I never imagined...

my heart would have room for two beautiful boys.





But then you came along...

and swept me off my feet...

just like Daddy...

Blessed

My sister and her sweet friend hosted baby shower #1 for me this weekend. It was awesome. It was so special to be able to share this special time with old and new friends. This baby boy is definitely loved. If he came tomorrow...he would be set.


My very talented friend painted this for Mason. I LOVE it. It matches his room to the T and is going to look so sweet on the hospital door.


These sweet girls were the best little helpers. At this particular moment, Ainsley was knocking on my belly trying to find Mason. They just knew he was under my dress somewhere...they even tried to have a look or two.

Shane was such a sweet boy. He was so excited to see me open the gifts. Seems like yesterday that I was able to hold his little behind in my arms. Where has the time gone?

The Sallis crew. Love these sweet girls.






Sweet Lindsey and I had a little photo shoot at the end of the shower. Little did I know that I would end up with my maternity pictures by the end of the day. How talented is she?! I am so blessed to have these sweet ladies in my life. They made this day extra special for me and I know that I definitely have two super moms to call for advice after this sweet boy gets here. I spent the entire evening after the shower washing baby clothes and organizing his room. I am beyond excited. I am beyond ready.

I am blessed.

We will be 31 weeks Wednesday. Time really has flown by. My little belly bug has grown lots over the past month. According to my babycenter update...I am carrying a baby that matches the weight of four navel oranges. He should weigh about 3 1/2 pounds this week. The doc said he is measuring a few days early, so possibly a little more. To be honest, I thought they were going to tell me he already weighs a big 5 pounds at my last appointment. I just keep thinking he is going to be a "big un" (as my sweet, country husband says).

We are getting his nursery ready. We got his crib. Blake put it together all by himself and is so proud. It is precious. We have a dresser/changing table that was actually Blake's when he was a baby so it is super special. I am having my Dad sand and stain it to match the crib. I can't wait to see the end result and I will post pics.

I am beyond ready to meet this little boy. The dreams have started again. Just last night, I dreamed about the hospital and labor and him in my arms. Oh, how sweet this day will be. I don't think anyone has stared at these 4d sono pics as much as I have. Every time I look at them, my heart melts. I already want so much for my sweet man. I already want to give him the world.

I can't wait to see my precious husband hold him in his arms. He is going to be a father. My son's father. The best father. I have no doubt in my mind. I am so excited that I get to share this sweet bundle of joy with him.

The countdown has begun....we have 9 weeks to go. Doesn't that sound so much better than 2 months?

Sweetness

11 more weeks and I get to kiss this sweet face. Thank you, Lord, for such a sweet blessing.

Flood Update

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Matthew 6:25-27

Our world has been rocked over the past few weeks. Completely turned upside down. Something we were not prepared for...in any way...what so ever.

But God has been good to us. So very good to us.

Blake and I found out that we had to evacuate our home in a day's notice. I can't even begin to explain how I felt when I got the news. Honestly....numb is the only word that comes to mind. Looking back now, I can just remember sitting at our house, staring at the wall...thinking about where I should start? What should we take? Thinking. Not moving. Not doing a thing.

Blake was still having to work in the midst of all this craziness so the pressure was on to get it done in the best way I could. Can we say stressed? God bless our families. Blake's Mom came and helped out with the smaller things and my Dad rented a truck and brought a crew and packed up all of the big stuff. I didn't lift a finger. Bless him.

In a matter of two days, the entire first 2 1/2 years of our marriage were packed in boxes and hauled to Sallis. Of course, I am thrilled to be back home. So happy. But I honestly never imagined we would be back home due to these circumstances. Amazingly, the crazy, high strung, easily stressed Ashlee that I know myself to be....has been completely calm and at peace throughout this entire process. God is good. We had a house to move right into and tons of help to do it. Everything seems to be falling into place. I give all the credit to God.

Thank you, Lord, for loving us unconditionally. You have never failed us. You continue to amaze me every day. I love you with my whole heart. Amen.

Flood Ahead

When I moved to the lake to be with Blake as he started his new job at a hunting lodge near the MS River, I had no idea that I would soon be surrounded with river water. The MS river had risen drastically and we were having to drive to town on a levee within the first 2 weeks that I moved there. Our drive to the nearest grocery store is about 35 miles-- so imagine how long it takes on a bumpy, gravel levee where cows have the right away! It was terrible. Animals that once roamed all the land available to them, were now bunched up on the few tiny spaces that were not flooded with water. Homes were literally under water. So sad. Thankfully, the water did not reach our home that is NOT on stilts like most homes here are.

It looks like the worst is yet to come as far as flooding goes in the next few weeks. It has been all over the news and they are already warning us that our homes could possibly be flooded. I desperately hope this does not happen, but at least we have a "heads up". Please keep us and all of the residents here in your prayers as we prepare for this historic event. To learn more I have posted a link below:
Forecasters predict record flooding along MS River - WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS:

Today has been a beautiful day. We would have loved to have been able to make it home this weekend but this past month of driving back and forth has literally tired me out. Living out of my suitcase was getting a little irritating...so, we took the weekend off and stayed on the lake. We started it off by attending the service at Eagle Lake Baptist. Came home and relaxed for a bit. Then we headed to the lodge and did a little fishing. Well, Blake did some fishing and Missy and I lounged on my lawn chair and read a book. I wish I had some pictures to share but my camera is broken. Hoping to get a new one before little man arrives anyway :) Speaking of little man....I ordered his coming home outfit today. Of course, you already know....It is camo. His Daddy is so proud.

Now, we're back at home...watching a good game between the Braves and the Giants and frying up some deer meat. One craving that has not faded since I have been pregnant is fried deer meat! I wish I could post the scent of my house in this blog right now for you. It is amazing.

We plan on being pretty lazy for the rest of the evening. Blake has tomorrow off so we are hoping to finish cleaning out the extra bedrooms. I have no clue how we have managed to acquire so much "junk" over the years.

It's hard to believe that this time next year we will be celebrating Easter with our baby. Although I cannot wait to shower him with precious gifts from the "Easter Bunny", I hope to instill in him the true meaning of Easter. Our Savior died so that we may live and continues to bless us although we are nowhere near perfect or deserving. I am so proud to be a child of God...especially today.
Happy Easter!