Happy 1st Anniversary and Easter!

It has been an "extra" exciting time around the Hewett household lately (as if it hasn't been exciting enough the past 8 months!) with lots of fun filled festivities.  Shockingly, a year has flown by since I stood in front of my best friend and said "I do."  Daniel and I got married on April 24, 2010.  It has been THE best year of my life.  Each day my heart grows more and more in love with Daniel and I am forever grateful that God gave me such an amazing soulmate and best friend to share my life with. It is evident that Daniel loves the Lord more than he loves me and I am thankful for that.  Our faith in Christ has strengthened more than I could have ever imagined in this past year and I am thankful for all of the blessings He has given us.  We got married, built a house, and are expecting our first child all in ONE year of saying our vows.  Some people may think that is a little much but it makes us believe that "God has a plan" even more true.  God is SO good and we are beyond blessed.  I love you Daniel and look forward to our future as a family!!

April 24, 2010

 Since we were so blessed to share the resurrection of Christ this year and our 1 year anniversary we decided to go to the beach a few days before so we would be back for church and time with family on Easter.  And yes, even being 34 weeks pregnant, I was still able to enjoy the beach.  In fact, as crazy as I may sound, I think I even enjoyed it more than NOT being pregnant because all we did was lay by the pool and beach, EAT good food, and RELAXED.  We did a little shopping at Pier Park each day, but other than that I had book in hand, feet propped up, and not a care in the world.  Even better, I was able to eat YUMMY seafood without feeling guilty about being in a swimsuit in front of hundreds of people the next day.   

Even though this time last year we were on our honeymoon for a week in St. Lucia, Daniel took great care of me and we had an amazing time celebrating a year of marrital bliss at the beach!  Here are a few memories of our honeymoon a year ago...

Just arrived in St. Lucia a.k.a. a little slice of heaven! :)

A year later...Happy Anniversary!

We left for the beach on Wednesday and came back on Saturday.  The next day we got up and celebrated Jesus' resurrection.  We went to church and headed to my parents house for a wonderful lunch. 

April 24, 2011

We had a great time spending quality time with family, hiding eggs, and remembering the real reason for the day. 

That morning, I got a text from one of my good friends Jessica, who has also been pregnant for the past 9 months alongside of me that said "Logan is HERE"!!!  She was due exactly a month before me on April 29.  Well, Logan decided to bless us with his presence a little early.  So, of course, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Jessica's little blessing.  We went that night to see the proud mommy and I got to hold this precious baby boy.  He was absolutely darling and made Daniel and I both that much more excited for our own little gift from God to arrive.  Congratulations again Jessica and Scott!!

Me and the elated mommy!

 Logan Scott Moore

Speaking of precious baby boy's I had a Dr.'s appointment today and was able to hear this little guy's heartbeat which ALWAYS brings a big smile to my face.

Everything is going great and Hampton is growing every day!  In fact, Dr. Patel said he is actually measuring a little bigger so we may have a Hampton a little earlier than everyone is expecting!! :)  In 2 weeks, he will do an ultrasound to see just how much bigger he is and give us more of an idea of his expected arrival date.  I could not be any more anxious I don't think.  Each day I get a little more and more excited, nervous, anxious, and a whole lot of emotions rolled into one.  We are in the process of putting the final touches to his nursery which also makes it more real for us.  It has been a ton of fun preparing for him to get here and I am so ready to finally meet him.  Pictures of nursery to come...

Good times with good friends...

Daniel and I found out we were expecting our first child on September 29, 2010.  Of course, we waited until we told our parents the good news to spread the word to our friends and other family members.  Once our parents knew, it was all down hill from there.  I couldn't wait any longer to tell everyone.  I sent out a mass text to most of all of our friends, but there were a few that received actual phone calls.  Two of those calls were made to Emily Byars and Leslie Moody.  I met Emily and Leslie both in Birmingham when I started teaching at Chalkville Elementary in 2005.  We all taught 1st grade together and immediately became close friends.  After moving back to Dothan last year, it's safe to say I miss these 2 girls A LOT.  We always have the best time with each other whether it's a serious or relaxed setting.  They truly have a heart for God and have helped me grow in my faith as a Christian and I thank them for that.  They both hold very special places in my heart and I am forever grateful to have them as my friends.  A few weeks after telling them both the good news, I received the same phone call from Leslie that I had given her just a few short weeks earlier.  She was pregnant as well!  Wow!  I was ecstatic for her and James and I knew exactly the wonderful feeling she was feeling.  Well, God works in mysterious ways and I love it.  A couple of weeks after that phone call with Leslie I received a call from Emily with the same exciting news.  Her and Michael were expecting their first bundle of joy also!  I was elated for us all.  We were all going through the same amazing emotions and journey of having our first child...together.  Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor too?!  Even though I live in Dothan now and they are both still in Birmingham, we still keep in touch and it has been SO much fun talking to them about what they're feeling, changes, etc. over the past 8 months while being pregnant.  However, talking on the phone just wasn't good enough.  We HAD to come up with a plan to hang out and spend the day together.  So, we set a date and many weeks later we all met at Eastchase Mall in Montgomery to spend some quality time together.  Montgomery was a half way point for all of us and it worked out perfect.  The weather was amazing and the day couldn't have been prettier.  We met at 11:00 and started out with a little shopping at Storkland and Name Dropper (imagine that!).  We moved on to eating lunch (of course we were hungry after 1 store) to Red Robin.  After a wonderful meal, we were ready to shop until we dropped (which doesn't take long for 3 pregnant girls)!  After a few hours of shopping, we made a final pit stop at Marble slab for some yummy ice cream before we had to say our good-byes.  Needless to say, with 3 really preggo girls, we got quite a few stares, nice little smiles, and even some "awe's" from strangers all day.  One person even asked if we were sisters or best friends!!  It was an extremely fun day and as always I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.  Now, I cannot wait to do it again in September when Hampton and I both will actually get to meet Baby Byars and Baby Moody!! 
As you know, I am having a boy and due May 28.
Emily is having a boy and due June 11.
Leslie is having a girl and due July 7.

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27



I cannot wait for all of our blessings to arrive.

I love and miss you both!!

Busy. Busy. Busy.

So, April 8 was my last day not only at Girard Elementary, but as a teacher.  For now anyways.  I'm not sure where God will lead me in the future, but I am excited to see what He has in store for me, but as for now I am enjoying every single second of not working.  I still don't feel like I am out for good though because this week is our Spring Break so it hasn't quite hit me just yet that I get to run errands and do what I want, when I want for...well...however long until Hampton decides to make his grand entrance into the world.  However, if you know me well, you know it is extremely difficult for me to sit still...even being 34 weeks pregnant, can't breathe well, don't sleep at night, feet so swollen they are bruised and hurting, a mini Muhammed Ali in my stomach 24 hours a day, and waddling like a mother duck everywhere I go.  Since getting out on Friday, April 8 I have done anything and everything, but REST like I promised my husband I would do.  I have been busy, busy running around town getting things done before our little bundle of joy arrives.  I must admit I've always heard people say (including my mother and sister) that once you have a child, you would rather buy for them instead of yourself.  I have always begged to differ on that opinion because I LOVE to shop.  But, now with a child on the way, I completely understand that saying.  I find myself in the baby section of every store I walk into before even making it to my section (IF I even make it to my section).  One of my favorite things I have bought for him is his diaper bag. It's chocolate and teal with tons of storage and pouches on the inside with 2 pockets on the outside.  I absolutely LOVE it and couldn't be any more happier with my decision!

One thing is for sure.  The boy will never go without clothes.  Between my obsession with buying him outfits, hand me downs from my sister, attending Kid's Market in the fall, and my sister's friend, Nicole supplying me her little boy's closet...the boy has some clothes.  Every time I buy him something, I realize why God did not bless me with a little girl for my first child.  I think it's pretty safe to say one of two things would have happened.  1.  Daniel and I would be bankrupt and I do mean we would be NEGATIVE in the bank account or 2.  Daniel and I would get a divorce (bankruptcy being the cause of our divorce).  I cannot contain myself when I see little girl's clothing.  Now, don't get me wrong, little boys clothing is just as cute and just as fun to buy, but I will say I can contain myself just a little more.  Here are just a few (and I mean just a few) of my favorites I have bought him so far...

precious submarine

 Of course I had to buy him a Polo onesie when we went to Destin outlets

 Sailboats and ducks smocked bubble

I go through his closet and look at all of his clothes and just picture him in them. I can't wait for him to actually wear them.  Can. Not. Wait. 

On another note, neither Daniel nor I are avid readers and never have been, but I will say if someone recommends a book I should read, I usually try to make the time to read it.  9 times out of 10, for me starting a good book usually results in reading a few chapters in my spare time and then 6 months later forgetting what I had read so far because it had been so long since I read it last.  Doesn't work out that well.  Probably explains why I'm not really an avid reader.  However, lately Daniel has begun reading at night which usually turns to boredom for me.  I can only play on the computer for so many hours, right?!  haha  So, I started thinking, with all this "spare" time I'm going to have in the next few weeks I mine as well get into a good book.  I mentioned it to Daniel and he quickly gave me this one...

Let me tell you, I finished this 18 chapter book in record time for Anna Hewett.  It was unbelievably good.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading it if you haven't.  Now, I'm not going to bore you and give you any kind of synopsis or anything, but just take my word for it and read it.  I don't think you will be disappointed. 

Wonderful Weekend!!

I had an amazing weekend to say the least!  It started off with a beatiful baby shower at my mom and dad's house on Saturday morning with friends and family!

My 2 sisters and amazing friends were the hostesses!  Thank you all again.  I am truly blessed to have such caring and wonderful sisters and friends!  Hampton and I love you all!

The A-DORABLE clothesline...

it had monogrammed outfits, bibs, and burp cloths (THANK YOU AUNT BROOKE),

and a couple of booties and diapers.  Too cute not to post a picture of!

Sunday was a very special day for Daniel and I.  When we first moved to Dothan in June 2010 we both were a little scared and overwhelmed with the feeling of wanting to find a church family.  We both knew that God would lead us where He wanted us to be, we just were unsure of where that needed to be.  After many months of praying and attending Covenant United Methodist Church we finally knew where our "church family" was and we officially became members of Covenant United Methodist on April 3, 2011. To God be the Glory.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

After church we went and ate lunch at mother and daddy's house and had a little rest and relaxation time.  I got a little much needed sun and played with one of my favorite little munchkins!

One of my all time FAVORITE things about mother and daddy's house!

Cutest and sweetest little curly, red headed munchkin you will EVER meet!

She LOVES to swing!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!

I love the fact that we are another day closer to meeting our little angel!!

I am loving that I had another baby shower this past weekend.  Daniel's family gave us a shower at Mamaw's house in Marietta, GA.  Hampton really stocked up and got some awesome gifts!!  I am blessed to have such wonderful in laws!  Here are a few pics captured from this weekend.

A precious (and oh, so yummy) cake!

Precious giraffe that makes soothing sounds...it will also go with the jungle theme in his room!

Willow tree sculpture of a Man, Lady, and baby



An adorable little puppy robe

 Those were just A FEW of the wonderful things Hampton got!  I can't wait for him to get here to actually use all of this stuff!

It was also Mamaw's 81st birthday!

Such an amazing woman!

I'm thankful I was given the chance to not only know her,

but be a part of her life and call her "Mamaw".

I am loving that Hughes' t-ball season started again.  It is his 2nd year to play and he LOVES it and is SO good at it!  For those of you who know me well, know that the Hughes family LIVED at the ballpark growing up and I wouldn't trade a single second of it.  I LOVE when it's spring time and the days get longer and we fill the time with being at the ballpark.  In fact, for many years I have longed for that feeling again and now that Hughes is old enough to play ball that void has been filled and it feels so good!!  Being out there again the other night brings a rush of amazing memories back and with my own little boy on the way, I couldn't help but get a little giddy feeling inside thinking about passing on the tradition of living at the ballpark with Hampton.   

This year he is on the pitcher's mound and he couldn't be any cuter standing out there.

It was a whole lot easier to get down beside him for this picture

than it was to get back up at 30 weeks preggo!  But, I NEVER have and

NEVER will pass up a chance to take a picture with this handsome fella!

And as always, I am loving my wonderful husband!

What are you loving today?

My (not so little anymore) man!

I never realized just how much our hearts can truly love until my nephew, Hughes, was born.  This little man means more to me than I thought was possible.  Now with my own son about to be born in May, I cannot fathom the love I will have for him.  Hughes has grown so fast and never ceases to amaze me with the knowledge he shares with us.  He turned 6 in January and is going to be in first grade in the fall. Unbelievable.  He has the sweetest personality and is truly a caring and loving child.  He has been such a blessing to our family and I can always count on him to make me laugh.  Thank you Lord for such an amazing gift to our family.  I honestly think I could write a book about this little guy, but I will spare you and share a few pictures with you instead. 

Dana sent me a picture of Hughes the other morning where he had lost yet another tooth.  At that moment, it hit me that my little man was slowly becoming my "not so little anymore" man.  Makes me a tad bit sad, but I am so proud of him and love him more and more everyday. 

WOW!!  He is the cutest little toothless boy I have ever known.

Last, but not least when I say this boy is sweet I really mean this boy is SWEET.  His thoughtfulness at 6 year old blows me away some times.  One of those days being last Sunday.  We were at mother and daddy's eating lunch after church (an every Sunday ritual) and he came to me with this little bitty green plastic frog.  Now, let me inform you, that ever since Hughes found out he was going to have a little boy cousin named Hampton he has been ecstatic.  So excited in fact that he felt the need to "name" him himself.  So, to Hughes, I am having a "Harry" not a "Hampton" and he will not let you refer to him as Hampton without correcting you.  Did I mention how hysterical this little fella is?!?  Anyways, he places this strange tiny frog in my hand and the conversation goes like this:

Me:  "Oh, what is this little thing?"

H:  "Well, I want you to give this little frog to Harry to keep forever.  I have the blue one just like this one."

Me:  "Awe, Hughes that is very sweet.  Ok."

H:  "And I want you to tell him it's from me and that way he'll know we will be best buds forever.  Because I have the blue one and he has the green one."

To say the least, it MELTED MY HEART and I had to turn away for him not to see the tears swelling in my eyes.  Who knew some plastic little frog could leave such an imprint on someone's life as it has mine?!?  Every time I see this little frog now, I can't help but hear Hughes' sweet little innocent voice that day telling me to give it to "Harry" so he will know they will be best buds forever.  As cheesy as it may sound, it brings tears (joyfull, of course) to my eyes each and every time.

Needless to say, this tiny plastic frog has already made his home in "Harry's" room on his shelf with some of his other animals and will forever be a part of his life.



Just the thought of Hughes makes me smile and now this little green frog does too. :)