10.06.2010

OSU vs. A&M...Naming Rights on the Line


Thanks to the magic of the Big XII conference, Adam's alma mater (OSU) and my alma mater (Texas A&M) play each other once every year in football. He took me down to College Station for the game last year while we were dating, but everything looks perfect when you're dating - this year was the first real test for us as a married couple. We headed up to Stillwater for the game last Thursday, and despite the fact that one of us would definitely leave disappointed in the outcome, we had a great time.

The game was exciting, the weather was great, and it was so fun to get out of Dallas for a weekend and see friends and family. I really thought that A&M was going to hold on to the lead...until the final interception with barely any time left gave OSU the ball. Oh don't worry, we stayed until the end...the very bitter end. 

This is halftime...hence the smile on my face.


















During the game, as I stood proudly in my maroon A&M tshirt (stretched fairly tightly over my growing belly) in a sea of orange, watching thousands of fans wave the wheat, shake their car keys at kick offs, and yell things like "Orange Power," I briefly missed my college days, and I wished that I would have known my husband during those years. I would have loved to have experienced that season of life with him...but I would never trade my time at A&M, and I know he'd say the same about his years in Stillwater. God's timing is perfect, and although we often wonder why the Lord did not allow us to meet earlier in our lives, we love getting to be together now.

We wanted to put a friendly wager on the game, so we decided that whoever's school won the game would have naming rights to our first-born child. Looks like her name will be something like Stilly or Kendall. I'm hoping it's not Dez.

We spent the whole weekend in Oklahoma with friends and family, both in Stillwater and in Enid. Highlights included
  • seeing our sweet 9-month-old niece (even though she was fighting a fever and not feeling like herself)
  • hanging out with both of Adam's brothers and their wives
  • visiting with Adam's parents, and hearing Adam's mom, talk about stories of Adam when he was a baby,
  • so many people celebrating our little girl with us
  • brainstorming possible baby names with Adam's family
  • seeing our 2 godsons, and their new little sister, and their mom

    The picture above is Adam with one of our godsons and our little goddaughter. I love watching Adam with the boys - they adore him, calling him "Uncle Adam", and my husband is so great with them. He's been a huge part of their lives since the day they were born, and it's a privilege for me to be grafted in to their lives as "Aunt Leigh." Watching Adam love them gives me a glimpse of the kind of father he will be to our little girl - and I couldn't be more excited to get to raise a child with this man. I pray that she will learn integrity, humility and confidence from her dad.

    We came back to Dallas so refreshed, and so grateful for the Oklahoma family and friends we have.

    9.29.2010

    Dear Baby Girl

    Dear Baby Girl,

    It is such an honor to get to be your Mom. I love you more each day, and your Dad is already crazy about you. We haven't named you yet, but know that you are such a joy to your parents already...and a joy to your grandparents (see balloon), aunts, uncles, friends...and I'm sure to your cousins too, but they are a little young right now to really appreciate how exciting it is. 

    I haven't felt you move much yet...or at all. I told your dad last night that it scares me a little, because I really don't know what's going on in there... and I can't control it. Are you ok? Are you getting everything that you need? Am I hurting you in some way? In my better moments, I remember to pray and ask the Lord to protect you. Other times, I worry about what will happen to you. But eventually, I remember that it's such a privilege and a responsibility to carry you, and I am grateful to the Lord for each day that He gives us with you. Every day is a gift, and I am thankful to Him at the end of the day for another day to enjoy you.

    Sometimes I wonder if you will be tall or short, if you'll have curly hair like me, or straight hair like your Dad. Will you love sports? Will you love music and dance? Will you be loud and outgoing, or quiet and reserved? It's fun to dream about who you are, and who you will become, but the one thing that I pray for you more than anything, is that you will know your heavenly Father. 

    He is the one who has already numbered your days, and He's the One whom your dad and I are trusting in to care for you and to grow and develop you. Psalm 139 talks about each of us being knit together in our mother's wombs...and that He has already determined every day of your life. I pray that your dad and I will parent and disciple you in a way that points you to Jesus. As much as we love you, know that He loves you so much more. He is the one who will never leave you or forsake you. 

    We love you, little one, and we can't wait to meet you. We are so proud of you!
    Love,
    Mom

    9.24.2010

    Welcome to our blog!

    Adam and I decided to start a blog tonight to help keep our wonderful friends and family updated as we transition to a new stage in life...and still transitioning to the chapter of marriage. Check back for more news from us!

    The best news we've heard this week came from our 21-week doctor's appointment. We found out that we are having a baby girl! We're thrilled, and so grateful that she is growing exactly as she should. We love knowing more about her, and we are thankful for each day the Lord gives us to enjoy her.

    We're hoping to put lots of pictures on our blog, so here's one of our favorite ones from when we were engaged.