Sunday, December 12, 2010

Ford Christmas 2010...

I usually go ALL OUT for decorating for Christmas. Being a full time Christmas decorator would be my DREAM JOB! This year, though, I am 27 weeks pregnant, and I did NOT have the energy to decorate quite like I have in the past, but the following pictures are what my house is SUPPOSED to look like at Christmastime...

I am a HUGE bubble bath person, so I really like having a tree in my bathroom to look at every night when I'm soaking in the tub...


Master Bedroom...
This is our "travel tree". Michael and I really enjoy traveling, so this tree has pictures, ornaments, hotel keys, etc. from every trip we have taken together...
Mudroom...
Living Room...

Kitchen...
and this is what it looks like THIS year :( ...
Lilly's nursery is nowhere NEAR complete, but she would NOT be my child if she didn't have a tree in her room as well!


The Chaucey Clause...

I tried to have a little Christmas photo shoot with Chaucer today, but someone was NOT in the Christmas spirit.
Sweet Baby Chaucey Clause...

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Fall Beach Trip: What a Difference a Year Makes

Fall Beach Trip 2009

Fall Beach Trip 2010
Michael and I have made it a tradition to go to Gulf Shores, AL each November. The main purpose of this trip is for me to knock out 95% of my Christmas shopping in about two days time. We also love it because the weather is beautiful and the crowds are slim.
What no one knows is that the 2009 beach picture is also the morning we found out that we were pregnant with our 4th child. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, we lost that precious child just as we had lost the first three.
Yes, this current pregnancy is our 5th, and although we never wanted to lose a baby, I am so thankful that God led us through this journey because I now have a totally different perspective on life. There were many, MANY days that I repeatedly asked, "Why, God?". There were many days that I had to walk away from a situation or conversation because I was overcome with emotion and pain. There were many days when I would cry all the way home from work because I did not understand how someone could not want a precious child that they had been blessed with or how they could have healthy child after healthy child and do drugs their entire pregnancy...I was doing everything perfect. What was wrong with me? There were many days that I prayed for a negative pregnancy test because I was afraid of the sadness that had always followed a positive one.
Now, though, I can see the picture so clearly. Michael and I were not ready for a child two years ago. We were not ready as husband and wife to add another part to the equation, and we were not ready spiritually, financially...I could go on and on.
Since beginning our journey through pregnancy loss, I have been bombarded by texts, phone calls, emails, etc. from others who are experiencing the same thing, and in NO WAY do I think this is by mistake. I have had the opportunity to share our story with many people, and to share the ultimate message that God's plan for each of us is so perfect. I know that it may not sink in with them immediately, but my prayer is that it will at least get them through. Those days when I was overcome with fear, sadness, etc. that is the phrase that I would repeat to myself hundreds of times each day. God's plan is so perfect... God's plan is so perfect... God's plan is so perfect... It was the only thing that got me through.
The following picture speaks volumes to me. Now, 25 weeks pregnant with our healthy, precious Lilly Blair. We now know how precious life is and how TRULY GREAT our God is. We are SO ready now, and we can say without a doubt that God's plan for us to become parents was truly perfect...


I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy November...

18 weeks...

17 weeks...

16 weeks...

Unfortunately, the 16 week picture is lost somewhere on the external hard drive. Hoping to find it soon :(

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

It's a GIRL!!!...

Meet Lilly Blair Ford...



Technical Difficulties...

I know I'm running WAY behind on my weekly updates. My computer crashed last week, and my 16 week picture is currently safe on the external hard drive, but I have no way of retrieving it at this point. I will be catching up ASAP. We are going this morning for our detailed ultrasound. Can't wait to see that sweet face, and I'm hoping it will cooperate so we will know boy or girl. Most of all I'm just praying for perfectly healthy...  

Will update tonight!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

15 Weeks...


The highlight of this week was feeling LillyClark move for the first time. It is the best feeling ever, and it has made me even more thankful for this wonderful blessing God has given us! Every time I feel this precious miracle move, it is a reminder that we owe all of the praise to Him. His plan for us to have a child was SO perfect, even when we could not see it!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

14 Weeks...

I went for my 14 week appointment today. I told Michael there was no need for him to miss work and go because all they would do is fetal heart tones, measurements, etc. and he really wouldn't miss anything. Well, little did I know that LillyClark (that's what our families are calling the baby to keep from saying "it") was going to be strong willed and not cooperative. My doctor tried for a while to get a heart rate with the doppler. You would hear about two beats and then LillyClark would move. Finally she said she was tired of chasing the child and that we would just do an ultrasound. I was upset that Michael didn't get to see it, but I can bet he won't miss another appointment no matter what I say!

LillyClark was in the middle of a flip...
We go back in 3 weeks, and hopefully after that we can start saying "Lilly" or "Clark". CAN'T it WAIT to find out what it is!!!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

13 Weeks


Please excuse the all natural look this week. I have felt less than stellar recently. So far, this has been the hardest week for me. It has been full of doctor visits, phone calls, lab work, bed rest, etc. I've had some issues with my blood pressure skyrocketing and then bottoming out. The doctors seem to think it has something to do with hypoglycemia and me not eating enough (which, I know what you're thinking...judging by the size of my belly, THAT doesn't seem to be the problem). I have noticed an increase in nausea which may inadvertently lead to a decrease in food intake. Quite frankly, the only thing that sounds good these days is a cup of Wendy's chili with TONS and TONS of hot sauce in it. SO weird, I know. Michael and I were in the drive through at 10:00 pm last night. Michael asked the lady if they sold their chili in vats...unfortunately, she did not know what a vat was. Guess that means he will be making many, many trips to Wendy's!!!
We are leaving for Orlando on Friday. Michael has a conference, and I am tagging along. You will find me at the pool. Yes, in my maternity swimsuit. No, I couldn't care less...I will know NONE of these people. Who says poolside bed rest isn't better for you anyway?!?!

One good thing from this week, is that we got to sneak and unexpected peak at Baby Ford. It just happens to be looking SO precious sucking its thumb. Blurry and hard to see, I know. She said my bladder was too full to get a clear picture...what else is new?!?!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

12 Weeks...


He's My Baby Daddy!



Well, Michael and I have a BIG announcement:
Meet Baby Ford


We are so excited to finally be able to spread the news. Michael and I will be expecting our first child in March (the 20th to be exact). I am 12 weeks pregnant, and I am planning on doing a weekly post starting this week.
We cannot explain how excited and thankful we are to have a healthy, precious baby on the way. God has truly blessed us beyond all measure.

The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3

Monday, July 12, 2010

I've Gone Psycho...in a good way!

I have always been rather OCD about certain things. But, the older I have gotten (and especially now that I'm paying the bills) the more things I obsess about. Michael is constantly telling me, "Jamie, we have to live in our house too!". Usually he says that after I have scolded him for leaving the iron and ironing board out longer than I would have liked...by the way, in our next house (which we will have to build because I have too many specific criteria) we will have a fold out, full size ironing board in our laundry room that can easily be used and then quickly put away. Anyway, my anal tendencies have been an area of my life that has caused me lots of unnecessary stress, and there were certain points where it definitely became unhealthy.
Well, this weekend I was sick (strep throat to be exact) and I did not work Saturday and Sunday as scheduled. I laid in the bed all day Saturday and most of the day Sunday, but by late Sunday afternoon the walls seemed to be closing in on me. I was feeling somewhat better and very well rested (which is quite unusual for someone who works the crazy hours of a health care provider) so I decided that I would work on some of my "Organized in 2010" goals. This is something that I established for myself. It started out as a folder on my desktop where I would store certain documents that I had typed (such as 2010's Christmas Gifts To Buy - which has been there since January 2010!!), pictures of home decor and organizational ideas, etc. But, I have recently discovered Flylady. Although this site tends to be more appropriate for a stay-at-home-mom it is such a wonderful site to help someone start to get control of their chaos - whether it be true physical clutter or a mental obstacle that your house is always messy when it truly isn't (ME!!).
So, I downloaded all of Flylady's documents and adapted them to meet our household routine and needs including: a morning routine, a before bed routine, a basic plan for my short week at work, a basic plan for my long week at work, and her zones for the month of July. I took it a step further by creating my own documents on weekly meal planning, weekly grocery list, weekly cleaning, master to-do list, and all of my go-to dinner, lunch, and favorite snack recipes.
I printed off the appropriate amount of all the documents, stapled, hole punched, sheet protected, divided, etc. where necessary, and ta-dah...


So, now that you know I'm psycho, let me explain. I work long and difficult hours (I know, wah wah wah - there's people that don't have one job much less two, I know, I know) and one of my jobs is quite emotionally draining. So, doing this was absolutely liberating, and it helped me to instantly create an environment of peace in my home. All of the things in this binder were getting done each week, but it was followed by lots of worrying and replaying in my mind if I had finished each task to my standard. Now that they are typed out in simple black and white I can place a simple check mark beside the item when I finish it. It's the absolute best thing I have done since we moved into our house. I truly feel like someone has lifted a 5,000 pound weight off of my chest. I am so happy that I can now focus on the things in my life that really matter, like my Savior who has provided all of these earthly blessings, my precious Babes and the Chaucey Baby. So so so happy...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Trying to Play Catch Up...

Sorry about my sabbatical from the world of blogging. Michael and I have been extremely busy the last few months...mostly with work, but we have made time for a little fun. Hopefully these pictures will catch you up and allow me a fresh start. We've been doing...

A LOT of bathing a stinky bulldog...
(he now takes showers, and LOVES them!)
and blow drying...
and kissing...
and frisbying...
A little mowing...
a little sailing on the Friendship II...
a little Bride's maiding...
a little baseball watching...

I guess this is still considered baseball watching...
a little sweetying...
staying cool with a little ice eating...
and a little puppy sitting...

OK so I made up a few words to make this little picture collage work, but just pretend I didn't.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Back to My Addiction...


In my early college years (pre-nursing days, of course!) I had a small addiction to making jewelry. It became a small source of income in college, and it was such great therapy for me. I am thankful that my friend, Julie, gave me an excuse to get back into it. I just finished making LOTS of these earrings for her upcoming wedding...

and a few other things to sell...
$35

$20

$20

$28

$18

$45

$18
If you are interested in these or other custom pieces, please feel free to contact me. All are made with high quality materials - sterling silver, 14k gold filled, Swarovski, etc.
jamieford416(at)gmail(dot)com