The Louder Side of Life

Making Me Whole

2011-03-07T02:33:00.003-06:00

First, Mrs. Lewis, this story is at times grammatically incorrect, but I just couldn't slow down typing and it's too darn late to correct it all. :) I know you'll love me anyway, right?!

So, I've heard it all my life, "God is more/most concerned about your heart." I know this to be true, I know this from experience, but once again God is faithful to remind me. I absolutely love looking back and seeing the pieces of the puzzle being put together, not the whole puzzle (cause that'd be my whole life), but sections of it. So exciting.
Yesterday, I ran a 5K race. Me, Abby Flanigan Louder, a girl a lot of people that know me (at least those who've known me awhile) might say wouldn't or couldn't accomplish such a task. Or if they wouldn't have said this, I believed it about myself because I always had that feeling from others and quite frankly felt it about myself. I was never the quote "athletic" type. Now that I look back, it was mainly because I was shy, curvy/chunky, partly just not athletically gifted-yes, and no one really took the initiative to help me in my weakness (except for one coach in high school who helped me go further in golf than I ever thought possible...that was refreshing, hard, exciting, and rewarding). Anyway, of course this year I knew from the beginning was going to be one of facing and overcoming (with ONLY the Lord's help!) insecurities, fears, doubts, etc. Becoming more of who God destined me to be, just me, Abby. Not anybody else.
From the beginning, it's being pounded into me. I'm so very thankful. I could name time after time after time that God's been helping me in this already.
Well, yesterday was once again another breaking day. So, my goal was just to show up to the race and do the 1 mile walk. I could do that, simple, no problemo. Well, somehow I got signed up for the 5K run instead. AND it was too stinkin cold for Maci and her little coughing self to be out in the weather, so she stayed in with PaPaw. I say all this to show you the "open door" that was presented me. Now I see it! Ha.
So, anyway, I decided what the heck, I could at least try, and by golley, I'd give it all I had! Remind you, I hadn't been exercising much in these winter months. Like I told my nurse the other day, I exercise when it's warm outside, now that I have Maci. It makes for a fun morning in the warm months when we get out together and stroll along. So, back to the race, I started out with my sister-in-law Melissa, who thank the Lord started me at a good pace (unbeknownst to her)...if she hadn't been there, I'd have started way to fast and not been able to make it far. Anywho, of course, she finished way ahead of me, but all that matters is that I ran the dadgum thing, and finished--still running, and was so stinkin excited and proud of myself.
Now, I ran track in school. But I was by no means a track star. Pretty much, I usually finished last or next to last, waaay behind everyone. I'm sure they already started the next race, I was so slow. I figured out today I probably was running the wrong races anyway.
Okay, back to the point. So, last night at church, Pastor Jackie talked about how Jesus delighted in writing in the dirt, and He wants to rewrite the dirt in our lives. In being with Jantz all these years, I thought I'd faced and been healed of most if not all my past hurts. He introduced me to the fact that our hurts can be healed! And that sometimes ya gotta really dig back to the root of the problem. (If ya knew me in my earlier years, I didn't dig or expose issues, I just pushed 'em under the rug.) Honestly, I didn't know any better.
Well, obviously I had not faced all the hurts I had, cause it hit me hard last night. I realized I had words and thoughts and feelings I'd allowed myself to be affected by from others and myself, that I had been carrying this whole time. They had to do with my lack of ability to do things because I "couldnt" run, jump, play ball, as well as everybody else. (Wait, I really can't jump, really. Haha.) Anyway, I was the younger one that just followed around everybody else around. I was a good encourager. Still am. But it's like yesterday, I was able to defeat something. I was able to accomplish something as who I am now! Not who I was then, or who anybody said I was. All that is gone. I don't have to carry that. I am me, Abby. I have so many people who love me, who don't care at all about back then. (I hate that however many years later that still controlled part of me...and many people it controls the rest of their life. Ya know, "the good ole days" or what have ya. I know these people. I pray they get release!)
I also realized something else. If my recent medical adventures had resulted differently, I wouldn't have been able to do this race. If I hadn't gotten to run, I wouldn't have been open to see what I saw, and been able to allow the Lord to heal the hurts I had. Now, see, God DOES have a plan and purpose for every single thing, and like I always say, His timing is absolutely perfect. Wow, wow. I'm just so thankful. Thank you, God. Thank you that it doesn't matter if ya win or how fast ya run, just that you keep going and don't give up. Thank you for healing me. Thank you that you care about the condition of my heart. Thank you that all the other junk doesn't matter, the stuff we focus on. Ugh! Thank you that you love me soooo much, and that you've blessed me with so many people that love me. Whew, I'm overwhelmed. And very sore. Hehe.

Now, you reading this, I hope through my little testimony, the Lord is able to do something in your heart that may have needed to be done for a long long time. He loves you soooo much! And truly, He wants to make you WHOLE!

Also, check out http://www.brynnessmiles.org/ and read about why I ran, and what you can do to make a difference.

From right to left: Me (aunt abby), My Pace Setter (aunt meliss), Brynne's Daddy, and His Sister (aunt carrie)

Oh Happy Day

2011-01-16T23:48:00.000-06:00

Okay, can someone remind me how to change the text and colors on here? Since the blogspot update, I forget everytime how to change it.

Happy 2011! Wow, it's been a great year already. By great, I mean several things.
#1: God don't waste no time! I really had a few areas I desperately needed Him to work on in me and seriously help me with, and I knew this year and this time was the time! And by golley, I remember a couple days into the new year thinking just that, that He doesn't waste any time. And I'm so grateful. Getting down to business, just what I needed!
#2: I keep being reminded of how incredibly blessed I am with so many things...family, friends, material things, etc. etc. It'll just hit me all of the sudden through whatever circumstance pops up (I know it's the Holy Spirit working in me and reminding me)...mainly that so many things I find myself focusing on really don't matter in the big scheme of things. And it's not that I mean to, I just do; and then, thank the Lord, He has been doing a darn good job of reminding me what really does matter. I'm being reminded rather constantly through various things that are going on. Thank you, Lord, for caring for and loving me so much, that you use these things to keep my heart and mind on track.
#3: Well, I got so in to the last point, I forgot what my third one was going to be. Ha. Oh well, here are a few pics. We are doing great. Maci amazes us every day! She's just so fun! I think I say this every time, but it's just so true!

couldn't have spent my birthday with a cuter buddy!

fabulous trip to Cozumel...ready to go again!

little miss relaxin after a day of not feeling well

and no, I'm not sure how daddy got that shirt on her...a tad small, but oh so cute!

Happy Fall

2010-10-23T22:32:00.001-05:00

So, I tried to "re-decorate" my blog. I still don't know how to make the header look right, but after spending too much time on it I figure it'll do for now. 'Til Aunt Maggie can get on here and fix it! Hint hint.

Once again, it's been forever since the last post. Maci continues to grow and change every day, learning new things constantly. She's currently getting the hang of walking. Since we have had friends staying with us this week, Maci has taken off (after being challenged by a playmate who is a few months older). We all need a little challenge or motivation every once in a while, don't we?

Life has been rolllin along in the Louder household. Friends here this week preparing to move to Botswana, Africa. Pursue Missions conference this weekend. SMI folllowing that. A trip to Canton thereafter. Jantzen travelling to Europe the next week for 11 days. (Wowie, that's long for Maci and I...pray for us and for Jantzen while he's gone!) Then, we celebrate Maci's 1st birthday. WOW, what a super fabulous year! And it keeps going from there...God is in the midst of it all, and He's why we're here!
Okay, I don't have any more words at midnight. :) Until next time....

Oh wait, I love fall! I almost think the "new year" should start in fall. It's so fresh and crisp, just beautiful and refreshing. I always feel like it's a beginning to new things, that I can breathe and start over on things if I want. Anyway, it's nice, and I like it!

Here are a few fun pics...

love bath time!

fun at the corn maze

trip to dallas

diving off audra's chair

her dollly goes everywhere

chillin while eatin

another trip to dallas with my mom, love her!

look at those legs :)

aunt maggie gets good shots!

hangin out with meme and pawpaw

pawpaw insisted on helping me to the car, he HAD to carry the diaper bag...love him!

swingin at the park

yummy

So Wonderful

2010-07-08T18:54:00.000-05:00

Today, I've taken the chance to sit down and catch up on some little things. One of those being reading some blogs. And in the mean time, I just felt like writing. One thing pressing on my mind lately is how much I look forward to adding to our little quiver. People ask when we'll be ready for another...the answer is the same as it's always been, "Bring it on!" :) Maci is just so wonderful, and as I try to soak in every single moment and catch many of them on video (I can't help it--I wanna watch 'em later like we loved to do as kids!), I get so excited to add another little one to the mix. Children are such a precious gift. A dream come true. A calling on my life to pour into them the love of Christ and to raise them to adore Him! So, just as before, I give it to the Lord, and His peace shall wash over me while His timing and perfect planning is always in the works. :)

On another note, here are a few pics of little Miss Maci Mace. She's crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything; which in turns means she finds things like the trash can, opening drawers, electrical outlets, etc. And she gets the biggest smile when she sees her daddy and giggles so loud when we're being super goofy. It's just so fun! Also, I've realized it's time to look for clothes to last her the rest of the summer and into fall. Sure is fun to shop, but I'm so stinkin cheap that I refuse to pay much for those tiny little clothes that don't fit for more than a few months. Thus, I'm on the lookout for good deals, and I mean GOOD deals. So, let me know if you find any! And yes, there's three pics of our little sailor on 4th of July (every kid has to have a sailor outfit!), but she was just too cute!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-8

Highlights

2010-05-11T22:50:00.002-05:00

So many times I've thought of blogging and what I'd even say, and I just haven't done it! First of all, I love the spring/summer season. Of course, the wind has been crazy, but on the days that it's warm and still outside, it's just gorgeous! I love freshly planted flowerbeds and pots (speaking of, I have GOT to get mine done!), freshly mowed grass (done!), wedding and baby showers (many are the invites this year!), etc. Auntie Erin gets married on the 22nd. We watched her take her bridal portraits today, and wowie she looked amazing!
Since the last post, much has happened. Here are only a few highlights.

Uncle Nick and his fam moved to North Carolina. Don't we look alike?

Mommy got new red glasses.

Daddy became a licensed minister, so I got all dressed up.

went to Ruidoso and loved it

wore out shopping in Dallas

enjoyed my first Easter outside Momma's belly

bought a new swimsuit

caught up on Chuck with Dad

was introduced to highchairs by Uncle Heath

rolled over and now roll all across the room

started eating food

got my 1st Baylor t-shirt...sic 'em, bears!

played with cousins Brynne & Koda

Daddy and Mommy went on a trip.

gained some rolls

discovered a new view from the upright position

enjoyed Mother's Day outside Momma's belly

just chilled

and played played played!

Little Maci is quickly growing, as you can see. Not pictured are her two cute little teeth and her new trick of getting up on all fours and rocking, even lunging forward. Of course, she continues to be the star of the show, the center of attention, the highlight! She'll have her 1/2 yr. birthday on the 19th.

We're having a blast!

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise!

Psalm 8:2

So...

2010-02-23T20:24:00.003-06:00

Maci turned 3 months last week. Wow, what a joy she is! Yesterday we went to visit her new cousin, Selah. I couldn't believe the difference in size between them. Selah is absolutely adorable and teeny tiny, and Maci is absolutely adorable and twice her size. They're gonna have great fun as they grow up!
This past month has been a great one of course. --Maci has discovered all sorts of things: her hands...it's so sweet to watch her put them together and play with them; she loves focusing on faces and giving big smiles, and she sometimes even has her daddy's crooked smile and yawn, which is so special; she loves sticking out her tongue, and also today has discovered an ear and her hair; she of course loves her toys and now is starting to figure out peek-a-boo. She also had her baby dedication a couple weeks ago...so special to have family there with us. And there was Valentine's Day...here's Daddy and his mini-Valentine. :) Last weekend, we had a family get-together, because Uncle Nick, Aunt Kristol, Grady, and Kalyn are moving to North Carolina this week. We are going to Amarillo tomorrow to help them get ready to move...of course we'll take pics! And we've visited grandparents, and and and...uh, there's too much to post and too many pictures! Maybe I could blog more often...hmm, what a thought, Abby!

So, a few other things I'll share pictures of... Auntie Erin is engaged to the future Uncle Mark, definitely an exciting time! We got to share in this special occasion late the other evening. :) They're planning a May wedding...

Um, I've never shared pics of Maci's nursery. I was thinking how cool it is that out of several nurseries of people I know, I love 'em all, and they're totally different! I think I could do 5 different nurseries in 5 different styles and love 'em all. Maybe I'll just get to. :)

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Ps. 8:9

Until next time....

2 months

2010-01-20T13:55:00.001-06:00

So, yesterday Maci turned 2 months old! She's so much fun and is really growing. She smiles a lot, especially when you talk to her and tell her she's pretty. :) She sat in her bumbo yesterday for the first time...don't know why I hadn't thought of it before...but she loves it. Maci really likes looking around at what all's going on, and she loves to play--although she will certianly let ya know when she's tired of it and wants to be held. We certainly don't mind that! :) She's such a joy, and we are so very thankful for her!

i played hard!

too much tummy time...zzzzz

Sissy makin' me smile

bumbo yay!

Uncle Nate cracks me up!

I love my daddy!

i love to play

my belly is full...the look of satisfaction!

no pink today! made daddy happy :)

mama does this during bball games too :)

...and of course we have a million more pics we could share!

more pics

2009-12-22T22:46:00.002-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Sweetie

2009-12-18T22:52:00.010-06:00

Just an update...we're doing great. Maci is such a sweetie! Oh, and she's a month old...wow! Here are just a few pics my fabulous sis (http://www.imaginephotodesign.photoreflect.com/) took. ... And please keep praying for Brynne's healing!

Little Miss Has Arrived

2009-12-04T21:29:00.006-06:00

Maci Glynn Louder
November 19, 2009
3:20 pm
7lbs. 12 oz.
22 in. long

Maci is truly a joy and such a gift from God!

Soon

2009-11-08T00:47:00.004-06:00

Yes, I'm very aware of the fact that I haven't posted in awhile. The inspiration seems to hit me during those rare stay up late nights...again, I say rare. And I think Duane's way of posting has inspired me to keep it short and sweet, at least tonight that is.
Maci will be here soon! Here are some recent pics...we are getting them every week now because the doc's monitoring some things, so actually it's kind of nice to get to see this cutesie little face so often. :)

don't know where she got those lips?! :)

scowling at the nurse for trying to wake her up...taking after her mama

her middle toes are longer than her big toe...just like Daddy

(good luck figuring out what the rest of that stuff floating around is...there is a blurred fist and a hodgepodge of whatever else...ask the nurse!)

He's still workin' on me...

2009-10-01T18:50:00.011-05:00

I remember the old chorus to a song we use to sing growing up: "He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me."

Of course, He's always up to something! Praise you, Lord!

And thank you that you continue to work on me...I need it!

1)Selfishness: Man, I didn't know I had that much in me! But I do. God's really been revealing it to me, and of course when He does that He's willing to help get rid of it!

2)His Voice: He speaks, even in the most minute ways. It's so awesome because the Holy Spirit really does want to consume us, our thoughts, our actions, reminding us of the smallest things, prompting us to do or not to do, etc. Mmm, good! And along with this, He's been teaching me about being intentional--intentional in the big, the small, in actions, in life, paying attention to what I'm doing and not just strolling along. Mmm.

3)Judgments: He's continually bringing to my attention the comparison, judgments. God started on this one awhile back, when I read an excerpt from Kelly's Korner blog about mom's judging one another. There are things God's given us personal convictions about...the Holy Spirit is so personal. Along with that, many times there are many ways to do one thing.

4)Comfortableness: This can go along with judgments, because we all know we like what's comfortable for us, and if we see something that goes against that, we tend to judge it. Anyway, back to comfortableness, He's moving me out of some. And it's very obvious to me. Honestly, I'm so thankful...I can feel He's taking me to the next level in several areas, and it's like they just keep popping up (I know He's been getting me there thru the other things He's been working on in me). And I know moving me out of this comfortableness leads me into this next one...

4)A New Season: Yeah, I know we're about to become parents, which is totally a new season. But I can literally feel in my soul God taking me into a new season, thru the things He's been teaching me, yes, but also through a lot of other things.

The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb. 4:12

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Prv. 3:5-6

I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me. Hab. 2:1

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great & mighty things, which you do not know. Jer. 33:3

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Phil.2:13

Update

2009-09-08T23:31:00.009-05:00

I don't know what I'm doing up so late, I'm so tired! But I better write if I'm in the groove and before my eyes shut on me. It's been forever! Our last ultrasound was on the 31st, and everything looked great! She was just about 3 pounds already! Most of you know, but I haven't officially blogged about it...we named our baby girl Maci Glynn. Maci means "gift of God", and Glynn means "quiet spirit". Both of our granddads names are Glen(n), so this fit perfectly. And Maci is definitely a gift of God! I haven't forgotten that through this entire journey, nor will I ever forget that God truly has given us this gift...what a privilege and an honor!

I'm thinking it's my fault that Maci seemed to be curled up in a corner sleeping this time, because I stayed up way too late the night before. She's definitely usually a very active kiddo (like she is as I type)! So, we didnt get the clearest pics...but this one we still thought was pretty darn sweet! I just think it's pretty cool they can even take pics! We are getting super excited to meet our sweet new addition, and it really is starting to hit me that she'll be here soon. It'll only get sooner as the days go by--and they are going by fast! Only 11 more weeks til our due date!

Gosh, I love her soooo much!!

sleepin with her arm up next to her face

looks like a cute foot to me :)

looks like she might have her daddy's toned calves!

Also, for Labor Day weekend, we went to Ruidoso with the
Louder clan. It was a fun, relaxing time...and I can't say enough about how good the cool weather felt!

My brother Nick and his family were also in town, so I stopped by to see them, and we of course had to take some pics and compare our bellies (he loves pushin his out, thinks it's sooo funny). :)

Kalyn & Grady

look at that face!

Sweet Surprises

2009-07-16T17:40:00.005-05:00

We had an ultrasound on Monday, and it was incredible!! The baby was very active and just seeing everything on the big screen was so cool! We were surprised to find out that we aren't having a boy afterall--it's a GIRL! Of course we were shocked but definitely not disappointed. We'd be so happy with either gender...we're just so grateful! Everything looks great, and she's healthy and very active. She's been kickin' like crazy...I have to say this is absolutely awesome! I've also been working on nursery stuff and switching my mindset to PINK, which of course is fun! Here are some sweet pics of Baby Girl Louder.
check out those lips :)

smilin

thumbs up!

you crazy people!

relaxin

K & B on the 4th

2009-07-06T22:44:00.009-05:00

I just had to post a few pics of Koda & Brynne from the 4th. Go to Maggie's blog to see more....they're all soooo cute!!
Man, I love these kids!! And Mags, wow, awesome pics!! Course I love you too! :)

Vacation!

2009-06-22T14:19:00.011-05:00

So, now that we've almost been home a week, I'm thinkin' it's time to talk about our vacation. Each year we take our own little vacation, and we wanted to get one in before the baby came (and before it got too hot and me too big)! :)

We had a wonderful time, so relaxing!! We went to the beach a couple of days and just hung out. I love the beach for many reasons...of course the scenery and the waves, but I also love the mix of people of every shape, size, and color. And nobody cares one bit how anybody looks...everybody's just there to relax and have fun. Love it!

We also did a half-day kayaking trip (signed up for the 2 hour tour and ended up getting mixed up in another group, so went for longer but it was definitely worth it!). We got a tandem kayak, which I'm so glad we ended up doing, especially after being out there so long. Also, we had dolphins swimming very close past us...so cool!
One evening, we went to a plantation and walked around then ate the yummiest dinner! We saw alligators here...was so excited to see them! :)

Every night we ate at some neat restaurant, and of course we had our fill of seafood by the end of the week.

We played golf twice...wait, Jantz played, and I caddied. :) It was right on the ocean and was absolutely beautiful and so fun! We stayed at a resort right on the water...which wasn't our original intention or reservation, but since we shifted our plans a little beforehand we ended up here. It was the perfect place and totally worth the switch! Most activities we did were right around us, so convenient, that we didn't have to spend much time in the car at all. We were right next to the USS Yorktown, so we got to tour that and a submarine! And also we went to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Our hotel was right next to a marina with hundreds of awesome boats and yachts, and we were right in front of the chanel where all the big ships and cargo ships come through...Jantz LOVES ships, so really enjoyed this!

We took naps and rested by the pool, walked out on the pier at nights, chilled in the hammocks, etc. Oh, and ate several rootbeer floats in the afternoons (this was an afternoon ritual at the hotel). Yummy! Anyway, a great vacation and a spot we will return to--Charleston, SC! Oh yeah, and all the people we came in contact with were super super nice!

Also, the last night we were there, a dead body was found floating in the water right outside our hotel...how lovely....definitely made for an exciting evening.

I'm hushing now, and here are the pics...

resort

awesome bridge we crossed many times
golfin'

USS Yorktown
my fighter pilot
marina & cargo ship
beachin'
plantation

eeek...alligator!

Ft. Sumter

kayaking

blue herron
do we have to leave?

Father's Day

2009-06-21T12:43:00.002-05:00

When I was about 2, my parents divorced and my dad moved away. For the longest time I was so mad at my dad, didn't want to talk to him when he called, didn't even want to go visit him. (I think I was about 6 when we started visiting him for a month in the summers---and it killed me to be away from my mom). Although I loved my dad, for so long I harbored so much resentment towards him. My dad fought brain cancer for a few years, and when I was 14 he passed away. We flew to Oregon beforehand to be with him because we knew it wouldn't be long...and the day he died I had the opportunity to go in and visit with him one on one. The Lord gave me so much strength to tell my dad everything I was feeling, all the hurts I had towards him, all the unforgiveness, all the pain I felt he'd caused.

My dad wasn't able to talk or move, but by the end of our conversation he smiled, and I knew he'd heard me and forgiveness was there between us both. It still took me years to totally heal from the hurts, to heal from his death and losing my earthly father, and to come to a better understanding of the events that had already gone on in my young life.

I cannot express how much I grew to know God as my true Father. I remember many times growing up how I would cry and just yearn to be held in my father's lap, and I could literally feel God's arms around me, rocking me and telling me He loved me so much and that He was my ultimate Father. I truly knew the Father's heart and knew God as my true father, sometimes even addressing him in my prayers as "daddy''.

I am so thankful for the many men God placed in my life to step into a fatherly role, that I desperately needed, as a young girl. Men like my grandfathers, my uncles, men in our church, my brothers that looked out for me, etc. And when I was 15, my mom remarried a wonderful man. Of course, getting used to a new person in the house was hard and the adjustment took a bit. But my love and care for this man has truly grown, and I cannot express how blessed I am. Billy Max has truly become Dad to me. Many times, even as I'm now an adult, his small unconscious gestures have brought me to tears and made me realize the things I'd always yearned for as a little girl but never knew I was missing.

Today, I also celebrate Jantz. I cannot imagine where I'd be without him in my life. He has challenged me to grow in so many ways, has aided in my healing from past hurts and in seeing things in a light that has so helped me. He is going to be such a wonderful father, and I'm so excited God's given the opportunity! Happy Father's Day, Jantz. :)

Also, thank you, God, for being our true Father. We humans are imperfect and yucky sometimes, we all make mistakes, even our earthly dads who love us. But you, Father, are the ultimate Father! And thank you for my dad, Michael Eugene Flanigan (no, we're not naming our kid Eugene, sorry), for my now dad BM, for my grandfathers and many many other men who have played a fatherly role in my life. I'm forever grateful!

No Kidding This Time...

2009-05-14T22:04:00.006-05:00

So, we saw the doc again for our 12 week appt. today. The baby actually measured 12 weeks and 3 days...gonna be a tall one I think! And...drum roll please...it's a BOY!!! All you who guessed it were right. Doc told us back at the beginning that she'd probably be able to guess at this appointment what the sex was, but it still was so surprising when she actually did!! She said, "So, will y'all want to find out what the sex of your baby is?"... Of course then, I said, "Yes, and do YOU happen to know yet?" Doc: "It's a boy." Jantz asked "how sure" she was, she said an affirming 95%. She said she'd seen a glimpse earlier in the ultrasound, then showed us again. Yep, definitely. AND she does video of the ultrasounds, so we went back and watched the video with Mema & PePa, and you could definitely see the parts. :)

Anyway, as you can imagine, we're soooo excited! I'm ecstatic about a little boy, and Jantzen is absolutely on cloud 9! And let me just tell you that he LOVES the outfits regarding "daddy" that Ang and Kels gave us. Good job, girls! And Les, you sure were feelin' it with the blue journal you gave me a few weeks ago!! Now I gotta get to writing!! :)

ALSO, please pray for Brynne. She's been in the hospital all week...and the docs are trying to figure out what in the world is going on. Lord, You are her Creator and Healer, You are the Great Physician!!!

Baby Boy Louder

Arm

Leg

Boy Part :)

It's a ....

2009-04-23T11:04:00.003-05:00

Just kidding...we don't know that yet!! But we did have another ultrasound today, and everything's looking good. Baby Louder is right on schedule at 9 weeks, and is about an inch long.

This pic is definitely definable, with the head on to the right, body to the left. Next time I hear it'll be crazy how much you can tell. And the heartbeat was much faster this time, at 178--so, who knows whether it'll be a girl or boy. We'll be excited either way!!

Oh, and I just had to indulge in an apple fritter this morning. Shhh, don't tell Jantz! I've been doing so good---but I'm telling ya I guess today Louder Jr. wanted a treat! We just had to celebrate. And oh, is it yummy!

Kalyn Joy Flanigan

2009-04-14T22:53:00.003-05:00

We have a new niece!! Kalyn Joy Flanigan was born Easter Sunday, April 12th. The 12th day of several months seems to play a significant role in our family. She's such a sweetie. Sooo adorable, absolutely the softest skin I've ever touched, a cute round face, full lips, and the deepest blue eyes!! And she hardly makes a peep. Jantz and I went to visit her on Sunday afternoon for several hours, and it was hard to leave. Guess we'll have to go back, darn. :)
Welcome, Kalyn! God has amazing things in store for you!!

A Miracle in the Making

2009-04-09T10:31:00.002-05:00

So, we just got back from our first ultrasound. WHOA! It was so incredible to watch tiny Baby Louder's heart beat. As I watched Jantzen's face, it just lit up and he never stopped smiling (even when talking to the doctor--I'd never seen him like that before--I just love it!). It was such a blessing to see our little baby and such a relief in a way to see it on the screen, heart beating and baby present! I was so anxious to go this morning that I sure felt like I was going to puke, even afterwards--but now I'm doing good and really not caring if the wind's gonna blow like crazy today!

I'm adding a picture of our little one, it's pretty tiny, but it's the bottom spot in the little black circle--the top spot is the yolk sac. And the second pic is measuring the heartbeat, right now 131bpm.

We are just so amazed and so very thankful to God for giving us this sweet miracle!! Thank you, Father, thank you for overwhelming us!!

We go back in 2 weeks to have another ultrasound, and they say we will be amazed at how much Baby Louder has grown. Then another couple weeks after that we will see another amazing growth spurt and a very probable guess of what the sex is. Anybody taking bets yet?

Baby Louder

2009-03-25T21:33:00.006-05:00

So, yeah, I'm finally blogging--putting a comment on facebook is so much quicker and easier. But Maggie is dying to blog about something and said I had to do mine before she would do hers.
Let me see if I can find words to express... The most important thing I have to say is a BIG thank you to the Lord for His incredible faithfulness and timing. God, thank you, thank you for this blessing. We are so so ecstatic and excited about the fact that we are pregnant. I am 5 weeks along and am due November 26th. A Thanksgiving baby---how appropriate!
And as Angie pointed out earlier, we won't have another Christmas without our baby. Wow, it really struck me.... after this past Christmas I bought some Pottery Barn stockings on sale, 4 of them to be exact...2 for us and extras for kiddos that I was hoping would come along soon. I never had bought Jantz and I any, cause I just really didn't see a point for us just to have some but knew I'd love 'em when we had kids. Sure can't wait to have names put on 'em!!
And, last night I was looking on the internet at baby stuff--just whatever I wanted to look at, nothing in particular really--but it's like it hit me so hard that I was getting to look at it for me for reals this time, not just hoping or setting aside, but seriously I could buy it and actually will need it. Wow, so God, again, thank you. For everyone who prayed and even fasted for us, I am so humbled and so very grateful!! Please keep praying!
Here's a verse I've looked at every day for a couple years now... Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. Luke 1:45
Also, week after next I get to have my first sonogram...wow, I can't believe it! By the way, did you know Baby Louder is already the size of a sesame seed and it's little heart starts beating this week. Wow wow wow!!!!!
Oh yeah, and I already have to go to the bathroom all the time and am constantly hungry. But I'm certainly not complaining!! Just really have to go to the store QUICK! Oh, and oh my gosh our house is a wreck--what the heck, this is not normal, and I think it's driving us both crazy--not good not good! One more thing, I have a feeling it'll be a boy, just a feelin. :)

Brynne & Blessings

2009-03-05T00:15:00.006-06:00

It's been forever since I blogged, but I'm lying here wondering why the heck I'm awake so late, reading people's blogs real quick, and I figured it was time to post. Who knows when the next time will be!

Anywho, my niece Brynne has been in the hospital all week, and I can't wait for her to feel better and get to go home. I know Craig & Maggie can't wait! It's so hard seeing her, so tiny and hurting, in the hospital. But God is healing her, and I believe problems will be resolved and she'll be up and runnin' in no time--and growing! Can't wait for you to be better, Brynne...Aunt Abby's missing this "I feel great" smile on your face and our hang-out days. I love you, sweetie! Mags & Craig, know that we're constantly praying for your strength as well!

Ugh, I can't quit crying...She's just so precious, and I am so very grateful God's blessed us with wonderful nieces and nephews and those I adopt as such :)...I love them all so much and am so attached to them! What a blessing they are! Thank you to all you who let me love on and care for your kids...you'll never know how much it means to me...I just absolutely love them and love the times I get to spend with them!! Thanks for sharing! :)

I'm off to bed, big day tomorrow. Until next time...