Kylie's First Days

Here is a video of Kylie's first couple of days. It was filled with tears, laughs, friends and family. We are so thankful for the people that the Lord has put in our lives. Thank you to all who came to visit and thank you for your gifts. You are loved and appreciated.

Lauren, Tre, Kylie and Marley

Awesome Commercial... Watch!

Awesome commercial. I saw this while watching a NASCAR race... shocking, I know. I see a new toy in Kylie's future. Enjoy.

Running Out of Room!

Can you imagine being confined into a space so small that you cannot completely stretch out your arms and legs. Well, we've all been there, but fortunately we have forgotten those days so long ago. Kylie Grace, however, knows them all too well. It seems that she is getting bigger and bigger and possibly more frustrated with her lack of space. She will try to push out one side, give up, and then move to the other side and try to push through again. I haven't been able to see a clear image of a hand or foot, but I have been lob sided and seen small and large bumps protruding from my belly. I have a good feeling that Kylie will be a little on the stubborn side and the fact that she continues to try to stretch out her body only gives me more confidence. I still feel healthy and strong and am able to walk a few times a week. I cannot believe that we still have five and a half weeks until her due date. We are very excited and are enjoying each day with each other and friends around us.

I also wanted to post some pictures of my niece Kieren. She is almost 5 months old!!

Girls Weekend!!

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Memphis, TN to visit some friends from college. I made the trip with my old roommate, Winter. We had a great time catching up and EATING, of course we made a trip to the pool as well. On our last day, we got to see the animals at the Memphis Zoo and went to a local church for a night of worship with Shane & Shane. However, my favorite night was when we played the game Loaded Questions. We all have a mixture of competitive nature and flat out silliness. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Picture 5 loud and crazy girls that have known each other for years, and one boy who was an amazing sport! We gave him such a hard time about his Wimbledon T-shirt that I think it will be impossible for him to ever wear it again without thinking of us.

As the move to Clearwater gets closer and closer, I cannot help but reflect on the blessings I have received here in Nashville. Even though I have not lived in the exact same house, I have been in this city for almost eight years. For me that is forever. Moving around every few years as a child has given me an ability to make new friends, but unfortunately I have always lost touch with the old ones. It breaks my heart to think that Kylie will not know these people who have greatly influenced my life and who might even know me better than I know myself. I am soaking up every opportunity to enjoy all my friends from Nashville (not just the ones I met in college). I pray that as we make the move to Clearwater, I will be able to make some new friends, but that this time I will not lose touch with the old. I pray that they will get to pour into Kylie's life, plus they would be the ones to tell the best bedtime stories.

Kylie Update!

I am now 32 weeks along in my pregnancy. It's crazy to think about how long I have been carrying her around, and yet how I still have several weeks to go. But being used by God to bring a child into this world has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I really understand that I am God's open vessel. Yes, I am eating healthy and exercising, but God is the one creating Kylie. He chooses her eye color, creates her fingerprints, puts her personality together, and plans how He will use her for His kingdom. It's truly an honor to be used by Him, and I cannot wait to watch His story for her life unfold before my eyes.

She continues to grow day by day. She should be almost 17 inches long and around 4 pounds. I have noticed that she is getting more and more cramped as her body grows longer and longer. Although, she still prefers the right side and I am pretty sure she likes to poke her butt out. I guess it could be her head, but most days there is a large, round bump protruding from my belly! She also enjoys tapping her feet on my rib cage. Oh the joys of being a mother!

My last week of school went well. I loved every moment with my students and when they were gone, I was completely exhausted. My room is finally cleaned out, and I locked up my portable for the last time yesterday afternoon. I haven't really processed all of those emotions, but I do know that it is time for rest. I plan on enjoying my summer with those I love and resting up for what is to come!!

One Week Left!

Normally during this time of year, I cannot wait for the last day of school. Each day I am more and more annoyed with students and have been counting down for weeks. However, this year it's a little different. I have been teaching for four years. Each school year, I have given everything I have to impact, educate, and love these students. They are not your typical classroom, but I love each group with a whole new love from God. There are still days when I hate it, and there are definitely days that I wish I had another job. But at the end of the year, I can look back and reflect over the past 10 months. I can finally see how much they have grown, how much they have learned, and how much I have fallen in love with them. We become this sort of family. We do everything together, and they know me so well. They can predict what I will do and they always call me out. It's hilarious! These past few weeks, instead of counting down the days, I have been soaking up every moment. Because this year might be my last. I don't know what the future will hold, and who knows maybe one day I will be back in the classroom. For the past four years, I have been jealous of Tre and the fact that he got to be the youth pastor. Well, I am about to eat my words and do the job that I have wanted for so long. I always knew I wouldn't be in the classroom forever and thought I would celebrate when that final day of school came. Instead, I am being sentimental and just enjoying the time with my class. Ahh my class. Words cannot describe the 19 GIRLS that I spend SEVEN hours with every day of the week. They are sweet, kind, helpful, crazy, energetic, smart, and loving nine year olds. This group has given me a run for my money and challenged me more than I thought possible. But now I can see all those glorious benefits and it was worth it!! (of course it is much easier to say that now.) I am sad to be leaving this school that I have been apart of for the past four years, and I will continue to pray for the faculty there. But I thank God for the experiences and all that He has taught me. It's been a long, hard road, but some of the most fulfilling moments in my life as well.

Happy Mother's Day!!

I just wanted to wish all of you moms out there a Happy Mother's Day!! You deserve a special day to celebrate you!! You have sacrificed more for us children than we will ever realize. So THANK YOU!! We wouldn't be who we are without YOU!

We have been super busy in the Jones household. I have been busy wrapping up this school year and both of us are constantly cleaning the house just in case someone wants to come shopping. :)

This past Thursday we had our FIRST baby shower!! Julie, a teacher from my school, welcomed us to her beautiful home. It had been a very eventful day, but a wonderful celebration. Several teachers from my school came with treats and presents. We recieved our bedding, bath accessories, toys, clothes, and gift cards!! On Saturday Tre, Lexi, and I went shopping for a crib mattress so we could put Kylie's crib together. I was soo excited and it was a lot of fun! We have some pictures for you of her updated nursery.

Physically I am doing pretty well. I am 30 weeks along in my pregnancy and in my third trimester. I am definately pregnant as strangers have started asking questions about my due date and the baby's gender. Some of the teen girls even told me I waddled this weekend. :) Most days I feel pretty healthy. I am getting more tired as the days go on, and am more sucspetible to losing my balance. I praise the Lord for his grace and protection for my body and Kylie's. I did fall last week, but after a doctor's visit everything checked out okay. We hope that you all are doing well and looking forward to a great summer!!