New Stuff!

We went to Wal-Mart today and picked up our first baby items. Mom and Dad McCollum bought Rachel her travel system (stroller/car seat) and Mom and Dad Nieter got her her crib. Our awesome neighbor helped Dustin unload the car and offered his help in putting anything together if we needed him! The crib is not put up, so we don't have pictures of that.

We love the stroller... it's easy to fold up and isn't very heavy. Don't worry, I didn't lift it!

Zoe was sniffing around, making sure it's up to her standards!

"I think my world's about to change."

19 Weeks!

Rachel Elizabeth McCollum!

Here we are at 19 weeks. It's getting a little harder to sit and lean forward! Still feeling good. We're getting really excited that school is ending so we can get stuff done in the nursery!

Memorial Day Weekend

We had kind of a crazy Memorial Day Weekend. Dustin was in Chicago with the band and I didn't want to stay in Roanoke by myself so I went to Chesapeake. It was a fun and busy weekend! Saturday I went to the beach and got just a little sunburned on my legs... oops, forgot sunscreen on them! Mom, Dad, Zoe and I went down to the Dismal Swamp and I rode in Dad's kayak for a few minutes. So relaxing. Mom and I went strawberry picking on Monday before I came home. We got a little muddy, but it was worth it. Nothing quite like fresh picked strawberries!

Blake wanted to give his cousin a hug goodbye before we left!

Blake thought Zoe's bed was a fun tent!

Mom and Zoe watching Dad in the Kayak.

On my way back in. Zoe missed me, she tried to swim out to get me when I was heading out!

Blake had just eaten some sand along with an animal cracker!

Blessing!

One of our pastors and his wife (Moe and Melissa) had a baby girl last November. They were going to put all of their baby things in a yard sale, but Melissa said she felt like these were meant for someone. She knew it was us when I saw her in church last week and told her we were having a girl! Their daughter will be 11 months older than ours so the seasons match perfectly for all the clothes!

Not that I ever doubted, but God is taking care of us by providing a great church with such caring and loving people in it!

Zoe

Zoe has been a little clingy lately. I think she knows something is going on, but not quite sure what yet.

We've figured out that when we talk about "getting ready," Zoe knows it's time for her to go to bed. She just gets in there without us having to say anything directly to her.

We brought the bassinet downstairs and Zoe just rested her head on the side of it. We think she might be a little protective of her little sister!

18 Weeks!

I've been feeling really good this past week. Half way! I don't know if I'm more excited or nervous about that. Excited that she'll be here soon, but nervous because there's so much to do!

It's a Girl!

We are excited to finally know that we are going to have a girl! Both mom's were able to come into town for the ultrasound. We almost did not get to find out this visit, so I am thankful that everything worked out. After the nurse came in and took my blood pressure, she looked at my chart and said, "It looks like your next visit, we'll get to see if you're having a boy or girl." They had not scheduled the ultrasound! I told the nurse that both moms were from out of town and were in for this. The doctor came in and told us that she had to beg and bribe with zucchini bread, but the technicians would squeeze me in! Whew!

The doctor said everything looked great. The baby was not too interested in letting us see her face, but we managed to get a few pictures. (She didn't mind showing us her little bottom though!) She is 9 oz and about 5 in. long ... right on track!

On Saturday, Dustin and his dad (Dad Nieter couldn't make it:-( ) sanded and painted my old furniture... it looks great so far... while all the girls went and registered for baby things. (Burlington coat factory and Wal-Mart). We all had a great time!

She was a little shy, but after poking, we got to see her little face!

Thumb sucker!

All curled up... what a cutie!

After church on Sunday

First Family portrait!

Looking at his baby girl!