's comforting to me to remember that God's not up there shaking His head in shame or disappointment, but He's doing just the opposite, He's holding out His hand, helping me back up and showing me the way - His way. Not to mention, loving me all the way through it. It's just like the childhood song that keeps popping in my head whenever I talk about all this, "He's Still Workin' On Me". We're not finished products. It's not "what you see is what you get", it's "what you see is what you see right now, but I'm gettin' better!"



I've got a long way to go, I know that. Sometimes I sit and just think, "You completely blew it, Hollie." But then I'm reminded of the wonderful grace that God provides. I'm thankful for the salvation He has given me. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a mom...to love my wonderful gifts from God, Kate and Hamp, with all of my heart...to give them the best of me.

9 months - A Preview

I thought I'd share my 9 month belly pic a lil' differently....



Click the link below for a sneak peek of my maternity shoot:



Kari Vennard Photography - expecting:::Baby Hamp



Psalm 127:3

Beach Patrol

Rest assured, your beaches are safe.

In case you were wondering...

...I am still with child.

Baby's still in the oven.











Although M to the Izz-A seriously thought I was gonna cough Hamp right on out last week. Being sick is no fun, especially when you're pregnant.









I finally gave in to a Z-Pak when one night last week I not so elegantly came face to face with the fact that coughing uncontrollably mixed with my less than stellar bladder control brought on by pregnancy do not mix. I humbly opened the door as my pride made its final exit.






I'm feeling much better now and am back to my normal, chocolate milk guzzling self. And greater than that, last week I was officially 9 months.


We made my belly cast this weekend. Some of you may remember the one I did with Kate. I'll post pics as soon as I get some paint on that thing.



And for once in our lives we were ready for church early on Sunday so Kate took it upon herself to go ahead and start the services with the new bible that Granny and Paw gave her.

I'm scheduled for maternity pics this evening and hope to be able to share a few with you all when they're available. I've also got my doctor's appointment on Thursday and am wanting to hear that I have made 'progress'. Only about three and half weeks to go!