As many of you know, since my last post, we have welcomed our precious baby boy, William Frederic Ashford into this world. However, many of you may not know the journey we took in the days preceeding his birth. I went for my normal weekly appointment with my OB on Tuesday, July 20th. I expressed to him I felt like the baby had dropped. After his examination, he revealed to us I was 80% and 2 cm. I was right at 33 weeks pregnant at this appointment. We could hear the concern in his voice as he ordered his nurse to immediately put me on the monitor while he contacted the hospital. We arrived at the hospital shortly thereafter where we anticipated I would stay for a 48 hour observational period. However, the next 48 hours would reveal to us, we would be welcoming our precious boy long before his due date which was September 7th. After multiple attempts by the doctors to stop the labor, on Thursday afternoon, July 22nd, the doctors agreed to allow my body to do what it would do. I continued contracting feeling only short periods of discomfort. Friday morning, July 23rd I was moved from the bed rest unit, to labor and delivery where we prepared for delivery and consulted with the team from the NICU. For the first time, we were afraid of the unknown for our son. I would not be until Saturday night, July 24th at 6:29 p.m. that William would arrive.

Although William required very little respiratory help, he struggled with his feedings. He was admitted to the NICU by 6:50 with his daddy right beside him. It would not be until 8:00 before I was able to see him again. My mom, dad, Amber, Fred, and I spent a little time with him that evening. After mom and dad left the hospital with Amber, Fred and I spent some additional time holding him and talking to him to reassure him we were there. Seeing him in such an unexpected way, was very difficult. On our way up to see him, Fred tried to prepare me for what I would see, however, it still came as a shock to see so many cords and the IV in his tiny little hand. However, he was so precious and so calm as he laid there. I wanted so badly to make it all better right then and there, but I knew we were going to have to trust God.

I was discharged two days later. Leaving the hospital that day would prove to be very difficult for both Fred and I. As we loaded into the car, we both simply sat briefly, cried, and watched the hospital disappear as we drove off leaving our baby boy behind. We would spend the next 14 days and 13 nights making multiple trips to and from the hospital to be by William. While there, we would rock him, sing to him, and read to him. Although he slept much of the time, Fred, Amber, and I felt he needed to know we were there. Many times, Amber would sit and talk to him while she rocked him. Seeing her loving him and offering him a sense of security was overwhelming for me. I was so proud of her patience and strength during this time. I often felt torn with all the trips back and forth. One day, Amber looked at me and said "Mom, it's okay...I'm healthy and William needs you". I knew then, all was well, and we would soon be home altogether.

William was discharged on August 7th. Needless to say, we were thrilled to finally bring him home! These days Willliam is growing and eating like crazy. He now weighs nearly 9 pounds. My days consist of diapers, bottles, nursing, laundry, cleaning, cooking, and daily trips to pick Amber up at school. I would not trade a moment of my life for anything right now. Each day brings new joys and a greater revelation of God's love. Amber continues to do well in high school. She is loving her freshman year, but not loving the work load. She is taking 1 Advanced Placement class, and 2 Honors classes. So she stays busy with school and the youth group at our church. We could not be more proud of her, her choices, and the young lady she continues to become. As a mother, there is no greater joy than to see your child walk in the Lord. My prayer is that she'll continue to lead by example as William grows and learns to love God too.

Throughout these past few months, we have learned the importance of family and trusting in God. We have realized the faithful friends we have in our beautiful church and community. In our greatest time of need, our God, family, and friends became our strength to lean on.

Love,

Jamie, Fred, Amber & William

Changes Coming!

I am now 33 weeks pregnant! It is so hard to believe how quickly this pregnancy has gone by. We are so excited to welcome William into our family. We are now on weekly visits with both our OB and Specialist to continue to monitor me and William. We have completed his nursery, purchased the stroller/carseat, and washed his clothes. In addition, our bags are packed for that trip to the hospital. As we prepare for William, we also prepare for Amber to begin high school.

I cannot believe my "baby" will be in high school. Time flies, and often, quicker than we ever wanted. Although we couldn't be more proud of her and confident in who she is becoming, I am still saddened by watching her grow up. I know she'll do magnificent in high school, but she'll always be my baby. She continues to follow God in all she does, and that alone, gives me a peace that nothing else could give me.

I am breezing through my doctorate program. LOL....I guess more like treading through on a gravel road at times. Although it hasn't become too challenging yet, time management is my greatest challenge.

I'll continue to post updates as we near William's arrival and Amber's first days of high school.

With Love,
Jamie

Wow! It's been a while!

It has been a while since I updated our family blog. Since October, we have learned we will welcome our newest addition to our family late Summer. William Frederic is expected to arrive toward the end of August or early September. In addition, our sweet Amber will begin high school in August. I cannot believe our baby girl is that old!!!!! She continues to do very well in school and remains actively involved in the youth at Sunrise, our church. We couldn't be more proud of the young lady she is becoming.

As a family, we have decided we will take a leap of faith and I will be a stay at home mommy for a while. I submitted my Leave of Absence form with my school district and as of May 28th, will no longer teach. Although this brings many fears of the unknown, we trust in our God and each other. Needless to say, I am THRILLED to be able to stay home with William as well as be with my sweet Amber as she makes the adjustment into high school.

In addition, I got accepted into a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) program, beginning May 3rd. Another GIANT leap of faith. This will allow me the opportunity to teach at the collegiate level and/or seek out work with educational publishing companies. However, that's several years down the road, so in the meantime, we'll focus on our sweet Amber and our new baby boy while I slowly work through the program. However, it sounds kind of sweet typing a paper with him in my arms. (LOL)

Fred will be coaching both Track and Softball next year. I truly am blessed to have married a man who believes enough in me to allow me this opportunity to be a mom and go back to school. I know the sacrifices are great, but it truly is a symbol of his love for me and his commitment to our family. I often lay in bed at night and wonder how I, yes me, could have been so blessed.

We meet with our OB and Specialists on a monthly basis to monitor both me and the baby, as I have a blood disorder that makes me prone to clot. I'm currently on daily injections of blood thinner (Levenox) as well as baby asprin to minimize my risk of clotting. Therefore, they are monitoring both of us very closely. We return on the 17th and 18th of May. In addition, we are now scheduled for our 3D Ultrasound for Saturday, June 12th. I will be 26 weeks at this point. We will schedule a second 3D Ultrasound for around week 35 just for fun to see him one more time before he gets here. I'll make sure to post these pictures on Facebook. We will also be given a web page to upload them to as well.

May God continue to find each of you healthy and blessed.

With Love,
Jamie

God is Good!

It's been a while since I posted an update on our blog. I have since had surgery and discovered that I had endometriosis. In addition, my doctor removed a cyst (that concerned him) as well as scar tissue. While removing one of the surgical scopes, he ruptured a blood vessel all resulting in a much extended recovery period. However, this diagnosis, and the doctor's medical intervention, now enables us to further try to have a baby.

For over 2 years we have tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant. After undergoing months on fertility drugs, and finally an IUI with the specialists (unsuccessful), Fred and I felt it was best to allow my body to rest. The surgery last week, was an effort to assure we had not missed anything. Well, we had. Trusting now in God's plan, we hope to have a baby in the near future.

Amber continues to do really well in school. I cannot believe she will be in high school next year. As it is now, she will go to school at the same school Fred teaches at. I will miss her terribly as she has gone with me since 4th grade, and prior to that either mom, or I took her to school. So this will be a huge adjustment for me.

I sometimes sit in amazement at God's amazing Grace, and his continued blessings on my life. I don't have to look far to see the amazing people, friends, and family, he has placed in my life. After many years of praying and patiently waiting, he gave me Fred. After this past week, I truly have seen the loving, caring, kind hearted man he is. Furthermore, the amazing daughter he has blessed me with. She is so in love with God and her faith is so strong. She loves her church, youth group, and finds ALL her strength in God. For me, this is the ultimate revelation of the great love of God. I could not want for anything more.

As I wrap up this post, stop for a minute and look at all you have been blessed with. Remember, nothing happens without a reason. With Love....

SUMMER, SUMMER, SUMMERTIME

I am pretty behind with our blog. Wow......let's see....we spent 16 days in Florida with family and friends. It really was a wonderful trip. While there, we spent 4 days in Daytona on the Beach. Now that, was wonderful. Amber has been able to spend some quality time with her Daddy and her two little sisters while in Florida. I know she has enjoyed this. Fred and I got back to Georgia on the 23rd of June. Amber decided to stay back and continue to spend time with her Dad. She is getting pretty homesick now. Mom and Dad are coming to our place for the 4th next weekend and will bring her home then. In the meantime, Fred and I are enjoying some alone time and making our list for all our little "HGTV projects" around the house.

We returned from Florida, only to find out that our stove is malfunctioning and releasing carbon monoxide. So, the debate is on as to fix it or replace it. Again, HGTV has many kitchen ideas, so my best bet is that it will get replaced! I have grown to hate stainless steel. Considering all our appliances are just that, getting a new black/electrical stove sounds really nice. We are painting Amber's room and bathroom FINALLY this weekend, so I'm excited to see how that turns out.

Summer is flying by too quick. I don't think I'm really ready for Amber to be an 8th grader!!!!! She is growing up way too fast. As she blossoms into a teenager, I truly enjoy being a mother. Of course, we all enjoy it when they are babies, but now, as challenging as it is at times, she offers Fred and I so much. She is such a unique individual and such a sweet young lady who has grown to love the Lord! What more could a mother desire for her daughter. I'm confident as we embark on this next chapter in her life as a maturing teenager, she'll hold tight to her faith in God and make all the right decisions.

Going to sign off for now and try to get some work done around the house. Good Evening!

LIFE IS GOOD

Fred and I finally started running again after a month. I had some trouble with my shins, and now we are back to it. It really does feel good. Amber is having a blast in Florida. Of course, smiling and getting her way on everything. Guess that's mom and dad's role???? Anyhow, she had dinner with her daddy the other night and spent some time with her new little sister. She really seemed to have a good time. Mom and Dad took her to dinner two nights ago and then shopping. We really miss her, but are taking advantage of this time together here.

I think we will be heading to Florida next Monday or Tuesday. I have a workshop in the 26th back here in Georgia so we'll have to return by then and it looks like everyone will be here in Georgia at our house for the 4th of July! Yeah......I love hosting!

I spent some time on Skype with my sister last night talking to her and playing with the kids. That little camera thing is great! If anyone else is on Skype and wanna talk, let me know. I have the best time with that. It really is neat to be able to see the kids. However, I can't seem to figure out how to make the microphone work, so I have to talk on the phone too so they can see AND hear me. If I can't figure it out, I'm just going to buy one. Technology and Jamie don't mix.

Well, I guess I'm going to get off the computer for a while. I really need to do some more little projects around the house before heading out for a few weeks. We are debating whether or not to drive over and check out UGA. It's only a 30 min drive from here and we've never been. It's hard to think in a few years, we'll have to do this for Amber in search of a good college. YIKES......not ready for that one.

Oh....a quick little reminder of God's grace. We have been following a young girl (age 15) from the school Fred taught at last year. She ran track for him when he coached. She was diagnosed with cancer in March and has fought very hard these past few months. She has undergone some intense chemotherapy and has experienced a great amount of weightloss and pain. Well, this past week, she has been somewhat pain free, minimized her pill intake, spent time with friends, attended Basketball camp to help her teammates and is planning on going to a Braves' game tomorrow. Her mother has a site on caringbridge of which we follow her progress through that. This is such evidence of answered prayers. Please keep her, Amanda Riley, in your prayers as the road ahead is a long one for her and her family. However, their faith in God, is carying them gracefully through this journey and his grace is being revealed as I write this. I'm just so happy for her and her family and wanted to share this with you.

Have a great day my friends!

LOVING SUMMER

Wow! We are two days into our summer vacation and I feel completely lazy. However, I was able to get motivated and do some house work to check off on the "TO DO LIST". I cleaned out the entire file cabinet in our office and ended up with two garbage bags of shredded stuff. Guess that project was long overdue. I also did A LOT of laundry and cooked a killer dinner (beer can chicken, mac n' cheese, and sweet tea!

I am however, missing my girl. Mom and Dad couldn't wait to see her (they just saw her 6 weeks ago), so Dad met us in McDonough yesterday to pick her up. We are going the week of the 8th, but I guess grandparents lack patience to wait. So, she is hanging out there able to swim at her leisure so that makes her REALLY happy.

Hopefully in the next week we will be able to get her room and her bathroom painted. I want to surprise her with a whole new bedroom when she gets home, so here's to hoping it gets done. I can't wait to get to Florida. Lots of friends to catch up with and Good Times to be had!!!!!


And......the yard guy came today.......and we found out that his brother does basements!!!!! Yay!!! So looks like we will be getting some estimates on finishing our basement. I wanted this done by the time Amber reached high school so we have a year! I'm so excited, and Fred is too. I think he is thinking this will be his new bachelor pad (LOL). Whatever works, huh!

Happy Evening!