A Lot Going On...

We have had a lot going on!!! First of all, Justin graduated from Auburn University with his Masters in Biology. He is now officially a PhD student at Clemson University. We are so proud of his accomplishments. The last 3 years have flown by and I can't believe it's time to begin this new chapter in our lives.

This past weekend we had the opportunity to go to Wilmington, NC (my favorite place ever) to watch Jillian graduate from UNCW's nursing school and have Jude's first beach trip. We were able to visit my wonderful roommates from college (who were willing to drive all the way from Greensboro and Raliegh just to meet Jude) as well as other friends, including the Alberts clan. Above is sweet Kyle meeting Jude. They loved each other. Kyle kept putting his finger near Jude's mouth and saying "Charlie bit me" (the You Tube video clip). It was so cute.

Jude celebrated his 2 month birthday while in Wilmington. He was a trooper at the beach! He looked absolutely adorable in his beach hat and sunglasses. He did not like the freezing water, but he liked playing and sleeping on the beach towels under the pier.

We had a beautiful beach weekend and it really made me miss being in Wilmington. If we ever had the opportunity to move back, I would in a heart beat! (As you can see, had to get a tankini for this summer...Not sure if my tummy will ever be the same, but the outcome was totally worth it. Hopefully the Shred and P90X ab ripper will help...I don't know though, I think I just ate 10 oreos.)

Even though the beach visit with family and friends was wonderful, the most wonderful thing was celebrating in Jillian's graduation. She has worked so hard and we are so very proud of her! She graduated as a North Carolina Nursing Scholar and is officially a nurse at Duke University Medical Hospital in the Pediatric Bone Marrow Unit. Needless to say, she's going to really make a difference in the lives of those sick babies.

Here is Jillian getting officially pinned as a nurse...we are so proud of you!

I am finishing out the school year at AHS this week and next Monday-Wednesda and preparing for a visit to meet Mamaw Peggy and the family in Tennessee over Memorial Day weekend! So excited!

Happy Mother's Day

My Mom, holding Jude at the park...candid shot...

Snuggling with my little man

This year Mother's Day is definitely something different for me. I am so extremely blessed to be able to have the title of "Mommy" this year to sweet baby Jude! Last Mother's Day was very difficult. We had lost our first baby in January and had had 3 negative pregnancy tests by this time. I was very much struggling with "why me" and "what did I do wrong" and I selfishly did not want to celebrate other mothers that were able to hold their babies in their arms. Fortunately, the Lord covered me with His grace and peace during that time and I had a lot of support and encouragement from family and friends that helped pull me through. I now know that there is nothing I did wrong, or right, to deserve being a mother. God has chosen to bless me and I pray for the strength and wisdom to train Jude up in His word.

I also want to say "thank you" to my own mother, who has stood by me in every step I've ever took. I can't think of a time when my Mom did not support and encourage me to follow my dreams and hold me accountable when I wavered. I also have 2 wonderful grandmothers whom I love very much and adore! My Mimmie went to be with Jesus in November of 2006 but I have the blessing of keeping my Mamaw here with me for a while longer. These 3 women certainly were used by the Lord to continue a legacy of faith that I pray continues in the next generations.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there...never forget to thank God for our belssings!

Sore...

Whew...well, as of yesterday, I am officially beginning to "tone up" again. For the last 10 1/2 months, I have "maintained", which I've been pleased with, but I'm ready for a challenge. We found out in mid July last year that Jude was coming and I had all intentions on keeping my regular work out routine at least through the 1st trimester and easing up accordingly, as recommended. However, due to some pretty large ovarian cysts, I had to stop jogging and doing any kind of sharp movements and lower my weights at only 8 weeks pregnant.

Fortunately, I kept with my daily walks, my super cheesy Denise Austin pregnancy weight lifting video, and my pregnancy yoga (which I loved) and on D-day, had only gained 27 lbs. I really did feel great through out my whole pregnancy and I think staying active helped a lot! I am now down to within 5 lbs of my start weight, but let's be honest, things definitely look different, haha.

Pregnancy was totally worth it, but I can say that I am ready to really sweat, feel the burn, and be sore...well sore I am. Yesterday I broke out my old "The Shred" video with Jillian Michaels and my inner thighs and shoulders are feeling it today. It wasn't as hard as I was afraid of, but my lungs definitely need some serious work! Any who, I'm officially sore today and ready to get back in the real grove of things...whoop whoop!