29 weeks!

Hey everyone!

     Holy moly I'm so excited about the time flying by!  29 weeks already:)  Last weekend we got to take a little mini-vacay to Florida to see two of our good friends tie the knot.  Congratulations, Andrew and Megan White!  The wedding was in Yahala, Fl.  During my research to find a suitable hotel for us,  I discovered that one of my best friend's parents lived about 40 minutes away from Yahala-in the Villages, FL!!  I called Peli (Nicole Rebardo Gilmore) to see if she thought her parents would mind hosting us for the weekend, and come to find out, she was going to be there the week before- ironically leaving 2 days before were to arrive (she and Joshua are living in Zion, Il.).  Because we hadn't seen each other in a long while, she did some magic and got her flight changed to the following week!! Joshua, her hubby of 7 years (happy anniversary!) flew in from a mission trip to spend the weekend with us as well!!  Talk about a wonderful surprise and blessing.  We had the best time!!  On top of that, another one of my best friends, Jennifer McKinney got to drive up from Lakeland, FL to visit us too:)  We had such a great time swimming, playing dominos, playing pickleball, riding around in the golf carts, and of course in the great Rebardo fashion- EATING CONSTANTLY!! Uncle John wasn't going to let his nephew Charlie starve for one second:)

Shawn had to get his game on so Mambo, Peli's mom,  wouldn't have to tell him "thank you" ;)  She says that to all of the  people that lose to her and don't REALLY play a good game.  Apparently, the words "good game" have to be earned!

We went to feed the fish and turtles at the square:) The belly is getting HUGE!! God bless my last trimester.....

Add caption

We also ran into a few old friends at the wedding:) It was so nice seeing Dana Ashmore and Michelle Ard!   (Unfortunately I didn't get a photo with Michelle).  Doesn't Andrew White look so handsome and happy?  We were very blessed to get to share in his special day!

   But like it or not, all good things must come to an end.. (well, except God and his goodness!)  We had to travel back to Alabama to finish out our year in Auburn.  

  I had a doctor's appointment for them to administer my glucose test, which tests for gestational diabetes- and it was high!   Oh no.  So, I had to go in for a THREE hour extensive glucose test to ascertain if I really have gestational diabetes.  I had to fast from 12pm the night before all the way until around lunch time the next day.  Let me tell you what, that is NOT an easy feat for a lady 29 weeks pregnant!!  But, I did it:)  I'd do anything for our little boy- to make sure he's happy and healthy.  We got the results today, and Praise God, NO DIABETES!!  All my levels were very normal.  They attribute the first test results to my having eaten before I went in for the testing (which I was allowed to do).  I would have fasted the first time had I known I was going to have to sit through 3 hours of torture;)  

     Oh!! Another big happening is that we FINALLY found out that we're going to be placed in AUGUSTA, GEORGIA!!  We are so blessed and happy to be moving close to friends and family.  Our little boy is going to grow up so loved and spoiled:)  I'm looking forward to my days of being a stay at home mommy, and Shawn is looking forward to starting his career as a BCBA.  Continue to pray for us in our transition (especially the stress of moving), finding a doctor, and also for Shawn as he will have to take his certification test in September.  

     Thank you for keeping up with us during this exciting time in our lives!  We love you all:)

---- Jaclyn, Shawn, baby Charlie, and Jericho

the belly at 29 weeks

     

28 Weeks!

Well, the past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind.  I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is proceeding.  It seems like the first trimester took forever and now here we are in our 3rd!!

Some special dates-
*June 7th, Shawn got to feel the baby kick for the first time:) That was so special for us!
*June 19, yesterday, Charlie was moving around so much that I could see him for the first time just by looking at my belly!!  That was so weird and wonderful.  I can't believe how fast he's growing.  He's estimated at a healthy 3lbs right now.

I'm feeling pretty good still, although my feet are swelling a little more and I'm having more trouble sleeping.  My back has continued to plague me, but that's pregnancy!  I'm so thankful to have a healthy little one and pray that he would continue developing big and strong!

Last week, we had our 4d ultrasound, but Charlie was being stubborn (don't know WHERE he got that from!) and he was face down and had his feet over his face...  So, we had a redo today! I'll tell you about that one in a bit. But, back to last week.

We also went home for an extended weekend to see the Lion King and celebrate Father's Day with my sweet daddy. Before we left for Greenville, my husband treated me to a pedicure- complete with a foot soak, exfoliation, massage, and polish!  The best part about this was that it was HIS idea:)  I have to say, that was probably one of the most memorable moments for me during my pregnancy.  I just HAD to take a photo!  Praise the Lord for a thoughtful, Christ-loving, servant-hearted husband.

 The Lion King was amazing, just as I had hoped all those 14 years I had been waiting to see it.  We got to go with David and Anna, and got to share in their first experience of seeing a Broadway show!  They loved it as well!  Charlie slept through most of it, but was moving like crazy when "I Just Can't Wait to be King" came on.  Either he loves music or wants to be king one day.  I'm hoping it's the former:)  Here are two photos of the big night!

here's the bump at 27 weeks!

We had such a great time in Greenville.  I forgot to take a photo with my dad (boo....)  but did get to take one of Titus.  He wanted to give Charlie a kiss:)

How cute is he?

Ok, so now for the news about today's ultrasound.  Well, Charlie was in a better position this time (at least he was face up!)  but as soon as she got the thing on him, he brought his feet up to his forehead and stayed like that the entire time!!  I was amazed that our radiologist could get any photos at all:)  She did a great job though.  So, here is our little munch at 28 weeks.  

 I think he is perfect:)

 Here's the famous whistle face!!

So serious

And the big yawn!!  Our radiologist said that she's never seen a baby yawn so many times during an ultrasound!  I said, he must love his sleep just like his daddy:)  My dad said he might just be singing:)  Either way, he's a cutiepie.

We should find out about my glucose test (which I took today), early next week.  Keep us in your prayers and that Charlie would continue to grow healthy and strong.

As for mommy and daddy, pray that we would be patient as we wait to hear back about his fellowship.  Shawn's boss said that we would hear this week.  I hope he keeps his promise!  We'll let you know where we're going to be whenever we find out!

Thanks for all of the prayers and for keeping up with our growing family:)

Jaclyn & baby Charlie

26.5 Weeks & Waiting....

  Hey everyone:)

   I think my last blog post was about at 24 weeks I think.  I guess the 2 week marker is my cue to update- seems the case anyway.  There's a lot going on around the Bohanan house these days.  A lot of baby preparations, going out of town, work, gardening, and then there's WAITING.  Yes, it seems we do a lot of waiting these days too.  First, before I get into the beef of the blog post, I wanted to show you a couple of belly pics!

   The first we took (AFTER I had gotten all dolled up, of course) in North Augusta at the wedding of a close friend of Shawn's.  Charlie got to experience his first swing dances that night!! Of course, we didn't dance as fast as we used to:)  This a week 24 photo.

The next photo I just took at work-  I thought it'd be interesting to get a different view...the view I see day to day:)  This is my 26.5 week photo! (I'm leaning back a little, so he's really not as big as he seems...I'm just sticking the belly out!)

Ok, now that we got that over with I'll continue the post.  

     Ok, so we got back from the beach (and I still need to post some photos on the blog!! If you just wanna glance through them though, they're on my FB page)  Since then, I feel like we've been playing catch up.  Tons of laundry, house cleaning, my garden was overgrown, Shawn had to catch up on school work, grocery shopping... Vacation can really take it out of ya!!  We've taken a trip to North Augusta for Memorial Day- which was AWESOME.  We got to spend much needed time with our Bohanan family and friends- even got to enjoy the lake!  We had a baby shower on Tuesday night, given by my awesome Sunday School class.  It's safe to say that Charlie is VERY spoiled already. And that he's gonna miss all our friends here in Auburn!  

      I've also been busy trying to control these hormones.... keep on trying, right?  I had a pretty terrible day at work yesterday and then I came home excited to check on my garden and read a book.  Well, I went outside and found 3 of my squash plants dead and the 4th well on its way:(  We've been battling with squash bugs since the plants came up, but NOTHING is helping.  The little critters had infested our previously thriving squash plants and killed them:(  I pulled them up--in a last stitch effort to get rid of some of the bugs and perhaps save the zucchini....and just CRIED.  I guess that's just how gardening goes.  Needless to say, my horrible day finished horribly as well.  At least today's a new day.  Very glad for new beginnings.  I'm hopeful our tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers will continue to do well so I can at least make some salsa.

      Lastly, we've been very busy WAITING.  OH my gosh, how I LOATHE waiting for anything.  Waiting to hear where we're being placed come August has been one frustrating experience!!  But we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  Clint, the guy at Georgia DD, has FINALLY emailed Shawn and has arranged a phone conference for Thursday of next week, at 10 am.  He said that he needed to speak with both Shawn and his classmate who will also be working with Georgia before he can tell us where we'll be placed.  Hopefully, this will also be the conversation that will lead us to find out where we're going. (I'm praying that we would find out ON Thursday!)  I have a few prayer requests for this....please join us in prayer if you would!

     1.  That God would be glorified and lives would be blessed because of where our family is placed.  There are so many hurting families out there and Shawn has a great opportunity to share Hope with them. 

     2.  In our hearts, we'd really LOVE to be placed in Augusta, GA.  If this is not God's will for us, pray that we would have thankful and willing hearts to go wherever He leads.  This is VERY difficult for me.  I want so badly to be close to my family and friends- ESPECIALLY since we are embarking upon a sure-to-be difficult season of life.  I don't want to be alone.  But, as we were reminded in Sunday School last week, where God leads, He IS.  He has promised to never leave us and to sustain us along the way.  God knows our hearts.  He knows what we need.  I need to be prepared for ANY decision that is to be made.  

    3.  Pray that wherever we're placed that I will find a good doctor that I trust (and one who will actually take a 8 month pregnant lady!)  

    4.  Pray that we will find affordable housing and a good church family.

    5.  Pray for the continued healthy development of our little boy.  We have his 4D ultrasound on Monday, the 11th, and are SO excited!  Pray that Mommy would not be stressed about life and would walk daily with God.  (Pray the same for Daddy too, and that he would finish his Master's Degree strong!)

Thanks so much for keeping up with us and committing to pray for us whenever we are on your minds!

We love you,

Jaclyn, Shawn, and baby Charlie:)

      

24 Weeks

Well, the wiggle worm is getting bigger and bigger!  We went in for our 24 week check-up today.  Everything looks good:) Charlie's heartbeat is strong, 160bpm, my blood pressure is great, measuring just right for where I am in the pregnancy, VERY happy.  Charlie has been moving like crazy and even the nurse practitioner said he was a very active baby!  (She said it was probably due to the breakfast of Reece's Puffs that I ate, but I let her know he's pretty active normally anyway!)
  I'm feeling pretty good these days, although I am a little sleepy from not sleeping through the night like I usually do.  Little man is waking me up more...I guess I would kick me too if someone rolled over and squashed me...haha!
   We just got back from the beach (no worries, as soon as I finish editing photos, I'm definitely posting a million!)  and while it wasn't "relaxing" per-say, it was just what I needed.  I absolutely LOVE my family and being with them was amazing.  I was up most mornings with my nephews around 6:30, and boy did I love it!  I guess God is getting me ready for mommy-hood!  I can't believe how much my nephews have grown and how much they're talking now.  I love that they're making me laugh and can hold conversations with me....  I can't believe my own little munch will be doing that soon enough.  Kinda makes me sad already...   Eden is growing up too!  She is starting to say my name, which I love!!!  It's great to be called Tia, because that sound isn't too hard for little babies to say.  Much easier than the "G" sound in Ghee Ghee (which is what my mom is being called)...hahaha!!  I had so much fun taking my little kids pictures this past week.  Sometimes it's annoying to be the girl with the camera, but when I look back on all those memories that I got to freeze in time, well, I'm so blessed.  I LOVE being that girl.
  I had a pregnancy first last week as well....my feet and ankles were swollen for 2 days!  Man, that was weird.....  I guess I wasn't really used to being on my feet chasing kids or being in the hot sun all day.  I'm really glad they went down finally:)
   Shawn and I are doing really well.  We're patiently waiting, or just waiting, to hear where we're going to be placed in August.  We thought it would be at the end of May, but here we are and no word yet.  Please pray that we would find out soon!! I need to find a doctor and a hospital so this munch doesn't have to be born in our car:) Shawn has started his last semester- did you read that? LAST SEMESTER OF SCHOOL.  I can't believe it's already here.  I'm going to have a hubs with a MASTERS DEGREE in a couple of months!!  Praise the Lord.  He's done so well this year with all the stress of being a student, a husband, and a soon-to-be daddy. I'm so proud of him- and very blessed to call him my own.  Charlie is a blessed little man.
    Our garden has started to produce!  We had our first harvest two days ago and have been enjoying squash and zucchini.  I can't wait to have our Roma tomatoes turn red and our peppers pop up so I can make some salsa and pico de gallo!  oh yummmmmmmm:)   A big thanks to my grandmothers for all of the encouragement and tips!  We are so thankful that our hard work has paid off.  After all, we sow the seeds, but the Lord produces the harvest!
   Anyway, thanks for checking in on us.  I guess I'll post a pregnancy pic soon...I'm shying away from the camera these days, but I guess I should document a little.  Beach pics of all the littles are on their way!!

Love you all,

Jac and Charlie

22 weeks

Hey everyone!

   The pregnancy is trucking along, I guess:)   I can't believe that this mother's day I'm actually toting a child- MY CHILD around in my belly!  I will celebrate this mother's day because whether or not our baby is out of the womb, he is alive, kicking, heart-beating, feeling, and growing!  I love him and am caring for him everyday, whether people know it or not.  I have been overwhelmed lately thinking about the goodness of God in sustaining and also taking life.  The past few weeks I have heard of parents losing their newborn to the next life, babies born with serious physical illnesses, children who have been seriously ill, babies that survived birth as though the mighty hand of God was literally holding them....   I think, wow.  Its a miracle of God that any baby develops properly in the womb and survives birth to grow and be a healthy child. This is not a haphazard occurrence.  There's someone, behind the scenes- directing, producing, and holding all things together.  He is knitting Charlie together in my womb.  He keeps his heart beating and his feet kicking.  He keeps me whole and healthy today.  What a sobering thought (and humbling!) that none of us have control over our health. Sure, we can exercise, eat healthy, take care of ourselves---but ultimately, our lives are dust and in the hands of the One who created us.  The good news is that God is compassionate. Slow to Anger. Merciful. Loving. Tender-hearted. He is FOR US.   I say these things to remind myself that whatever comes along, I know that God is for me.  I know that God is for Charlie.  He is working things out for our good- even if things don't turn out the way I think they should.  The sweet babies that are taken to be with the Lord- God is for them and their families.  The little ones who are "disabled"--  God LOVES them- cherishes them and has plans for them! I want to trust the Lord. My heart is feeble.  My faith is very weak.  But I know One who is not.  He's the I AM.  He's always been, always will be.  He's the answer to our questions, because He knows them all.  He gives faith graciously when we ask.  He empowers us for His Name's sake. He makes the impossible, possible.  NOTHING is impossible with God.
    I know that this post for me, is about having faith that God is working things out for our good and trusting that--even when there are twists and turns that I don't expect-specifically regarding my pregnancy.  But, this message is for you too.  Don't miss it.  I believe God because I've seen him-  I've seen him save the life of my nephew, and also give hope to friends who lost their little ones.  I've seen God intervene in lives- unite a brother and sister who seldom connected in their youth, rescue a marriage on the cusp of divorce and reconcile these spouses to one another, and also give new life to struggling marriages through confession and restoration (including my own- Praise God!).  I've seen Christ bring an adopted daughter home from Uganda, and at the same time sustain a mom and dad who have been legally separated from theirs. Some of these situations seem bad, but the outcomes have brought HOPE, PEACE, STRENGTH- characteristics that are brought about through trial.
  The truth is, that life is tough.  The truth is that God absolutely LOVES you.  The truth is that you are NOT alone.  The truth is that an intimate relationship with the Lord guarantees that He is working things out for your own good and for His glory.  Don't give up. Don't give in to the lies that the evil one would have you believe.  God WILL and He CAN.  There IS hope for every situation.  Fight for it in the battlefield of your own heart and then the hope will spread to conquer the battles in the lives of those you love:)

Thanks for reading.  Love you all,

Jaclyn and Charlie.

20 Weeks and a prayer request

Hello my friends:)


     Yesterday, we traveled to Columbus, GA to visit our doctor and have the 20 week ultrasound.  I, of course, was feeling very nervous as usual, but Shawn assured me that everything would be fine.  We left our house with plenty of time to spare (because of the gender testing fiasco) and got to the office about 10 minutes early.  Good thing we left early because we hit road construction for about 15 minutes.  Our ultrasound technician is AMAZING and she works so quickly and explains everything.  We were able to hear little Charlie's heart beating once more: about 152 beats per minute.  That's incredible....I can't believe their little hearts go so fast.  We were so tickled during the ultrasound because Charlie had his legs crossed at the ankles and refused to reveal his private area.  If this trip would have been the gender reveal, most likely we wouldn't have found out!  He did some VERY cute things during the ultrasound:  smacked his little mouth open and shut a few times and had his hand resting below his chin.  I said, "look, honey!  he's rubbing his beard:) "  We're overwhelmed with how obvious it is that Charlie is a little human.....  Life is such a miracle--at all stages of development.  Our ultrasound ended and we took the results to our doctor.  She happily informed us that everything looks great!  Our little man is growing right on schedule and we couldn't be happier.  If you haven't gotten a chance to see the photo on FB, are two of the 20 week ultrasound:

Charlie Mattison @ 20 weeks

Feet crossed and not budging!

We are so grateful that his development seems to be progressing on schedule.  I can feel more and more movement every day--  he moves around during the day and sleeps at night.(which could prove to be very beneficial for me!)  I love feeling his little feet kick me--right now he's feet up near my belly button and head down.  I'm sure these movements are gonna become uncomfortable at some point, but they remind me that he's alive and kicking! haha:)

     One a more serious note, during this pregnancy I have had some terrible dreams.  Each of my dreams that I've had have been of me losing a loved one.  I wake up crying and out of sorts, terrified in general.  Now I know that dreams don't always signify certain things and sometimes they can just be the result of eating too much before bed!  But I've really been processing these dreams in my head and I've realized that I have a VERY big sin and fear that this pregnancy has brought to light.  I'm terrified of losing people I love and not being in control.  The fear that I have of losing Charlie is extremely real, as is the fear that I have of losing someone in my family.  I worry constantly about my husband, my nephews and niece, brothers and sisters, grandmas, and mom and dad.  My worries have doubled now that I have in-laws that I cherish like my own parents and grandparents.  When we experienced Whit's emergency during his 3rd week of life, I was a wreck.  It took me about 4 months to bring myself to hold a newborn again.  I didn't realize that anxiety in my heart was causing me to react a certain way and to doubt the sovereignty of our Almighty God and to rest in His goodness.  This sin is controlling my thoughts and I believe, sneaking its way into my subconscious in the form of nightmares.  

   I'm telling you all this because #1, I need to confess this sin.  I know all mothers worry--- that it's just something we do.  But, worry is debilitating my life in many areas and causing me to live without joy.  #2, I want to be at peace with God and the path He has for my life- knowing that He really is looking out for my best interest, and the interest of my family- because we love Him and He is good and He is for us.  #3, I want to hide God's word in my heart (especially verses about anxiety and God's sovereignty) that I can rest on His truth and so that I will not sin against Him.  #4.  I want the best for our baby.  It is not best for Charlie that worry while he's in the uterus, or that I suffocate him by sheltering him from everything when he's growing up in this world.  My heart must change to trust that Charlie is God's- first and foremost.  Shawn and I are stewards of what God has given to us.  We will protect, love, nurture, and discipline Charlie, and admonish him in the ways of the Lord--but ultimately, He is the Lord's.  I know this to be true in my spirit, and through the word- now I just need to daily remind myself.  

   If you've read thus far, you are dedicated to our little family in some way and I thank you for your support.  I ask that as a gift to us, that you would pray for us and my heart especially.  If you would like, please feel free to leave a verse on which we would be able to meditate.  Thank you for taking the time to be involved in our lives, to watch our little boy grow, and to pray for us.  We love you all!

Jaclyn, Shawn and Charlie Mattison

19 Weeks

Hey everyone:)

   We've had some busy goings on in the past few weeks!  I know I'm not doing really well at keeping updated on this blog, but I'm trying.  Shawn's been out of town twice in the past 3 weeks, I've had friends visit Alabama, parents visit, I've gone to Greenville for a wedding, planted a garden, and lots more!
   On week 17, mom and dad came down to visit us so they could be there for the early gender determination ultra sound.  I gave Charlie a talking to and let him know he better show his goods because Poppy and Ghee Ghee drove a long way to see if they were having a grandson or grand daughter!  Of course, in Lyles fashion, we were running late, and I got sick on the 45 minute drive to Columbus.  When we arrived, we were told they wouldn't be able to do the ultrasound because the next patient was supposed to arrive in 3 minutes.  I was about to burst into tears when my sweet husband asked, "what if the next lady is late?  can we just go ahead and begin the ultrasound and leave when she gets here?"  The lady said it was up to me, so I quickly said, "LET'S DO IT NOW!!"
   I ate a big breakfast, drank a lot of fluids and gave Charlie the pep talk, all so he would cooperate.  Sure enough, it didn't take the lady long at all to find him.  She said the baby was sitting indian style and we knew it should be easy to determine the gender.  Within a minute or two, I saw something and I gasped and shouted,  "IS IT A BOY????!!!"  And sure enough, when she stopped, she pointed to what I was looking at and said, "He sure is!"  I knew all along we were going to have a little boy, so everyone was very excited.  We left the ultrasound room and just as we were waiting to get on the elevator, the next patient came up!  Here are some photos of our sweet fella-  Charlie Mattison Bohanan (1st name after Charlie Bohanan, Shawn's late papaw.  And middle name after my twin brother, David Mattison Lyles.)

It's very difficult to describe how much I love this little baby already.  Lord, develop this little one with only the care that you can provide.  He is Yours and in Your hands.  

As promised, here is the photo of me (although this is NOT at 17 weeks- it's at 19 weeks).  Belly is definitely growing.  I had a moment of reality when shawn tickled me and I tried to suck in but was TOTALLY incapable of doing so:)  One more week to halfway!  Pray for us as we'll go in next week for Charlie's 20 week appointment.  This is the one where they do all the measurements and make sure he is growing healthy.  Of course, it's a ball of stress for me!  All that I can do is continue praying that God is holding my little one and forming him into who He would have him to be.  Pray for us all:)

Jacalina at 19 weeks (Lord help me-I'm gonna be ginormous!)