Smiles and Laughs

We promise that we are not going to be those new parents that only blog about their new baby. But for now, he is just so darn cute, we want everyone to see just how much fun we have every day. We've been trying to capture his smiling and giggling on video, but every time we break out the camera, it's as though he knows what we're trying to do and he stops. But today he just threw out his inhibitions and gave us a little show. We hope you enjoy!

Bathtime with Brandt

Arrival of Baby Cargal

Today we experienced one of the sweetest moments anyone could ever imagine when our baby boy was born. Words literally cannot describe the supreme joy at seeing a human spirit brought into this world--especially one that is entrusted by Heavenly Father to come into our home. It is a blessing beyond imagination to know that a righteous spirit was living with God and Jesus Christ earlier today, and now he is part of our lives. I don't think there is anything more that can strengthen a testimony than witnessing the birth of your own child.

Baby Cargal was born at 12:43 p.m. today at 6 pounds 12 ounces, 19.5 inches long. Although Ashlee was measuring small and doctors were concerned that he wasn't getting the nutrients he needed, he was born healthy with no apparent problems. Thank you to everyone who prayed for our little guy. We appreciate your love.

Ashlee had a remarkably easy labor--must less stressful than we anticipated. She told the little one later that thanks to his labor, he will be able to have brothers and sisters:)

Our doctor and nurses have been wonderful. We appreciate the dedication they have for their jobs and the good work they have done for us.

Expecting the Unexpected

This week has been one full of emotion.  We've experienced excitement, anticipation, confusion, concern, comfort and reassurance.  About two weeks ago I went for my regular check up.  Dr. Allred found that I was measuring just a little bit smaller than I should and told me not to worry.  If I was measuring small the following week we'd do an ultasound to check for any problems.  Well, of course when he said don't worry, I began to worry!  Andy and I went in the next week for our appointment and saw Dr. Barton.  He too found that I was measuring small, did an ultrasound and found that my fluid was fine, but wanted more information. So, I went back this last Wednesday for a body profile ultra sound. We found that our baby's head and femur are measuring 38 weeks, which is right on target, but his abdomen is measuring 35 weeks.  The doctors don't know if this is something that's genetic or if there is a problem with the placenta.  But, they're more concerned about the baby not getting enough nutrients.  Prognosis:  To be induced tomorrow evening, which is just a week and a few days earlier than the actual due date.  The doctors feel that the baby will thrive better on the outside than in.  Until then I was told that I should treat my body like “an old woman with heart disease” :)  I pretty much have to stay laying down as much as possible during the day so the baby can absorb as many of the nutrients and my own body doesn't use it for energy.  Being on semi bedrest has been a little difficult since I'm used to working full time and being busy the majority of the day.  But Andy has been AMAZING!!!!  He's not only been the bread winner, but then comes home and cleans, makes dinner, does the laundry, and has put together most of the nursery so I don't get tuckered out.  Thank you my love! Even though this week has been a little overwhelming we feel that our Heavenly Father is mindful of us and our situation.  We have felt comfort and peace, and come what may it is all part of the plan. 

Heaven in a Chair

For the last several months, we have been searching for a rocker/recliner for Ashlee to use when the baby comes--and we wanted to spend less than $200, if possible. Well, the only stuff we could find for that price was a super-awesome glider (sarcasm included) from Wal-Mart for $140. While it was nice looking and functional, it was pretty cheap quality. But, we had been unable to find anything else in our price range.

That is until two weeks ago. Ashlee heard a radio ad about recliners on sale at a local furniture store starting at $150. Having been to this furniture store previously, however, we expected to find nothing worthwhile. But we went anyway. They had a huge recliner selection--probably about 150 to choose from, but all were over $300, and most were over $500. And we didn't even like the expensive ones. So, we decided to leave.

We decided to just do a quick walk through the rest of the store to see if there was anything else we liked, and as soon as we turned the corner, I saw the most beautiful thing (next to Ashlee, of course) that I had ever set my eyes on. It was like a beacon of love, friendship, and all that is good in life. We saw a cushy, lush leather-like recliner in the near distance, with a bright yellow sale tag reading "$187." Ashlee made a beeline to the chair. We were in awe. It was beautiful, comfortable--and WAY too good to be true.

I summoned a sales associate, Moses, so he could go ahead and bring our dreams to a crashing halt by telling us that this chair was conveniently mislabeled. He came, looked at the tag, and said, "Nope, this is the right price." I asked what was wrong with it. Lucky for us, nothing was wrong, it was just the last one of that model they had, and it was on clearance because it was the floor model. And, it was coming with a one-year warranty, so if something happened to be wrong, we were covered for a while. We bought it right then.

It has now found a nice home in our living room, and will soon be moving to our nursery. We are happy to welcome our new addition in preparation for our new addition!

Homemade Mac and Cheese!

My beautiful wife LOVES mac and cheese, so she decided to try making it homemade. And can I just say--she makes it SO much better than Kraft. I am not one to like mac and cheese, but this was so good I was craving it for every meal. This dish was amazing! And just look at her; she looks like a little chef that could go right onto the Food Network.

Week 31...and only 9 more to go!

Ashlee: Today marks our 31st week!  We met with Dr. Barton today for a routine check up and everything seems to be going well.  I now meet with the doctors every two weeks and you know what that means...the due date is getting closer.

Andy: Please note the hotness of my wife in this picture. Yes, she is the most beautiful pregnant woman who has ever existed. If Motherhood Maternity has any sense, they'd hire her to be their top model.

Ashlee: I started teaching school about 3 weeks ago and the students have been really sweet.  They open my doors, pull out my chairs, and ask so many questions. "Are you having a baby?"  "Why, yes I am."  "I thought your stomach was getting fatter!"  Oh, how I LOVE the honesty of children.