"Spread the Gospel always and if necessary, use words." 
  -St. Francis

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

In honor of Memorial Day

I thought I would share a video put together by some Ole Miss students of my sweet veterans.

http://www.oxfordveteranshome.org/index.shtml

Above is the link; the video is on the right side of the home page. I was so proud to see some of my "grandfathers" in those pictures. Supposedly, the students have not finished yet and are going to start doing interviews soon! For this I can't wait to see, because we have some very interesting veterans, including some Pearl Harbor survivors, and men who stormed the beaches of Normandy. I am truly blessed to serve them daily!!

The coolest part about my veterans is that they never feel as something is "owed" to them. Serving their country was just something they did without thinking. They are such strong men (and a few women, too!). I try to thank them for their service often, but especially around holidays such as Memorial Day. They just look at you like you are crazy, like "Duh, that was what we were supposed to do." Josh says this generation of men makes our generation look like wimps. I actually told one of them that one time, and he did tend to agree ;). The things we worry about in this day and age simply do not compare to shipping your son/husband/father off to war. Freedom isn't free!! Working at the VA has made me appreciate that.

I will get off my soap box now. 3 more days until the weekend! These days I REALLY cherish those weekends!!!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Baby Whelan Reporting Live

Well, Hello again! It has been awhile hasn't it?? I just have been so busy sticking my feet in between Mom's ribs and stuff that I have forgotten to report. I have heard Mom say lately that we only have 5 more weeks, so I guess that's when she thinks I am coming. I think she would be absolutely fine if I came a little earlier though. Only time will tell! As of last Wednesday, I weigh about 5 lbs. 6 oz. That made Mom feel a little better because she is starting to look (and feel) like a big elephant these days. The doctor ran a test last week called a 'biophysical profile' on me to make sure my heart rate was good and I was 'happy' in the womb. Mom and Dad were thankful that I am pretty happy in here. I move A LOT. Sometimes, Mom will be sitting down and see her shirt poke out with my foot or booty. I really like to let everyone know I am in there. Another thing; EVERYONE thinks I am Jack by the way Mom is carrying me, etc.... But, Mom just knows I am Mamie. Wouldn't you like to know?? Even though ultrasound pictures are not perfect (and can be very scary looking), I already look like my Dad, or so Mom thinks. She put his baby picture up next to my ultrasound and couldn't believe the similarities. I think she and Dad are on pins and needles ready to meet me! My nursery is 99% ready, thanks to Honey who was here taking care of Mom/helping her get everything washed and putting the finishing touches on my room. My Dad was gone this weekend, helping with a college guys' retreat, but thankfully he is coming home today and will be here until I come! My mom cannot do much without his help anymore. If she bends over too far, she falls over. It is kind of funny!! She always tells Dad, "You try carrying around ___ extra pounds of weight and see how it makes you feel." I think she is getting a little grumpy or something... Honey was a big help and I think Mom was sad to see her go because the next time she comes I may be on my way! That makes my Mom nervous but also very excited. She and Dad always say they can't imagine what it will be like to see me for the first time. Like I have said before, I am pretty darn cute :). I am sure they will not be biased at all! Mom has an appointment next week and then she will start going every week until I decide to make my grand entrance. Mom's doctor is really funny, and is always checking on her "anxiety level." She has gotten to know my Mom well. She keeps assuring my Mom that I am fine in here, but I think Mom will be worried until she actually sees me. Lord Bless her; she just can't help it. Ok, I think I have given you more information than you probably care about. Maybe next time you hear from me you will see some real life pics too??? My Mom and Dad sure hope so! But, Mom keeps saying she could see July 7th coming and going and wondering when the heck I am coming. Soon, we will know. Hope y'all have a good Memorial Day!! Hope to meet some of you very soon....

-Baby W

Monday, May 23, 2011

Meeting Hampton

Our good friends Brent and Ramey had a sweet baby boy in March, and we finally got to meet him last weekend! His name is Hampton and he is adorable, and very well-behaved. We hope we get this lucky :). Hampton's Dad and Josh roomed together their freshman year at Ole Miss. Maybe Baby W and Hampton will room together one day?? Or possibly date??? Who knows?!

We miss you Brent and Ramey!! Ready for you to get out of Knoxville and come closer to us!
Have you ever tried to hold a baby at 33 weeks preggo?? It can be challenging with a big belly! Josh wouldn't hold him because "his hands were dirty." If only we had any soap and water in the house.... I just hope he does okay bringing Baby W out to meet the world ;).
Ramey and me. She looks GREAT.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Anniversary Trip/BabyMoon

At the beginning of April, Josh and I got to get away for our anniversary/last trip just the two of us for a while; a.k.a- BabyMoon. We had the best time just relaxing on the beach and eating good food! Although, I kept thinking the whole time that the next time we go to the beach we will have a little one in tow. I have heard it is a little different! The beach is my absolute favorite place and is becoming one of Josh's too. Hopefully, this baby will love it as much as we do :).
How terrible is the quality of these pictures??? Thankfully we got a new camera soon after this!
locked out of our condo one night
First day by the pool- it was too windy for the beach.

Josh got all romantic on me our last night! Our anniversary and my birthday are exactly 7 days apart, so I told Josh he could lump them together into one gift if it was good enough. Being subtle is not of one of my strong points ;). I think he got the picture. I was impressed!
I just want to go back!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

8 weeks to go and full-on panic mode!

Sorry it has been awhile!! We have been busy, and I had my two baby showers these past two weekends. I am so so blessed with great friends!!!! Both showers were special and we got some great stuff. It has been a blast to get home and organize it all! The nursery is getting closer and closer to finished. As soon as the drapes and bedskirt for the daybed is ready, I will take a picture. Some days I think, "Gosh, we have 8 whole weeks left until we get to meet this baby..." But, lately I have been thinking, "Omigosh, we ONLY have 8 weeks until we have a baby!!" Which sends me into complete panic mode. Fortunately, Josh is good about balancing my drama out :).
Anyway, all this to say that I will be back in a day or two with the baby shower reports and pics.
Josh just got home with dinner from one of our favorite places; Kabuki. You know you frequent a restaurant too much when the manager sends your husband home with a flower for Mother's Day because HE REMEMBERED that I was about to have a baby. Thoughtful but embarrassing!!

Be back soon. Here's to hoping this work week is way better than the last one!