Little Loy #2 Gender Reveal

Not knowing the gender of my babies until they are born is one of my favorite things about having children. Brandon, on the other hand, really likes to know so that he can "prepare." Because we did not find out with August, I thought it was only fair to have Brandon find out this time. At our 20 week ultrasound back in early December, Brandon found out the baby's gender but I did not. He kept it a secret nearly two months and only cracked when I asked him to tell me. I am very impressed with his secret keeping ability. I would have enjoyed the mystery up until birth but we are having a difficult time with names so I thought narrowing the category would help. This weekend, we announced to family and friends that we are having...

ANOTHER BOY!!!

I love August's face here.

We are very pleased about this news as we are both a bit scared of pink. I love the idea of August having a little brother and bestie. My sister-in-law is pregnant with a boy as well so close boy cousins are gonna be so fun to watch grow up together. My niece cried a little (as she is the only girl on this side of the family so far) but recovered and promised to help take care of the babies since she's the oldest.

I used this tutorial to make the blue powder for the reveal. The process was very easy but next time I will pulse the powder longer in the blender and double the recipe (at least).

I'm already envisioning August and Little Loy #2 turning 6 and 8 and having an epic color war with their friends in the woods.

Please send boy names (that go well with August) my way as I'm rather stumped.  Brandon keeps suggesting Ragnar Lodbrok... There has got to be something better!

A Little Loy Announcement

Things have been very quiet here over the last few weeks. I have half-written birthday posts and letters to my siblings in the drafts folder along with many September pictures and memories to share. But for a few more days, things will be quiet. This video explains why. See you in a few weeks, friends.

August Ransom {There is Light}

Our son...

born 4/6/2013 at 1:27 am. 7 lbs 12 oz. Just perfection.

Creating Space for Little Loy {Holding onto Courage}

Before I was pregnant, I always asked expectant mothers about their nursery. I was curious to see the different styles and approaches to decorating a space for a personality yet-unknown. I have also been mostly removed from thinking baby things (in general) are adorable. I am the least likely person to stop a stroller and gush over the infant within.

It is not that I dislike children-- I just prefer to know the children I dote upon. Take my nieces and nephews, for instance. I love those tiny people like crazy and soak up every photo, video, Skype session. I daydream about sleepovers they'll have with my children and stories told around campfires and cookie-baking sessions. I like children that I know.

Enter my own pregnancy. Friends ask about my nursery. They want to go upstairs to see how I have decorated and prepared. Part of me wonders if any of them ask for the same reasons I did. How do you create space for someone you do not know? 

We had to make room for a crib and a dresser and books and clothes and diapers. (Didn't you read the last 5 posts about the lavish gifts of friends and family? We had to have a place to put everything!!!) And so, we painted the smallest room in the house with some leftover paint. We Brandon assembled the crib and the dresser. We grouped like items: clothing, diapers, books, toys. We gathered art from around the house that hadn't found its proper home yet. Things started to come together. People asked our theme. I didn't want to admit that we didn't have one. So I said "eclectic-vintage," knowing it was not true. I knew I had a theme. I just didn't know what it was yet. Until I read a recent post of my dear friend Melissa. She talked about the often-subtle work of the Lord in our lives: "Living takes courage. Lots of it." It hit me- this has been my prayer, this has been the theme.

My desire is that Little Loy would know the Truth and the heart of God. No matter the circumstances, the rebellion, the messiness, the sin... knowing truth sets us free. Following dreams takes courage. Following truth takes courage. Following the heart of God takes courage- a lot of it. The smallest room in our house reflects this as I pray the smallest person in our family will also reflect this.

[I made the hot air balloons "following" the tutorial found here: The Joyeful Journey. I used hot glue instead of fabric glue because it is what I had on hand. Now, I want to put paper lantern hot air balloons everywhere in my house!]

The Love of Others {A Story of Abundance Part 5}

Cities of the World- To Teach a Love of Travel Early On!

Some favs

Domino's. Yeah.

I would be remise not to mention the gifts, phone calls, and texts from friends who were unable to attend these showers. We have received several carefully selected and thoughtful presents throughout the pregnancy... from LOST themed onesies to favorite children's books to Clemson baby booties! 

Dharma Initiative for Little Loy!

 These are a few of the treasures that have arrived for Little Loy. (Has any other baby been so lavished on? I think not!!!)

Go Tigers!

The Lord has been good to us. Our friends have as well. A simple "thank you" is nowhere near enough of an expression of how full our hearts are by this support, excitement, love and encouragement. We are overwhelmed.

The Love of Others {A Story of Abundance Part 4}

3/3/13 at 3pm, dear friends threw me my final shower. Ali (from childhood) came down from Greenville to co-host with Patricia (from City Church) a book-themed shower. Everywhere we turned, really well thought-out and executed decor greeted us.

They prepared appropriately girly food (see Sugar n Spice menu), a cheese and fruit spread, mimosas and hot chocolate. Friends from Florida joined local work and church friends for an afternoon of chatter by the fire. It was relaxing and peaceful and very "me." I am blessed to have friends who know me so well. Forgive the picture over-load. There were things we didn't even capture! Also, I will update this post with a group shot as soon as I get it from Patricia. :)

Hostess Patricia, Baby and Me

Hostess Ali and Me

My mum, Lulah, and her best friend, Pam (also, Ali's mom)

Lulah and Mama

 The Food...

The Menu

Cake Pops and Caramel Corn

Caramel Brownies

I have been craving petit fours. Patricia made these herself!

Ali picked some amazing cheeses for our fruit n cheese spread

Boy or Girl?

Mimosas!

 The Decor...

My diaper cake

"inside of a dog, its too dark to read!"

Everyone wrote notes for me to read after the baby arrives- can't wait to read them!

Everyone made a bet on due date and gender... still waiting for the results...

baby clothes worn by my mum and aunts 

The Highlight...
We had a time for everyone to pray for me, Brandon and baby. It was sweet and perfect and loving.

Ali and Patricia- THANK YOU! 

Hug the baby!

The Love of Others {A Story of Abundance Part 3}

My sister, Michel, threw me a Morning Tea Baby Shower in February. She prepared a FEAST of treats- pain au chocolat, lemon scones, strawberries, chocolate digestives- to accent our drink selection of fruit teas, British teas, Charleston teas, and coffee. We munched and talked, shared stories and played games. It ended up being a lovely day of family.

anyone for a cuppa?

Me and Pops

Me and Mum

Michel and Aunt Marie

Jackie and Michel

The most fun present to open- a clothes line of baby essentials!

Jackie, Anne, Betty, Lynda and Judy

Aunt Nancy and Mum

Hostess Michel

Michel has been a huge support and encouragement the last few months. I know everyone loves being an auntie- but she really thrives on it. Her happiness and excitement for us means the world to me. She knitted Little Mouse a soft blankie of blues, greens and yellows. I can't wait for her/his little fingers to curl up in it. Love you, sis!