Precious little one,


For almost 40 weeks now, you have been growing in my belly and have provided me with so many wonderful days as your daddy and I have thought about the moment that we meet you. Soon, your daddy and I will be heading to the hospital and you will enter our lives and we will be able to touch you, hold you, cuddle with you. That, I believe, is truly the best blessing of all of this.

I will miss watching you grow in my belly - seeing every ultrasound, hearing every heartbeat. But, what we look forward to more is seeing you grow up in front of our eyes. Watching you as you smile for the first time, as you take your first steps, your first Mardi Gras parade, your first day of school, the day you take your driver's test, the day you meet your own partner.

I know we'll experience other firsts together too...the first sleepless nights, the first cold, the first trip to the emergency room, and your first broken heart. And, while I know these first won't be nearly as fun, I can honestly say that these tearful firsts will be so much better than the many tears I cried crying myself to sleep waiting for you to come to us!

I want to teach and show you so many things. I want to teach you about what true love is and show you through example of the love that your dad and I share. I want to teach you about the glory of our Almighty God and the power and wonder that He has. I hope to instill in you a love of the outdoors, the beauty of Nature. I know your daddy can't wait to teach you a thing or two about VWs.

Please know that you were created with love and determination of two parents committed to giving you the best life possible and raising you in the happiest home we can. I just want to be a good mommy to you and daddy to be a good daddy to you. I can't wait to see your daddy's face as the doctor hands you to us. In that moment, I will know that every needle stick, every tear, every doubt, every crushing blow, every fear, every doctor visit, every moment of longing.... it will all have been worth it as tomorrow, two things I have wanted so very badly will happen: I will make my handsome, sweet husband a father, and I will be your mommy.

I love you forever,
Your Mommy

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Brian! What a great 3 years it has been! We have made some amazing memories, clung together during what I hope to be the hardest times of our life, explored, loved, and laughed! Our 3rd year of marriage was certainly a HUGE test.....but we came out stronger and wiser as a result. And now, we will venture down this new road called parenthood! I couldn't imagine a better person to start this new chapter with.

I love you and cannot wait to see what the next 3 years brings our way!

Dear Little One,

Wow....37 weeks! I can't believe we are nearing the culumnation of 2 1/2 years of hoping, and dreaming, and praying...of longing so badly that it felt like the breath was being sucked out of your daddy and I.

And then you came to us, bringing us healing...true, precious, life-infusing healing. We have shared thirty-seven weeks of amazing changes and sensations and memories that served to help wipe the slate clean. I don't think I'll ever completely forget the pain and sadness of infertility. Somehow having this most amazing experience of watching you grow and change in my belly makes me ache even more for my friends enduring failed treatments and adoption attempts. But, it's also made me a better person and a better friend, for I'm no longer afraid to cry with them or ask the tough questions.

Have I mentioned that I've loved being pregnant? If there was one tiny shred of redemption that came from infertility it is that I was able to cherish this pregnancy, to love every last fleeting second of it.....and to see it for the miracle that it really is.

When i pictured my life, this journey was so very different from anything I imagined. I never saw infertility or IVF or specialists. But not every road is perfectly straight and paved. Some are gravel and curvy and have unexpected detours. But you know what? Sometimes those roads lead you to the most beautiful places, and even though it may have taken you longer to get there, you appreciate the destination more because of it.

Keep growing big and strong...the world is waiting for you!

your mommy

4th of July

We spent 4th of July with the Mueller and Watson Families. It was great to see everyone....it has been far too long! Good friends, good food, and good wine created good memories!

Digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

Southern Banana Pudding

Brian and my dad spent Father's Day working hard on finishing the casing on our new doors. My mom and I washed windows. So, after a day of hard work, we treated ourselves to a nice dinner complete with dessert.

I never made pudding from scratch before.....but man....it was super easy. It was the perfect dessert following a heavy meal. Enjoy!

Southern Banana Pudding

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes Chill Time: 4 hours

2 cups whole milk (I used 1%)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

30 vanilla wafers
2 large bananas, cut into ¼-inch slices

¾ cup heavy cream, chilled
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat the milk, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Meanwhile, whisk the egg and yolk in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the cornstarch until combined and the mixture is pale yellow and thick, about 20 seconds.

2. When the milk mixture reaches a full simmer, gradually whisk the simmering mixture into the egg mixture to temper. Return the mixture to the saucepan, scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula; return to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until a few bubbles burst on the surface and the mixture is thickened and glossy, about 30 seconds. Off the heat, whisk in the butter and vanilla.

3. Strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to keep a skin from forming.

4. Line the bottom of a 1½-quart serving dish with vanilla wafers. On top of the wafers, place a layer of the sliced bananas. Pour ½ of the pudding over the bananas, and spread to the edges of the dish. Repeat the vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding again. Press plastic wrap against the surface of the pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

5. When ready to serve, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread on top of the pudding and top with crushed vanilla wafers. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

(Recipe adapted from Evil Shenanigans)

Baby Showers

Mini Kenny's nursery is filling up.....thanks to the generosity of family, friends and co-workers. I had 2 showers this past week....one I knew about and one that was a complete surprise.

Marlo and Jenn threw a lovely shower at my mom's house on June 26th. Mini is super lucky to be so loved by friends and family already. We were showered with beautiful and thoughtful gifts....Mini is one spoiled kid already! Here's some pictures from the day:

Game time

Cutest cake ever....made by my college friend, Jenn

Diaper Cake Centerpiece made by Marlo

Loving Lemonade these days!

The port-a-crib was my mom's as a baby. I can't wait for Mini to use it!

Then, on July 2nd, my co-workers threw a surprise shower for me. I was deeply touched by their generosity.....they basically completed our registry for us. Wow!