A Visit from Friends

I told you I was playing catch-up. Last weekend, our friends Emily and Austin came back from Illinois for a visit, and they brought with them many of our friends from college. There was much chatting, basketball, pool, and ice cream cake! However, I kind of forgot to take many pictures, but here are a few.

The Girls <3

My Boy :)

baby shower and pregnant hot summer days

I'm playing catch-up. Here are some pictures from my second baby shower where I was blessed with great company, fun memories, and lots of stuff for the babes. This is my cousin Becky. She did a little devotional about God's love while presenting baby stuff. So cute! I'll have to post the devo when I get it in case you want to pass it along to some new momma. I know I want to! :) Also, notice the diaper cake?!? Love those sweet things handmade things. Thanks Jenn!

And here I am with the travel swing my mom, aunt, and grandma got me. Thanks! I can't wait to put him in it! :)

We are looking forward to the little guy's appearance. The midwives said I'm far enough along that I don't have to worry about going into pre-term labor anymore. If labor begins, they will just let me go! :) wooo hooo! The irony? The contractions have slowed. However, when he does come, I think we are ready, logistically at least. (Emotionally/Physically may be another story:)This weekend we put together some of his "accessories" and installed the car seat bases into the cars! Come on little guy, we are ready for you! :) Did I mention it's hot and I swell like an elephant and look all blotchy?!? It is very attractive! Fun times. ;)

Update

Midwife appointment went well today. Ultrasound looked good. Must "take it easy", but not on bed rest! wheew! :)

Well, We Made it Another Week!

We had our ultrasound yesterday and the baby seems to be healthy and beautiful...and very much still in there! :) However, we'll know more next week when I visit the midwife. Many people tell me I'll probably go into labor early because of the early contractions. However, I'm not getting my hopes up. I think this little boy just might come late and fool us all...The Miller's are good at being late. No offense Hun. I love you. :)

The little bit that we do know from the ultrasound as of right now:
-Like I said, looks like he is very much still in there. Not dilated or anything.
-Baby's heartbeat is good. 141...and He's got all 4 chambers. Thank you very much for pointing that out Miss Ultrasound Tech. I HOPE he has all 4 chambers. Goodness, nothing like making a mommy-to-be worry.
-We have about a 4 1/2 lb. baby as of right now.
-Also, I made it through my first full day of work since the early labor. Whew, P.E. and all! Let's just say I looked like a very lazy P.E. teacher sitting in my chair to teach, but I think most people give me a break when they see my huge belly. And if they don't, too bad. They should. :)

Other randomness:
We went to the Cheesecake Factory tonight to celebrate Dane's Birthday a bit early. When we were driving back, Dane saw a lady in the lane across from us holding an animal. Being the FARM BOY that he is, he says, "Hey, is that lady holding a baby lamb?" "No, Dane we are in town. It's just a dog." Gotta love my Iowa Farm Boy though. :)

Prayer for Spouses

So, I used to be a "pray from my heart, no written down prayers" type of girl. I used to think prayers were less authentic if someone else had written them down and prayed them. Then, I discovered the book The Power of a Praying Wife and fell in love with the prayers Stormie O'Martin wrote for women to pray for their husbands. Then, I thought about how we pray The Lord's Prayer in church. That one was spoken by Jesus himself; I don't think that's a bad one to copy. And lately, I've been praying the early saints' prayers. I figure these men and women who have lived holy lives probably have thought up some pretty good prayers that I would like to pray. Anyway, all that to say, I found this one on the Internet and LOVE IT for so many reasons. I'm not sure who wrote it. If you are married and the praying type, I think it's a good one for you and/or your spouse to pray for one another.

Lord Jesus, grant that _____________ (insert spouse's name) and I may have a true and understanding love for one another. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another's weaknesses and grow from each other's strengths. Help us to forgive one another's failings, and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness, and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both closer to You through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.

-Author Unknown

*I hope this prayer brings you many blessings and much love.