The Perfect Fathers' Day Weekend

As long as I can remember I have been a baseball fan. When Rando and I met baseball quickly became the perfect date. Our goal is to go to every MLB stadium. We've been to 4 so we have a ways to go, but next summer we plan on hitting the west coast for our 10th anniversary.

We've introduced our kids to baseball by going to 2 Gwinnett Braves games with them, but they had not been to Turner Field yet. We were given tickets for Saturday night and decided this would be the perfect night to let them enjoy their first Braves game! The night was PERFECT! We fed the kids in the car and then made our way inside the stadium. Our seats were in Section 212, under an overhang, in the shade, and right on top of the action! Avery and Ryleigh did an incredible job! Avery's eyes were glued to the game and Ryleigh went back and forth between watching the game and people watching. Homer came by and gave Avery a five. Well actually Avery would only touch him with 1 finger. It was cute! Rando and Ryleigh caught a foul ball. This was both of theirs first foul ball (I can no longer say I'm the only one in the family to have caught one). On top of all of this the Braves won with a walk off homerun! It was very exciting!

I heard over and over again how cute and how well behaved our kids are! We are so blessed with happy kids that love to go out in public! It is like they know the difference between playtime at home and public behavior. I'm sure there will come a day where we will want to pull our hair out (probably about the time they're 2), but right now we are just taking advantage of having the sweetest kids! This made for a wonderful way to celebrate Fathers' Day! I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband that loves me and our kids! He gets down on the ground to play with the kids, changes diapers, feeds them, and pitches in wherever he is needed! He is a team player and I greatly appreciate him! Avery and Ryleigh light up when they see their daddy! Rando, we love you!


The kids tailgating



Full and ready to go



Our family ready for the game



My boys watching the game



Daddy and his kids



Ryleigh enjoying the game



Avery's face says it all - he LOVED it!



Ryleigh and Daddy with the ball they caught



All 4 of us after a great game!

Love...

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all thinkgs, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." Ephesians 5:25

I am so thankful that I know this kind of love! While a student at Shorter College (which became Shorter University yesterday) I met a guy that had a very interesting name. Well actually, my first encounter with him was while I was a senior in H.S. doing a college visit to Shorter. He had long curly hair and my comment in the car was that he had to be a friend of David Gordon (and he was/is... David knows I love him). This guy tells me now that he told a friend that he wanted to marry a girl like me. I'm not sure if that is exactly how it went, but I am very grateful it all worked out.

We had an interesting start. We both had dates to the sorority formal, but yet we started talking and then dating. We went on to the formal with our dates, but danced plenty that night. Just 2 weeks later we broke up, but couldn't stay apart more than 12 hours. On February 14, 1999 we began dating one last time (Rando says we broke up and got back together on this day so that he would be able to remember our anniversary). Our dating years were full of fun. Walks around Garden Lakes, climbing a water tower (shhhh....), 1/2 priced wings after 11 at Applebees, ministering together at Hollywood, and discussing our future dreams together.

On June 2, 2001 we became husband and wife. I can honestly say each day since I have fallen more in love with him every day! We have been through a lot, but I am so thankful that we are best friends and very RARELY have an argument. We've been through the scariest time for the US in our lifetimes - 9/11/01, living off of 1 income while seeking God for where he would have us serve, hard days at work, trying to have kids for 2 years, and so many more. Through each of these trials God brought us closer to Him and each other. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life than my wonderful husband.

The last 14 months have been an exciting journey. I love watching him be daddy! He changes diapers and feeds the kids with the best of them! He loves playing with the kids and making them laugh. They even already team up (4 on 1 - the dog included in that 4) against me! We share so many laughs. We still get time together too! We make every effort to have date nights and do things as a couple.

He respects me, understands me, and loves me no matter what! I am the most fortunate girl in the world! Rando, I love you and I thank God He blessed my life the day He brought you in it! I am looking foward to many more years! Happy 9th Anniversary!

Our engagement picture



Our wedding day



Our family of 4 doing what we love

Life and Its Curve Balls

WOW! The last month has been a roller coaster! After celebrating the kids' 1st birthday life changed fast! Easter Sunday I got a voice mail from my granddad saying his brother had a stroke and wasn't doing well. Uncle Jerry passed away later that day. My heart broke for my granddad as he lost his last living sibling. He and Jerry had been through so much together over the years (they lost both their parents before my granddad was 6 years old)!

As spring break came to a close and we went back to normal activities "normal" didn't last long. On Monday, April 12th, I walked out of a meeting to find a coworker telling me she saw my husband in the parking lot. I said, "That can't be good." She tried to assure me everything was okay because he had the kids with him. That made it even worse. The kids were suppose to be with my grandparents and Rando was suppose to be in a meeting. He told me my grandmother had fallen while watching the kids and was taken to the hospital via ambulance. So many thoughts rushed through my mind. As I got to the ER Adam told me she had a bleeding in her brain. I remember the whole time having a peace that I know could only come from God.

Come to find out my grandmother had a stroke. She did not wake up for 5 days after her brain surgery. I remember going to bed one night longing to hear her offer me some food 1 more time! I promise I would take her up on it! So many of her little facial expressions and gestures kept replaying in my head. I miss sitting on their couch listening to her stories and watching her play with the kids! They LOVE their great grandparents! After several long days she did wake up, but to this day is still not completely the same. I do have to share that last week while I was at the rehab center with the kids visiting her in the middle of a random conversation did the offer to make me something to eat! Tears welled up fast on that one! You see, I have NEVER been to her house where she didn't ask me multiple times if she could make me a sandwich or something. I had to promise her that I would when she got home b/c there was nothing for her to make me in that room. It is fun to watch her with the kids! Her and Ryleigh laugh and play hand games. Avery just smiles at her as she calls him "sweetie".

I cannot wait until the day when I walk into the room and she says, "Hey Amanda!" It has been so hard to see her like this! She doesn't realize what is going on or that she doesn't make sense a lot of the time she is talking. They say it will all come back, but it will take time. I'm not very patient!

The sweetest thing about this has been watching my granddaddy love on her! We begged him numerous times to go home to get some rest. He has said over and over again, "I've been with her 60 something years and I'm not going to leave her now!" So precious! His love for her has been obvious to everyone that has been around them! She notices him, calls him by name, and loves to give him kisses! Of course he is right there to hold her hand, calm her down, and give her kisses too! I pray that Rando and I will still have that love for each other when we are that age! My grandparents have been sweethearts since they were 5 and 7 years old! Simply AMAZING!

We are so grateful for the many that have prayed for "granny", sent cards, shared kind words, and been there for us throughout this time! She comes home this coming week! It will be good to have her home! God has truly worked miracles! First, he kept her alert long enough to call my granddad and Rando so that the kids could be taken care of. Second, he made the surgery go very easily! Third, in his timing He woke her up! And he continues to work miracles daily. Nurses, doctors, and other caregivers have been touched by the love of Christ that is so evident in my grandparents!

Granny, Happy Mother's Day! I love you and can't wait to spend time with you tomorrow!

Here are some pictures of the kids with my grandmother before the stroke.

1 Year Olds Running (well Crawling) Wild

WOW! I cannot believe it has been a year (April 3rd) since our precious babies entered this world! Being a mom is incredible! It has been more than I could have ever imagined! Being a mom has helped me understand unconditional love like our Heavenly Father has on us (even though I'm not perfect as He is) and the price my mom and dad paid for years (and still pay to this day).

I can honestly say our children are incredibly easy! Yes, there are hard days, but I am grateful for the fun personalities, huge smiles, nights of sleep, laughter for no reason, bright blue eyes, kids reaching up for me, the sounds of "mama" and "dada", and new discoveries daily!

Ryleigh Belle you are our sunshine! You are so full of personality! We can already see the leader in you! Your eyes grab the attention of everyone around, and they sparkle with every grin. You have a take charge / go get'em attitude. We pray that God will use this personality to reach many for Him and minister to those around you as you grow older. You are pulling up on everything and can walk sideways while holding onto things. You talk constantly (no comments from daddy please) saying "mama", "dada", and "gah". You are learning to wave too. You no longer army crawl and can get around very fast on your hands and knees! We love you sweet girl!

Ave-man you are our cuddlebug! You are so laid back and take life in stride! You are so much like your daddy it is crazy! Your smile captures the heart of everyone around you! Your eyes sparkle too! We pray that God will use your love for others and sweet spirit to spread the love of Christ to all that you come in contact with as you grow older! You are starting to pull up on things now. Sometimes you are just content to stay on your knees, but if you want something you will go all the way to your feet. You like to say "mama" and "dada". Other sounds come out as well. You give the sweetest kisses! You get around pretty fast using the army crawl! We love you buddy!

We have survived a year! I know that there is no way I could have made it without first our God, my awesome hands-on husband that is very involved, my mom who watches the kids almost weekly, and other friends and family that pitch in to help! We are also so grateful for a wonderful sitter while I work. Deborah, we love and appreciate you!

Last Saturday we celebrated the kids' birthday with lots of family, friends, food, fellowship, and gifts! It was a great day!

We serve an awesome God - in the good and the bad!

The last week and a half have been so emotional. I have felt so convicted over being in a crummy mood because snow messed up my plans the other weekend. So many people are facing extremely trying and heartbreaking times, and I was upset over missing a gymnastics meet!

Last Monday, one of my sister's best friends was admitted into ICU with double pneumonia. This young lady is usually a picture of health and it is still hard to believe she is so sick. The week was a roller coaster ride for her family and friends. As I sat with Dana at the hospital I was amazed at the faith this family has and how when things seemed to be crashing they still had their eyes on Jesus and placed their hope and trust in Him. She is still in ICU and needs our prayers. Yesterday the family got some encouragement from 2 doctors. Keep praying for this young lady, her parents, sister and brother-in-law, extended family, and friends. As a big sister I also ask that you pray for my sister Dana as you can imagine this is hard on her as she watches her friend struggle.

Friday evening Dana and Adam were coming over to our house for dinner and Wii. Rando got called out on a horrible chaplaincy call that would just break your heart. Not too long later we learned that one of our college students, Justin John, had passed away after a very long battle with cancer. The 4 of us were saddened, but also rejoicing in the fact that he was no longer in pain. Justin is now in the presence of our Lord.

On a positive note we had a dear friend and one of our former youth give birth to a healthy baby boy. We got to go visit with them and hold this precious baby Saturday night. Friday night some of our good friends told us they were having a baby girl!

I say all this because I have been reminded over and over lately that our God (the 1 true and holy God)never leaves us. He never changes, and He never loses control. We can trust Him in every aspect of life: sickness, death, parenting, work issues, ministry, and anything else we may face.

I do not understand how people go through life without Christ! If you do not have a relationship with Christ talk to one of us or a Christian friend/relative. He loves you and wants to have a relationship with you!

GymDogs 2010

4 years ago for Valentine's Day Rando surprised me with tickets to see the University of Georgia's gymnastics team compete. He had no idea how expensive this gift would end up being. 4 years later we are season ticket holders and hope to add the kids next year to our season tickets. We love it (and yes I said we)! It is amazing how athletic and incredible these ladies are. They have won 5 straight National Championships and even though this is a rebuilding year we have posted the 2nd highest score in NCAA this year!

Before the season started we got to go to a Meet and Greet with the team. We took mom and dad with us because they are always so good to take us to fun things. A few years ago we took dad to a meet kicking and screaming and now he wants season tickets too! We also met my "second parents" Hank and Debbie at the Meet and Greet. It was fun to get to talk to the girls and get a behind the scenes perspective from the new coach. Afterwards we enjoyed a steak dinner with mom and dad and The Maxwells!

Most meets we are using as date nights, but on February 5th we decided to take the kids to their first meet. I was nervous about this b/c having 2 we do not have any extra hands when we go out just the 4 of us! They were exceptional! They both loved watching the people around them and the girls perform. During the floor routines they danced to some of the music. Avery who usually is not our waver waved at Hairy Dawg. Hairy came over and held Avery for a picture.

We are looking forward to many more years of making memories while enjoying some good gymnastics and cheering on the Bulldogs!

Babies' First Christmas

As a kid you think Christmas could not get any better. Well, it does! What a joy to see Christmas through the eyes of your kids! They do not understand the true meaning yet of course, but I pray that one day they will understand that we give gifts and bless others because we have been given the greatest gift of all - Jesus. He truly is what Christmas is ALL about.

The kids loved Christmas. They actually opened many of their presents and played with the toys. Of course there was some eating of paper and playing with boxes as well. We were blessed to get to spend time with both sides of our family and lots of friends! I can't wait until next year when the kids understand a little more!

Been a long time so I will back all the way up: November 09

During the month of November the kids found a new love: Hockey! Dad was given box seats for the Gladiators and we enjoyed a great night with family and friends! The box was perfect for the kids because there was plenty of space for them to crawl around and play. Ryleigh's eyes were glued to the ice though. We may have a future hockey player on our hands!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We spent some time at Rando's parents (mammaw and pappaw) and then rode over to Alabama so the kids could meet the rest of Rando's family. It was a great time to catch up! Of course the kids got spoiled and we ate some good food. We drove home late that night.

On Friday, the kids got to meet my Aunt Mae (actually she is my dad's aunt and my great-aunt). She has always been like a grandmother to us. Her son Ernie and his wife were there as well.

On Saturday, we enjoyed the GA/GA Tech game with some great college/20's students at church! Of course we enjoyed the outcome as well!

We closed out November with pictures with Santa. The kids did great! Avery got tired of Santa fast and Ryleigh stared him down trying to figure out what the deal was with the beard!

Weekend Getaway - Oct. 9-12

Back in August I surprised Rando with tickets to the GA/TN game. Included in the gift was a cabin in the mountains, use of my mom's convertible, and other bulldog stuff. It worked out that the Friday before the game ended up being a furlough day for me so we got to leave earlier to enjoy some time shopping in Athens and then riding through the mountains.

At the game we got to see Rando's Aunt Debbie and my brother and sister (of course we see the 2 of them a lot but it was still fun to hang out with them). Dana and Adam actually got to sit with us. We would have liked to have seen a bulldog win, but we still had a great time!

The cabin was incredible! It was nice to relax and spend time just the 2 of us. We love our kids, but we also know it is vitally important that we keep our relationship strong! We ate lots of good food and did some shopping. We also got in a game of putt-putt. On the way home we made sure to stop and eat at the Dillard House. Thank you mom and dad for watching the kids so we could enjoy this time!

Halloween 09

Before I share about our Halloween I have to boast about my dad! Thursday at about 11:30 am he left Athens, GA on a bicycle (not a motorcycle) on a mission to ride to Jacksonville, FL! Several other HBC staff members joined numerous UGA Baptist Collegiate Ministries' students for the 2009 Ride for Christ - all proceeds going to send college students on the mission field this summer! Friday night dad pulled up to the Jacksonville City Limits still on his bike to a crowd of college students cheering him on! He rode 300 miles in 29 hours and 30 min. He was the only one to ride the whole 300 miles! This is a HUGE accomplishment! We are very proud of him! Of course Rando made sure we knew that he and Chip Cranford went 400 miles (in the support van).

While daddy, granddaddy, and Uncle Adam were enjoying (if that is what you want to call it) the GA/FL game Avery and Ryleigh transformed into Mickey and Minnie Mouse. They were precious! Ryleigh didn't like the getting dressed part, but she LOVED the attention later. Avery got tired of his costume after about 30 minutes at the Fall Festival. We just walked around and talked to people. Due to the rain the festival was moved indoors and the petting zoo animals didn't come. That was the only think that my kids could have done, but they enjoyed the people watching instead! They did get to see their friend Raleigh who was also Minnie Mouse.

Mickey and Minnie had fun with mommy, Aunt Dana, and grandma. After the festival we went to see Great Granny and Great Granddaddy Wynn! They gave lots of kisses to Mickey and Minnie!

It was a fun evening. Of course we wish the dawgs had won and that daddy could have seen them in their costumes, but we know he was helping raise money to send out missionaries this summer!

Happy 6 Month B-day: October 3, 2009

Avery and Ryleigh,

I cannot believe you guys are 1/2 a year old! You are so much fun and make every day exciting! I am truly blessed to be your mom!

Ryleigh, our first born:
You have a laugh that is contagious! You want all of the attention and we love to give it to you! You are a beautiful little girl! I love your BIG blue eyes that you get from your Aunt Dana. You are daddy's girl for sure, but you love your time with me too. You don't like to sleep because you are afraid you will miss out on something. I hear that you get that from me :o) You LOVE dogs. Whenever Noodle or Homer are nearby they have your full attention. You enjoy laughing at them and when they let you you enjoy petting them. You know how to get what you want whether it be by batting your long eye lashes or screaming. You are so close to crawling. You get frustrated with not being able to crawl. You still have a love for baseball, but you also like to watch Sid the Science Kid and football (especially the Dawgs). We are looking forward to all you will learn and do in the coming months! We love you so much and are blessed to be called your parents!

Avery, our little man:
Your smile melts my heart! You love to flirt and the girls seem to love you! You are so handsome! You are our laid back child. You love to observe and take things in. I think you get this from your daddy. There is no doubt that you are mommy's boy! You love playing rough and "flying" with daddy too though. You are always reaching out for Noodle and want her to cuddle with you so bad. You are also close to crawling. You are rolling everywhere. Just today you rolled up under my bed so that 1/2 of your body was under the bed and the other 1/2 was out. You are too cute! You love to watch Sid the Science Kid and football. You like cheering on the bulldogs with mommy! We love you so much and are excited about all that you will be learning and doing in the next few months. You are a true blessing to us!

Avery and Ryleigh, we love you both! You are both so different, but yet similar at the same time! You bring so much fun into our lives. Your daddy and I know that we are truly blessed to have such easy and good babies! We love you so much!

Busy Busy Busy

So I have not had a spare second to blog in forever. I really don't have the time now, but I have 2 rollers so during floor time I can't leave the room. I never imagined working with kids would be as hard as it has been! I knew I would be fine emotionally, and I have been in regards to separation from the kids. I never realized how much of a perfectionist I was at work and not being perfect would tear me apart!

I spent the first 3-4 weeks of school trying to figure out how I could quit. I have NEVER wanted to be a stay at home mom, but I was so down about not being able to be the best teacher that I was ready to walk out the door. Don't get me wrong... I love my school, coworkers, administration, and I have great students this year.

I am use to being able to work until 6 or 7 to have everything ready and be on top of things daily. Well, I can't stay past 3:30 most days with an occasional late day of working until 5 or 6. It has been a very hard adjustment for me.

All that being said, I love my children and wouldn't trade them for the world. In fact, after having our 2 flood days I know that I could be a stay at home mom even when I thought I never could be. I know that God has me where I am for a purpose. I just have to learn to balance the kids, work, and time with Rando better!

Happy Birthday America

We celebrated the 4th in grand style! We loaded up the car, met mom, dad, Dana, and Adam, and headed to Gratis, GA. You are probably asking where Gratis is. It is in the middle of nowhere in Walton County (where we live). Gratis only has a gas station/general store. They have a jar out all year long to collect money for the fireworks.

Mom had fried chicken, chips, desserts, and drinks ready for us! Rando brought the entertainment - tailgating games! We had friends come with their families and they hung out with us at our tent.

I was amazed at how intrigued my kids were with the fireworks. They loved it!

We are so blessed to live in a nation where we are free! I pray that we never lose sight of how we got our freedom. Thank you to the many men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I am also grateful for my savior that laid down His life for my freedom from sin and death!

3 mths

WOW! I cannot believe my babies are 3 months old! The time has flown by. Managing 2 babies (and a husband) is getting easier by the day! Of course there are bad days where we take a few steps back, but overall things are going great! I love being a mom! Rando is a wonderful dad and jumps in to do whatever is needed!

Ryleigh Lynn:

Ryleigh loves baseball! She glues her eyes to the TV when the Braves are playing. She loves to swing in her swing as well. There is no doubt she is daddy's girl! She enjoys cuddling with him! She is most amused by looking at herself in the mirror. It is funny to watch her look at herself for hours. Her favorite toy is her Taggie (a glorified blanket). Ryleigh loves to eat. She doesn't waste food. She is now eating about 8oz at most feedings. Ryleigh is full of smiles! She looks just like Aunt Dana and is her little mini-me (oh my...Dana was a pistol as a kid).

Avery Lavon:

Avery loves Baby Einstein. He has also started showing interest in baseball. He likes to swing, but he seems to enjoy the rocking chair the most. He is mommy's boy! He loves to curl up on mommy! He enjoys looking at the dog on their play mat. His favorite toy is also the Taggie. Avery doesn't eat as much as Ryleigh. He eats about 5-6 oz each feeding. He has started to smile lately. His smiles will melt your heart! He is his Great-granddaddy's buddy!

Both kids are unique but loved equally! We are so blessed by them! Enjoy the slide show of their first few months!

Happy Father's Day (and Mother's Day)

For some reason I have been too busy to blog (hmmmmm probably the 2 kids I have now). I usually get to type with one hand and just can't do a whole blog that way. I never got around to doing a mother's day blog so I will combine the two.

First, I have to talk about the newest father in my life! Rando is an incredible dad to Avery and Ryleigh. Every night he stays up late to help with the last feeding. He changes diapers, makes bottles, plays, and holds the kids. It is so much fun watching him be a dad. Before Avery and Ryleigh were born he had never been around a baby - much less 2 at a time. You would never know it. The next thing I have to teach him is how to do bath time! God truly blessed me with Rando 8 years ago and he is a blessing to our kids as well!

Now I want to thank my parents for the millions of things they have done for me!

1. They have always loved unconditionally. I was not perfect (even though I like to claim I was the perfect child but we all know that is not true), but they loved me in the good and bad times!

2. They let us be kids! We never had to be the "perfect little preacher's kids". We were able to be a part of our community through school, sports, activities, and church of course.

3. They prayed for us before we were even born and never quit. They prayed for my spouse and God answered far beyond our imaginations!

4. They raised us in a wonderful church!

5. As dad preached about yesterday they were practical. Biblical principals were taught each and every day through their lives and the events of our lives.

6. My dad let me travel with him which meant more than he will ever know! I have gone all over North Georgia with him as he spoke in churches. I enjoyed that special daddy/daughter time! As I grew older and moved off he also allowed me to join him for staff lunch when I was in town.

7. My mom taught me the role of the pastor's wife. Pastor's wives do not have to be involved in every ministry the church offers (many churches expect this). Our role is to support our husband, be the constant in the home, create a loving and refreshing environment for him to come home to, pray for him, and support his ministry.

8. I'll never forget the day dad met me at softball practice with a ticket to a Braves playoff game. He had been given this ticket to go with some of the staff. He knew my love for baseball and surprised me with it. I spent the evening with some of the Hebron staff at the game while dad stayed back in Dacula! He could have given that coveted ticket to anyone, but he chose to give it to me!

9. They were at every ball game, awards ceremony, and church program possible. I always had the best dressed dad at Friday and Saturday games as he would come in his suits/tuxes before or after weddings. Mom drove all over Gwinnett and surrounding counties to get the 3 of us where we needed to be! They sacrificed so much so that we could be involved in the things we loved!

10. They are wonderful grandparents! I enjoy watching them with the kids. Mom has that special touch to calm a fussy baby and dad seems to make the kids giggle!

I am truly blessed by a wonderful husband and awesome parents! Thank you God for these blessings and so many more!

Thank you

WOW! We have been so blessed by our church family, friends, and family. The meals, cards, gifts, extra hands, and especially prayers have been greatly appreciated! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!

Introducing Avery and Ryleigh

This post is long overdue, but as you can imagine life is pretty busy now!

On April 3, 2009 our restful Friday quickly turned into a very eventful and exciting day when Ryleigh broke her water. Rando's response was priceless when I told him. We soon headed to Emory Eastside and at 2:53 pm welcomed Ryleigh Lynn into the world. 2 minutes later we welcomed Avery Lavon. Ryleigh weighed 4 lbs 7.4 oz and was 17 1/4 in.long. Avery weighed 5 lbs 6.6 oz and was 18 3/4 in. long. The c-section went smooth and was a neat experience. I had never had any type of surgery before. Avery struggled with breathing so he was taken to the NICU. Ryleigh went on to our room with her daddy while I spent time in recovery.

As you can imagine our families were ecstatic! Ryleigh got lots of attention that first day. Later in the day Rando and both sets of grandparents got to go see Avery in the NICU. After everyone left for the evening (except for Rando) my blood pressure shot up and my kidneys began to fail. We got wheeled back to labor and delivery and I was given several medications including magnesium. The biggest problem with this was I wasn't allowed out of bed so I couldn't go see Avery. One benefit was that Rando had no choice but to change diapers so he got to change his first diaper ever when Ryleigh had a dirty and no one else was around.

Early Sunday morning I came off of my magnesium and an hour later I got to spend time with Avery. Throughout the pregnancy I tried to prepare myself for the possibility of NICU and coming home without my babies, but nothing can prepare you for what you see in the NICU. Needless to say I was a mess. God blessed me with a precious nurse that hugged on me and encouraged me. Rando was at home that night b/c we had some things left undone and my mom had to stay in the room with Ryleigh.

On Tuesday, April 7th we took Ryleigh home from the hospital. It was very difficult leaving Avery behind, but as I look back it was a blessing to have some time to get use to having 1 baby at home. We spent the next 3 days going back and forth to the hospital. My dad, grandparents, and mom took turns babysitting Ryleigh in the waiting room while we spent time with our little man.

On Friday, April 10th Avery was released from the hospital. It was so neat to finally get to hold both babies at once. I am getting emotional right now just thinking about that moment. God has truly blessed us! We drove home as a family of 4!

Life is crazy, but we wouldn't trade it for the world!

Avery in NICU



Ryleigh



Their first night in bed



1st family picture

What I've learned during this pregnancy...

1. Our God knows what is best and when. If I had been told 2 years ago (when we started trying to have a baby) that I was having twins I would have cried for days. We weren't ready in many ways at that time. So many things happened this summer that made becoming pregnant and TWINS so much easier!

2. God has blessed me with the most amazing husband in the world. I already knew that, but now I am getting to see him as a daddy (even before the babies are here). Last night I came home and he had bought the book shelf I've been looking for for weeks. He also surprised me with a precious outfit for both babies! He loves putting their toys and necessities together and loves on me! I am very blessed!

3. 5 years ago I didn't understand why God told us not to move to Florida (I was ready for the beach), but now I know!!!! I am so fortunate to live 20 min. from mom and dad and then to work only 5 min. from their house! I don't know how we would have made it in Florida. Not to mention, we are now serving under the same great couple we would have been with in Florida!

4. I am blessed with incredible parents who have blessed us time and time again! I am sure dad has no idea what mom has spent (and lets keep it that way)! He has enjoyed going to Babies R Us and even picked out the gifts for one of the showers. Mom sent/brought very practical gifts to almost every shower. She is in trouble for the last one b/c I specifically told her NO more gifts! She listened to me as well as I listened to her as a teenager. I guess we've kept them waiting 8 years so they are enjoying this!

5. My sister is so patient and will make a great aunt (Adam will be a great uncle too). I know Dana had to get tired of going to showers, but she came to many of them to support me and her niece and nephew.

6. Gestational Diabetes is not as bad as I had feared. I've learned the tricks and can actually eat Chick-fil-A! Water has become my best friend b/c it washes sugar away!

7. There is no greater feeling that the kicks of my babies. This is probably the only time in my life I actually pray for them to kick me (that is how I know everything is okay). If they kick me a year from now there will be some trouble!

8. RLA and ALA (our babies) already crack me up. I sometimes just sit back and laugh as they are kicking and I believe must be playing together!

9. ALA gets tired of his sister b/c we saw him kick her during an ultrasound (and I felt it as she was kicked into my bladder).

10. We are so blessed with MANY incredible friends, family, and a 2nd to none church family! We have received everything these babies physically need through either the actual gifts or gift cards! It all started by a great shower thrown by Rando's parents and friends in NW GA and has continued daily! God has provided for our needs through wonderful people!

11. Harbins Elementary is the best school, and I'm very blessed that God placed me there! I have such a great support team around me! It is like a family and that is not found at all schools!

12. Missing Braves Opening Day is not the end of the world :o) Of course I'm not sure what I would do if I were due in the fall b/c I don't know if I could turn down GA tickets. Of course I am kidding! I am very excited about life with kids and know that our priorities and dates will be changing. Well, it is also easier knowing that mom is closeby and has offered to babysit when we get GA tickets!

13. It is actually possible to lose weight during pregnancy. If this continues we may have many more kids (Rando tells me to slow my hormones down). Seriously, I feel great and the diabetes has helped me to take better care of myself. After the initial binge of Dr. Pepper and fries (b/c my first few meals are planned out) I do think I will be more conscientious of what I eat b/c I now know that without these things I feel so good about myself.

14. The doctors that say to continue exercising even this late into pregnancy have never been pregnant. As good as I feel there is no way I could go walk the neighborhood right now!

15. This parenting thing is going to be a learn as we go thing! We are thankful God will be there to guide us and He has surrounded us with 2 wonderful sets of parents, incredible grandparents, siblings, church family, coworkers, friends, and extended family members that love, support, and pray for us!

Okay... enough of that. Maybe this is what Rando means when he says I have been a little emotional. Of course he was smart to say that it is not the crying and mood swing emotion but being sensitive, desiring to be close to him, and thought provoking emotional times.

Thank you all for your prayers and love!

More Pictures