Baby News

Today was yet another encouraging doctor's visit. I am due in six and a half weeks, so I am definitely on the homestretch. Unfortunately, my blood pressure was up so he recommended that I up my dose of medicine. No biggie. Based on measurements, he said the baby has grown significantly since my last appointment two weeks ago. Again, no biggie (I'll keep trying to convince myself that an eleven pound baby is okay hahahaha). After the check-up was complete he asked me if I had the baby room ready. Ok, that's a biggie!!! =) Nathan went and got the rest of the hardware for the baby bed today so I can start decorating and organizing. Up to this point, everything we have gotten has just been thrown in the baby's room and we have kept the door shut. Out of sight, out of mind, right?? Not really. I have tried to be patient in waiting for Nathan to get through with classes to start bugging about the furniture in there. He has finals next week and he is finished until August, so after my appointment today I called him and he went and got the necessary parts. Thank you, Nathan!!
It's exciting to think that in just a few short weeks Brandon William Moore (yay, we have a name) could be here!! I am ready to meet the little man already!! I go back in two more weeks hoping for another encouraging report!


Meg

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

We often joke about what heaven will be like. We eat our favorite ice cream and say, "Hmmm, in heaven we can eat all the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream we want." Or we spend the day outside with family and friends on our day off work and say, "I can't wait to get to heaven. We can just relax all the time." We don't mean to be offensive with our words but do we REALLY understand what heaven is going to be like??

I got a glimpse of it at church yesterday and it was amazing! Normally, I sing in the choir or on praise team so I get the view of the congregation from the stage. Since I have been on partial bedrest I have been able to go to church, but I have to sit in the congregation. What a blessing it has been to worship with and among God's people at Highview Baptist Church!

Yesterday, we were singing "Hallelujah! What a Savior" which is one of my FAVORITE songs! It's a song that tells the Gospel and the words are so powerful. Sitting towards the back of the sanctuary, worshipping along with brothers and sisters in Christ, my attention was drawn to a woman about five pews in front of me. My heart was so blessed and encouraged as I watched her sing along and sign the words. She wasn't signing to a group of deaf members; she was just worshipping her Savior. It was amazing!! Then, about three pews in front of her I see a man in his mid-seventies with his hands raised in praise. He was worshipping all alone in that pew even though there were people all around him. What an encouragement to see an older brother in the faith worship with total abandonment to his Savior! Tears came to my eyes as I saw a married couple just across the aisle. It was a couple in their early sixties, I would assume, and the man was sitting down with his head on the pew in front of him. Tears were rolling down his cheeks as his wife offered whatever comfort she could give. They were singing the words to the song through the brokenness they were experiencing.

There is such a freedom in worship when we humbly come before the Father. Although these scenarios probably aren't new to Highview, they were a total blessing to me! I was so encouraged as those around me lead me in worship. The praise band was great and the choir sounded awesome, but it was the souls around me that lead me in singing, "Hallelujah! What a Savior!"

“Man of Sorrows!” what a name

For the Son of God, who came

Ruined sinners to reclaim.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

In my place condemned He stood;

Sealed my pardon with His blood.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;

Spotless Lamb of God was He;

“Full atonement!” can it be?

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;

“It is finished!” was His cry;

Now in Heav’n exalted high.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,

All His ransomed home to bring,

Then anew His song we’ll sing:

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Meg

Stephanie's Baby Shower

Today after church my friend, Sarah, and I threw our friend, Stephanie, a baby shower. Dan & Stephanie are expecting their fifth baby in just a few short days. We had lunch at Buca di Beppo, an Italian restaurant in Louisville. It was great food and fun company.

Stephanie and her oldest "baby", Bekah.

Baby Ella Grace should be here by next Thursday (we hope). We can't wait to meet her!!

I had to include the following picture on here. At the restaurant, we were seated in the "Pope Room." This was the centerpiece at our table:

We had his face covered for most of the meal because it was a little disturbing - hahahaha! It made for some pretty humorous conversation, though!


Meg

Preggo Dreams

About two months ago, I started having the weirdest dreams. I call them my "preggo dreams" because they are SO weird and before being pregnant I never remembered my dreams. Nathan has been telling me I need to write these down because some of them are so ridiculous. For example, one night I had a dream that I was being thrown into the Atlantic Ocean to dive for paper clips. Whenever I went under water there were sharks all around me, so I would come back up...that's when I would wake up.
Since being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, my dreams have kind of calmed down. I guess wheat bread and yogurt doesn't cause a stir like ice cream before bed! =) Well, last night I had THE craziest dream yet. I was at the doctor's office which really wasn't my doctor's office. It was more like a house with hospice type care there. I was supposed to be there for a routine check-up but the doctor never let me hear the baby's heartbeat. I was getting frustrated and concerned thinking something was wrong when all of a sudden they started wheeling my bed down this long staircase to a basement...a basement full of FOOD!!!!
I never had to get out of bed. Instead, they ran my finger under this needle forcing me to draw blood so they could check my blood sugar. Then, they wheeled me around this GIGANTIC cafeteria where I could pick out any food I wanted. I was so overwhelmed but sad - all the food was stuff I wasn't allowed to have!! So, I had to grab a chicken leg from this amazing buffet and tell them that's all I wanted. As I was being wheeled out of the basement, I saw fresh, out of the oven chocolate chip cookies and snuck a bite - shhh the nurse didn't see me! =)
I got back up to my room and the doctor was there waiting on me. He never let me hear the baby's heartbeat, but told me that I was being rushed to labor and delivery because my blood sugar was too high. That's when I woke up...
Can someone interpret this for me?!?!??!?! =)


Meg

Baby Shower

Tonight Nathan and I went to our first baby shower. It was a co-ed shower thrown by friends of ours from church...thanks, Sarah and Lindsey!! We are so blessed to have friends that are willing to use their time and resources to love on us and our baby boy!!!

Sarah and Lindsey

Chuck (Sarah's husband) grilled hamburgers and chicken which was very YUMMY!!! Thanks, Chuck!

After dinner we opened gifts and it got me motivated to finish the baby room! We got lots of fun and practical gifts and it got me even more excited about our little man! =)

Here are a few pictures of the friends that were there to encourage and bless us:

Justin and Addie Compton

Anna Kate Cheatham having a great time...

...and then she gave in! =)

Kevin, Lindsey and Anna Kate Cheatham

Eric and Kristin Yeldell

Stephanie...we are due just a few weeks apart!

Kim and Hannah

Nathan and Jeff (Kim's husband)

I didn't get a picture of Kevin and Sheila Kurz but thank y'all for being there. Mrs. Shelia, I am sure I will be asking you lots of questions in the days and months to come!!!

Thank y'all so much for a great baby shower and all the "goodies." Again, we are so blessed to be part of such a great church family!


Meg

Cassie's Wedding Rehearsal and Big Day

Friday afternoon was a pretty crazy day as Beth and I ran around getting things ready for the bachelorette party. We went to the mall and got a few things then headed to the bakery to pick up the specially ordered cake. Cassie requested that the bridesmaids wear black flip flops. Well, on the way back from the bakery, Beth and I realized that we still needed to find shoes for the wedding. So, we stopped at Off Broadway shoes. Friday was a very warm, sunny day in Louisville so we couldn't leave the cake in the car. So, we had to take it in the shoe store with us. We were at the cash register making our purchases and one of the employees there said, "Hmmm, that cake smells good." By the end of our time at Off Broadway, we had several employees looking at our "special purchase." It was SO funny!

Employees of Off Broadway looking at the cake

We were able to hang out at Beth's for a little while before it was time to start making our way to the church for rehearsal. Afterwards, we celebrated with a dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory.

Tiffany and Beth (two of the bridesmaids)

Sally (another bridesmaid) and her baby girl, Laine

Cassie gave all the bridesmaids a Bible & journal...so great!

Melissa and Bill at Old Spaghetti Factory

Me and Ginger (her husband, Chad, officiated the wedding)

Bill rubbing his "pregnant belly" =) His wife, Melissa is pregnant and due in September. I think he was kind of making fun of us but oh well! =)

Nathan and I at the Old Spaghetti Factory

After dinner, the parties began. Us girls took Cassie back to her apartment for dessert and gifts. We had a great time celebrating her last night as a single lady!!

The wedding day started with a bridesmaids breakfast at Cassie's house. From there, we headed to the church to start getting ready for the ceremony.

No make-up and hair in rollers...doesn't get much better than this! =)

Cassie getting all dolled up for her big day

Some of the bridesmaids hanging out - Melissa, Amy, Beth, me, Lindsay.

Lindsay and I after the ceremony...can you tell I am exhausted?!

Tiffany, Bekah and Beth (three of the bridesmaids)

I finally got a good picture of Cody and Cassie...too bad Kevin put his arm out right as I was taking the picture...geez =)

Weddings are such a great picture of Christ and the church, and Cassie and Cody made it a point to let their wedding ceremony serve as a worship service. Congrats to y'all and we will see you when you get back from your honeymoon!!

Meg

Cassie's Wedding Weekend Day 1

After my doctor's appointment yesterday, I called Cassie to see if she needed help getting things ready for her big day!! She and her mom were loading the car so they could go to a church in town and start baking goodies. I decided I would meet them there and do what I could. Our friend, Cody, is the lead pastor at New Heights Baptist Church and he was kind enough to let Cassie and crew use their kitchen. It's a huge kitchen and it made the organization and baking a lot easier.

Me rolling cookie dough

Chandler taking Snickerdoodles out of the convection oven - this made baking happen so much faster!

Mama Leona (mother of the bride-to-be) rolling cookie dough

Chandler hard at work =)

Cassie had made an appointment for a few of the bridesmaids to go with her to get pedicures. So, a few of her friends came and took over "dessert duty" and we went to get pampered for the big day!

I have never had a pedicure because I don't like people touching my feet. It was a little awkward and it tickled but they were very kind to my swollen preggo feet! =) Cassie, consider yourself one special girl since I got this done for you!!!!

Bekah and Beth (two of the bridesmaids) with Cassie getting pedicures.

Me and Cassie getting pampered...it wasn't THAT bad but I will not make a habit of it! =)

Beth and I are in charge of the Bachelorette party so we were going to run errands but I had already had all I could handle for the day, so we went back to Beth's house for dinner with Katy and Lauren. Thanks for a yummy dinner, Katy!!!

The rehearsal and bachelorette party is tonight...so much fun to come!!! =)

Meg

The "Normal Patient"

Since February 23rd, I have been going to the doctor once every two weeks, if not more. Yesterday, was my bi-weekly appointment and this is how the appointment started:

Dr: (entering room) Well, hello. How is my normal patient doing today?

Nice. That basically means I am abnormal! He was being sarcastic so I didn't take it as an insult. It just means that I have seen too much of Dr. Link in the last few months!! =) We made small talk for a while and in the middle of that conversation he asked, "So, how is work going?" I know my face probably spoke a thousand words (mainly of confusion) because I had been told not to work. So, my response was, "Well, I haven't worked since February." To this he laughed and said, "Great. Just the answer I was looking for." He just wanted to make sure I hadn't been tempted to work and that I had been taking it easy as much as possible.

The baby's heartbeat sounded good. My blood pressure was great. He asked that I stay on partial bedrest or limit myself to daily minimal activity. Ideally, he wants me to stay home until the baby is born but he understands if I need to work a few hours a week.

Overall, the appointment was very encouraging. I have to go back at the end of April for a check-up and hopefully things will continue to progress "normally."


Meg

Sunniee & Graciee

I have TONS of pictures of Sunniee and Graciee but none can capture their little personalities. While we were in Gatlinburg, I was able to get some videos of them and here are two of my favorites.

This is a video of Sunniee doing her dance. I don't know the name of it but I don't know that there is a name for this...



We ate dinner at Tony Roma's on Thursday night. We were standing outside waiting to go in and Graciee decided to show us "Elvis." It was HILARIOUS but she wouldn't let us get it on video. So, before our trip to the aquarium on Saturday I interviewed Graciee and here it is...





Meg

Gatlinburg Days 3 & 4

After a relaxing weekend in Gatlinburg, Nathan and I are back in Louisville and into our normal routine. Nathan had to go to work this morning and has class tonight and I, of course, am hanging out at home. I go back to the doctor on Thursday and hoping to get a good report so I can return to all normal activity.

The last two days in Gatlinburg were very eventful. Saturday, we started the day with family photos. My mom has our full family photo on her camera so once I get that I will post it. I got some cute pictures of the kiddos.

Graciee and Austin

Tommy and the girls

Austin

Graciee and Sunniee

Austin, Sunniee and Graciee

That afternoon, we headed to the aquarium. Tiffany and Tommy had been before but without the kids so they were excited about them seeing the shark exhibit. It was a pretty nice aquarium.

Shark!

Look at the face on this shark! =)

Look at all the fish

Graciee in a shark's mouth

Sunniee

Sting ray - is he smiling at me???

Spider crab...Jonathan said he wanted to boil it up and eat it. GROSS!

Sunniee outside the aquarium

We had parked our cars in a parking garage across the street from the aquarium. I should have headed back to the car after the aquarium visit but I was hard-headed and decided to walk to "Ripley's Believe It or Not" with everyone else. I made it about ten minutes up the street before I started getting a headache and feeling nauseous. Nathan and I decided to sit on a bench while the others walked and I eventually agreed to go back to the car. We took our time stopping as needed but we eventually made it. Just about the time we got back to the car, I got a text from Mama asking if we wanted to meet them for dinner within the hour. So, Nathan and I went ahead and drove the the restaurant. I had my blood pressure machine in the car so I was able to check it. Unfortunately, it was high. We sat in the car and in the restaurant until the rest of the family got there. By that time, the nausea had passed but I still had a headache which usually means my blood pressure is still high. We had a great dinner at Alamo's and then headed back to the cabin.

I started getting worried at dinner because I hadn't felt the baby move in quite a while. I had felt him a little bit that morning when we were taking pictures but by the time we got back to the cabin it had been eight hours or so. I didn't freak out too much. I decided to lay down (on my left side, of course hahaha) and get some rest acknowledging that I had probably done too much that day. I took about a two hour nap and woke up feeling much better. It took a while for my blood pressure to go back down but the headache was gone and I was feeling somewhat normal. However, the baby still wasn't moving. I know all pregnancies are different and I have noticed patterns of movement in our little one. Whenever I sit down or lay down he always moves no matter how active I have been that day. After taking a two hour nap and still not feeling any movement, I started getting paranoid.

I went to the kitchen and fixed a glass of Coke. I haven't had caffeine at all since I got pregnant. Ok, that's a lie. I will take sips of Nathan's when we are at dinner or something but I never just sit down with a can of Coke. I had heard that drinking caffeine will make the baby move, so I decided to try it. No success.

At this point I was tossing and turning on the couch trying to get the baby to move. Nathan and my mom suggested that I call the on-call doctor and see what they suggested I do. Luckily, the on-call doctor was my doctor!!! When I told him the situation, he asked about my blood pressure. It was normal so he wasn't too concerned. He suggested that I lay on my left side and eat some chocolate. Hahahahahahaha not a problem since I hadn't had chocolate in WEEKS!!! =) He said to give it an hour and if the baby still didn't move to give him a call back. Mama gave me a Reese's peanut butter cup (yum) and I laid on my left side. Sure enough, within a half hour or so, Baby Moore started moving! He didn't move very much but the doctor said that one movement an hour is enough. I got that one movement and that was all I got until the next morning.

I hated that we had to spend our last night of vacation in a paranoid state. The doctor had told me that I could go on vacation but I still needed to relax as much as possible. I guess he knows what he is talking about and I was just hard-headed.

The next morning was Easter Sunday. We had to be out of the cabin by 10:00am so we got up and packed and had a good time watching the girls hunt for easter eggs around the cabin.

These are Sunniee's easter eggs and candies...the organization blessed my heart! =)

The girls hunting for eggs

Sunniee

We ate breakfast at the Log Cabin Pancake House which was very good!!! From here we went our separate ways. Nathan and I told everyone "bye" knowing that the next time we would see them would be when we had Baby Moore (we really need to come up with a name hahahaha)!! How exciting!!!

We had a great weekend and are so thankful that we were able to go. Mama and Daddy, thank you SO much for all that you do!!! We love you!!!

Meg

Gatlinburg Day 2

I didn't leave the cabin all day and it was GREAT! In fact, the only ones to leave were Nathan and Tommy. After lunch they decided to go riding and hiking in the mountains.

They hiked to Rainbow Falls

The rest of us stayed in and played games and napped. I took a few minutes to take a few pictures of the cabin.

The game room

Sunniee and Graciee in the hot tub

Kitchen and dining area

Living room

It rained most of the day but we were able to cook out for dinner. Well, my mom did! =) She finished hamburgers and hot dogs just before she got too wet. Everything was YUMMY!! We were also able to celebrate my dad's birthday which is April 22nd. We won't be together that weekend so we wanted to go ahead and celebrate his special day. Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!

We are getting ready to watch Slum Dog Millionaire in the MOVIE THEATER in our cabin. I will take pictures of that later. =)


Meg