Alyssa Claire

With all that has consumed the Styles household in the last few weeks, I don't think I ever blogged about the gender of the baby. We had our ultrasound over a month ago. Everything is good with the little one. SHE is still on target to arrive around the end of August. We are so excited about Alyssa Claire joining our family. I think it's great that Lauren is going to have a little sister to play with and look after. She loves tickling her (my belly) and calling her Sissy. I can't wait for them to meet and get to know each other. I will leave you with a couple of new belly shots. Ignore the fat rolls and bulges. Krispie Kreme and Sonic slushes have been good to me lately!!




25 Weeks

Happy Anniversary Chris

I want to send a shout-out to my loving husband. Chris and I were married 8 years ago today, after almost 4 years of dating. It is hard to believe how fast time gets away, but I am truly grateful for where we are in our lives today. Through some ups and downs (mostly ups), God has blessed our marriage and enriched us as His children. Thank you Chris for loving me unconditionally and for being a great daddy to our precious angels Lauren and Alyssa (arriving in August). I love you and look forward to many more years to come!
Brandi



Chris's Senior Prom 1998


Wedding Day May 19, 2001


Lauren's Birth Feb. 27, 2006

Long Time No Blog

I realize it has been forever since I've posted. I hope this finds you healthy and loving life. School is down to single digit days left; so, I'll write a detailed post in the days to come. Until then, enjoy the summer weather and soak up some rays!
Brandi

20 weeks

22 weeks

I am now 24 weeks & looking every bit of it and some. Surprising as it might be, I have had very little weight gain (pound wise). The dr. said it is okay to treat myself to doughnuts and such on occasion. I am wondering if that includes the whole box?!

Amazing Grace

What better way to celebrate Easter than to think of the true meaning. Enjoy this video!

Just Checking In

It has been a wild night in Sweet Home Alabama. My goodness..tornado warning-to-severe thunderstorm warning-to....... There is nothing like living in Tornado Alley during this time of year!

I am in the "busy season" at work! Paperwork is not my favorite thing..not even close. But, that is all I have done for about two weeks. YUCK! At least we are in the downhill swing of things. Summer break is swiftly approaching.

I'm taking off work tomorrow to take Lauren for her 3 year well check at the dr. Hopefully he won't get on to me for giving her too much junk food! Ahhh, I'm not that bad-it just seems like lately that's all she wants. Moving right along, we are going to go ahead and make a Mommy and Me day out of it. The plan is to get her 3 year pictures made first thing in the morning. I am in love with Portrait Innovations. They do fantastic work, and the entire package deal is very affordable and ready to take home within about an hour. You can't beat that. After pictures, we are going to grab a fun lunch. Red Robin is next door, so we'll probably pop in for a tasty bite. Lauren loves that place because of the free balloons. I enjoy the atmosphere! Then, we'll probably stop off at Target and pick up a birthday gift for our little cousin who is having his first birthday party on Saturday. - It is so much harder shopping for little guys. I am well rehearsed on princess, and Barbie, Care Bears, play make-up...but the popular trucks and action figures, etc..not so much. As I digress, the dr. appt. is at 1:30, so we'll head there for what I hope is a quick checkup. If Lauren is still awake, we might conclude the day with a run to an ice cream shop. That will be my behavioral incentive anyway. You know, "If you're good here and here and here, we'll get ice cream on the way home". I know I'm not the only one that does that! Hey, there is nothing wrong with a little positive reinforcement.

I go for my BIG ultrasound on the 13th. We are praying that the baby continues to be healthy, and that he/she is becoming a strong little person. It might be that long before I check back in. As I stated above, my life is not my own at this point. It should slow down by May. Now that I've bored you to tears, I'll leave for a few.

Short Post

We have had a restful Spring Break week. It was oh so needed, but Chris and I both are ready to get back and finish the final 9-weeks of the school year. It is hard to believe that summer is lurking just around the corner. God is good!!!

I am adding a couple of 16 week belly pictures. To me, the 4th and 5th months serve as the bridge between the yucky 1st trimester and the miserable 3rd trimester. I am happy to have reached that milestone. In addition, I feel pretty good most days, with the exception of sinus/allergy headaches....darn pollen!!

Until we meet again, enjoy the belly pics. Also, Lauren insisted that she have a picture made too. So, enjoy her cute pics with her disheveled hair, but absolutely adorable smile.
Brandi


16 weeks

Lauren being silly

Life's Littlest Reflections

I am up very early on this first day of Spring Break. I couldn't sleep, as I have so much on my mind. Thoughts of the baby Chris and I lost last summer consume me today. Am I sad? At this point, the grief process is different. Yes, there are times such as this week when our little one would have been due, that thoughts of loss rush back in. I am reminded though of how far we have come. While losing a child so early into a pregnancy, I never got the opportunity to get to know him/her. However, I will always have my precious angel in Heaven. God has blessed our family so much, and he continues to do so. Lauren is our absolute joy, and our newest family member will be joining us in August. We choose to move on, yet never forget those than have gone before us. God bless!

...more to come as Baby #2 continues to grow like a weed and Mommy "blossoms" as well.
Brandi