Classic Hilton's

Ironically, I have been more socially active during my period of bed rest than any average month in the life of...! (Let me pause here to say a big "Thank You!" to my friends who have made the trek north to sit and brainstorm with me and bring me great reading material!! And let me also say an even bigger "Thank You" to my mom who has graciously put up with me having company at her house, which I know is more challenging for her than it is for me!) It has been such a joy to get my mind off of the work drama and the baby drama, and focus on some creative ministry opportunities, while also reconnecting with some women whom I truly find amazing.  I feel absolutely blessed to serve with them and really excited about some of the things we have been planning! With so much going on personally, I feel like I really don't know and can't even speculate about what the summer and fall are going to look like. But through meeting with these women, I feel like God ha

Sometimes I look back over the last four years, and I think Brooklyn has pretty much raised herself!  I remember a lot about her babyhood, but there are some shocking holes in my memory. For instance, breastfeeding.  Introducing solids. Weaning her off the pacifier.  How did we know she was ready to do all of this? Moreover, how did we know HOW to do it? Potty training, switching from a crib to a bed...?? Maybe my poor memory is okay.  It will keep me from being arrogant as we start raising Grayson, since even though it's our second time around, I still don't know what I'm doing!! P.S. My bed is too crowded right now. Last night I had Brooklyn pressed up against my back and Grayson trying to kick his way out of my stomach!

Today we painted your room a beautiful blue-gray color! Mostly Daddy and Brooklyn, but Mommy offered lots of moral support and oohs and ahhs, and might have put a couple of swipes up on the wall just so I could say that I helped. We are having so much fun getting ready for you.  Sometimes Brooklyn would take a break and come sit by Mommy on the couch, and she would talk to you while she ate her snack. She is very ready to meet you! The doctors are having me do a kick count to keep track of how you are doing. Every day around the same time I have to make sure you kick at least 10 times in an hour. Around 4:30/5:00 you start getting active. You hit your 10 kicks in the first 20 minutes!! You are growing so well and we are anxious to meet you and show you your new room! Seven more weeks!

I just finished reading The Help  by Kathryn Stockett. The story was so well written.  Told from the perspective of three women, I truly felt like I could hear each of their voices as they said their piece.  Sometimes I feel like I understand prejudice...our innate fear of that which is different and unknown.  But this took it to a whole new level.  To say in one breath that the colored people of their community carried diseases so dangerous that they could not use the same bathroom, then simply turn around and hand over their children to be raised by them!! How do you reconcile such polar opposites in your mind? Of course the saddest part of the story, to me, was the part about raising children.  I was outraged and heartbroken by the white women who so willingly abandoned their children to be raised by others, and my heart just ached for Aibleen as I watched her relationship with Mae Mobley unfold. Once when I was studying the Civil War, I read that people from the North supported a

As I write this, you are about 18" long and 3.2 lbs. About the size of a head of lettuce.  We have approximately 8 weeks and 5 days to go before your scheduled debut.  But here's the fun of it. Daddy and I are planning a C-section, which is traditionally scheduled about a week before the due date. That makes the countdown 7 weeks.  Now we are also dealing with some blood pressure issues, and the doctors are just hoping to get us as far along as we can. The family is starting to take bets on when you will be born. Here is what's going on... Mommy's blood pressure is high.  It's staying around 140/80.  Since the first of the year, the doctors have had me on modified bed rest, meaning that I could get up and do a little around the house, but need to take it easy.  No going to work or hard partying ;0) It really hasn't been so bad. The first week I was able to do some work from home, which kept me busy.  Then last week Atlanta had a tremendous winter storm and

I think the people who are closest to me would be surprised to know that I love being pregnant. Yes, I am more uncomfortable than ever, my hormones are off the chart, I'm tired, have constant heartburn, backaches, and swelling...and maybe I complain...a little!! But I love it. From the moment I learn I am carrying a new life to the moment he or she debutes, I feel like the most special woman in all the world. And even though I share every experience with my family, there are just some things that will always be a secret between me and this little baby. Without a doubt this has been a tough pregnancy.  I started with more disadvantages than in my first go around: weight, a stressful, full time job, an energetic four year old ;0) I remember feeling sick and tired in the first trimester with Brooklyn, and I remember feeling swollen and tired in the last trimester as well.  With Grayson it seems like I have really only had about 4 really good weeks (if that!). With Grayson I have had