Boy OH BOY!!!!!

As you all now know..... WE ARE HAVING A BOY!!!! Let's just start there, because its the most exciting thing that I'm going to write.. however, if you would like details... I'm the one to ask for details:):)

Fear. Fear does not come from the Lord. The Lord tells us, instead to, not to be anxious about anything, but pray instead, and present these requests to Him! I was presenting several "requests" to him these last few days.. over and over saying "Lord, calm my anxious heart, do not allow me to fear the unknown." Thursday at 10:30am could not come soon enough. I was counting down the days, the hours, and at 9:35, the minutes. The night before, I went to sleep... but unable to sleep... My heart beating faster and faster just thinking about the next day.
Brett prayed for us that night, and said "Lord, we have already given this child to you.. this child is in your hands and there is nothing we can do.. our desire is to have a healthy baby, but we want your will to be done.. Calm our anxious hearts..." The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and extremely excited! I met Brett at the Ultrasound.. both of us in great spirits and so excited to see what the Lord has in store for us...

We walked into the Ultrasound room and saw no pastor... no music.. no congregation... just us, Becky (the ultrasound lady) and the big Ultrasound machine now on my belly...

The second that thing was on my belly, and I saw our baby.. I knew God was there too. This was a worship experience I have never experienced before. No pastor (expect Pastor B-Cad:)) No music and No congregation. However, God was there, and it was real!!! Experiencing the feelings I felt is indescribable... the only thing I kept thinking every time Becky said "this looks good... this looks good..." was "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!"

After everything looked "great", we told her we were ready to know.. As she said those words.. "Its a BOY" my heart FILLED WITH JOY!!!!! A BOY!!! A PRECIOUS BOY!!!! I know we probably would have been just as excited if she would have said "girl"... but its hard to even imagine now after feeling how excited I was about having a BOY.... we are SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS LIL GUY!!!

Brett kept saying over and over how amazing this was... He said "I feel a little overwhelmed right now... I have SO MUCH to teach him!" He was also very concerned about making sure he saw "it." He said "Oh, I think there IT is" and Becky said, "No, don't get your hopes up, that is the umbilical cord" hahaha....

Baby B-Cad is measuring about 7-8 inches right now... he's "above average" according to Dr. Adams. He is measuring a couple days earlier than the 21st, but not enough for my date to be changed. She said "Who has the Big Feet?" His feet were very big, along with very long legs! (Where did THOSE come from:))

After coming from the appointment, I was allowed to tell my sisters (Whitney cried- surprise! surprise! :) ... ALL of who thought for sure it was a girl .. along with the majority of my kinders kiddos. I got to school, and they were all so excited.. knowing that today was the day I found out (we have been counting down.)

To make the "big announcement" educational, I made a graph. They graphed what they thought the baby was.. 16 said girl, and 7 said boy.. When I made the "Big Reveal" and they saw my paper that said "Boy".. they started booing!!!!! I at first got my feelings hurt.. and said "Well Mr. Cadwell and I are VERY excited" Then I realized they are 5 years old, and are just upset because the majority didn't win:) haha...

We went out to eat with our parents.. P.F. Changs, of course! This was so special for Brett and I to have our parents all to ourselves! They loved our announcement and our gift to them. I forgot to take a picture of it.. but I wrote them a poem, and framed it... they of course were VERY excited for us:) Even the manager Chris got into the spirit of the night and gave us a lil gift.. Baby B-Cad better get used to the idea of going to Changs:)

It was an amazing day.. next to our wedding.. the greatest day of my life! I am so excited for Brett, and to see him as a dad.. he is going to be the best dad!! I told him yesterday, "I hope Baby B-Cad is JUST like you... EXCEPT.. I want him to want to put on plays and dance around with me!"

Its amazing how this child has made me more in Love with Brett, and more in love with Christ!!

Thank you all, friends and fam for your excitement for us:):) I'll keep you updated as much as I can about how our lil guy is doing!!!!

September 18, 2009

Approximately 8 months ago, Brett and I were standing in our bathroom, staring wide-eyed at the positive pregnancy test. Emotions and tears overwhelmed us by the thought of bringing a life into the world. September 18th seemed so far away, but of course, well worth the long wait.
A couple weeks later, we arrived at our 1st ultrasound. Nervous and excited to finally hear the baby's heartbeat! As the Dr. was doing the ultrasound, she noticed a small flicker of a heartbeat, but the baby's heartbeat wasn't strong enough to hear. She said "Are you sure you are 8 1/2 weeks? Your baby is measuring about 6 weeks. Of course confusion, anger, frustration, and plenty of emotion overwhelmed us as we were trying to figure out exactly what this means. A week later, we went in for another ultrasound to see if the baby had grown in that weeks time. As many of you know, and most of you are figuring out, our fears of not being able to have a baby on September 18th were then being lived.
I think about this day often, and still try to figure out why God would have this in His plans. As days seem to move by slowly and time was the only thing getting in the way for Brett and I to try again, I faced God with this question often. The realizations I got from this whole experience gives me peace. I know that the Lord does not give us more than we can handle, (even though at times, I didn't know if I could handle the pain). This experience has allowed me to see how hard it is for others who have gone through this experience or are going through this experience. I have been more sensitive to others and pray for them often. This experience also gave me such insight on how blessed we are to have a Savior that cares for us so much. Anytime I felt heartache, I gave it to Him. This experience allowed me to see His goodness, His love, His timing, and the many blessing that I already have. It allowed me to look at my husband in a way I have never seen. I thank God for Brett, and how much he loves me and how much more he loves the Lord.
The fact that our baby is with Jesus now is overwhelming. No one can comprehend the joy that this child is experiencing compared to living on earth. I completely understand that God sees the big picture in our lives. The whole time Brett and I are experiencing this, I believe God was looking at us, heartbroken.. but at the same time with a grin on His face thinking "You just wait.... Wait to see what I have for you...."
and of course, as you know.. this story ends happily... Brett and I were even more joyed when we shockingly discovered that we were expecting again.. (long story about that too:)) I can't describe to you how blessed we feel.. how blessed we are!! I also can't describe how much I love this baby already (and its only the size of a marker!) I smile from ear to ear every time I think about God and how he works through hard circumstances. I smile when I think about how this baby is a miracle in itself.. I'm amazed every time I read about what our baby is doing from week to week. I just can't comprehend how I don't do anything, and yet this child is growing inside of me. We serve and are loved by an amazing Creator!!!!!

If you are America's Got Talent watchers, you know the story of Babara Padilla, an opera singer who was diagnosed with cancer and had to come to America for treatment. Here, she met her husband, which allowed her to have her little girl, and then she got the chance to be on the show. Her performances are amazing, and she gives God the credit. She mentioned on the last show, "If I never would have gotten cancer, none of this would of happened, I want to thank my God"

February 21st can't come soon enough... but when it does.. Brett and I will look at our child and say, "If we wouldn't have experienced that pain, we wouldn't of had you."
Praise the Lord!

Crazy Love

Last night was the kickout to our small group. Brett and I have been extreamly blessed by these other four couples. In just a couple years, they have grown from "members of our small group" to some of our closest friends. So I was very excited to finally kick off the year (even though we've seen them all summer:)) Yesterday I was busy sweeping the carpet, cleaning, making the dessert, just getting ready for company... I really didn't sit down from the time I started school, until I actually sat down for our group session. As I was sitting there, watching the video, I started feeling a "flutter". The most amazing feeling I have ever felt. I had to hide my grinning face, because I was chessy from ear to ear. I think about our baby about 16 hours a day (the other eight, I'm sleeping, even though most nights I dream about the baby :)), but to actually have this conformation is truly a gift. I whispered to Brett, "Our baby is moving!" Then the grinning became contagious. Just remembering the look on his face, brings tears to my face now:):) As I am feeling those "bubbles" in my stomach....I'm watching the video for our first session....
The name of our study is "Crazy Love" In the first chapter, the author wrote about our paryer life, basically saying "STOP PRAYING!" Most of us (Me!) just go right into praying, asking God for this and that, and don't just take the time to sit, and reflect on how amazing he is, We don't sit in silence, letting him speak to us. We don't allow him to work in our lives by just taking the time to sit.. because we are so consumed with cheking those prayer requests off one by one. He said if he stop praying, we might be able to hear God speak to us in our lives....

What a way for the Lord to speak to me that night... The first time I stopped cleaning, cooking, working, was when I got to experience that most unbelievable "flutter" of our baby. What else can he show me if I just stop asking, asking, telling, and telling in my prayer life, and simply just Stop and Listen....
I love the title of this book and how it relates to my life right now. I am so Crazy in Love with B & I's unborn child... I can't image how Crazy in Love with us He is.....

A lil update about how this whole pregnancy thing is going:)

How far along? 15 weeks.. one week into my 2nd trimester!

Total weight gain/loss: I go up and down, after my camping trip last week, 3 lb. but this morning was officially just one!
Stretch marks? Ew, when do I get those?!

Sleep: I've slept good, just woke up a few times because I'm so stuffed up! Plus, I get up early in the morning to use the bathroom.. other than that.. 9 hours a night baby!!!
Best moment this week: Yesterday, another teacher said "Oh my gosh Shelby, are you showing?" and touched my stomach! I was so excited, and then I realized how weird that is when someone else touches your stomach:)
Movement: Can't wait!!! I read 16-22 weeks.. we'll see:)

Food cravings: Not really... I wish I had some!
Gender: Of course, B and I just want a healthy baby... however, we both secretly want a boy. My "feeling" says girl. We'll see in 3 weeks and 2 days!
Labor Signs: I lil too early I think.
Belly Button in or out? Still very much in.
What I miss: Sweet tea from Mcalisters, Diet coke from McDonalds, and the other day Brett brought home Mike's hard pink lemonade! I looked at him like, "WHY did you do that?" He laughed and said "The funny thing is, is that I was actually buying as a lil surprise for you, and then when I was signing my credit card, it hit me.. I'm sorry babe, I'm an idiot" I didn't think I missed that until now, when its sitting in our fridge.
What I am looking forward to:Looking pregnant, the baby moving, knowing whether to start buying pink or blue!
Weekly Wisdom: Phil 4: 6,7
Milestones: Everyone knows finally!!!!

How much do you know about B & Delb??

I came across this quiz and thought it was cute. What better way to get to know Brett and I than through a Question and Answer session.. enjoy:):)





1. What are your middle names?

Andrew & Layne

2. How long have you been together?

We just celebrated our 3 year anniversary (July 28th) We have "been together" for 6 1/2 years! Wow!

3. How long did you know each other before dating?

Brett and I met my freshman year in high school.. he was a sophomore. We met at Kingsway at a youth group thing.

4. Who asked who out?

Brett.. 1st time (in high school) he came up to me and asked for my email address. Then he asked ME if he would like it if he went to MY high school dance:) (Bold.. I like it:)) We hung out so much in college.. it just kinda happened:)

5. Do you have any children together?

Yes! One w/ Jesus (Huck:)) and one on the way!!!! FEBRUARY 21ST!!!

6. What about pets?

Ah.. yah.. Tucker... Tucker is Brett's dog. However, Tucker likes me better than Brett. I walk him everyday and let him lick my lunch leftovers... However, he LOVES and adores Brett. Brett is his master, his buddy, his BFF:)

If you have to have a dog.. Tucker is the best you could have:)

7. Did you go to the same school?

We both went to Taylor. LOVED that experience together.. we met our "ever lasting" friends there.. and its so neat that we both know each others friends so well too! Actually 9 of 10 people from our wedding party went there!

8. Where do you eat out most as a couple?

Friday nights- Hot Box Pizza...... Sunday after church.-El Camino ....Special Occasions- P.F. Changs.. and when we are "splurging" on a week day night, we go to Mcalisters!

9. Where is the furthest the two of you have traveled as a couple?

We have been to Ukraine twice.. (which is the furthest obviously:)) we went to Cabo on our honeymoon, Florida for SB, New York in college for a wedding, and we have driven several places in the U.S... MI, WI, TN, OH, etc. We LOVE vacations!!!

10. Who has the worst temper?

haha.. I get more "emotionally involved" in our discussions, but Brett is more "easily angered". We will fuss at each other, but we rarely "fight". We are pretty open at saying anything that bothers us at the time it happens, rather than letting it build up. Our closest friends finds our relationship very entertaining, I'm sure!

11. Who does the cooking?

I do. I love it. I have such specific ways that I liked things cooked, that I would drive Brett crazy if he cooked. I'm very proud to say that when he says he is going to be home at 6:15, dinner is on the table at 6:16! I know it sounds cheesy, but this is one of my favorite things.. its like I am actually getting to help and serve him! Plus, if Brett cooked, we would have Buffalo Chix Wings every night (that is all he fixes when I'm not home:))

12. Who is more social?
Anyone reading this, knows that answer. I get energized by being around people. I love to have friends over and go out w/ friends. Brett gets energized when its just him and I.. haha actually he probably gets more energized when its just him.. I am always striking up conversation, or asking him "Do you want to go on a bike ride? Walk? Play a game? The thing about Brett is that he is a great people person, and people love to be around him too:)

13. Who is the neat freak?

We are equally matched in this area. We both really like things picked up and organized, but I hate to "Clean" like clean toilets, sweep, wipe down cabinets etc. and Brett never says anything when its getting bad:) I usually suck it up and do it before he has to say something!

14. Who hogs the bed?

Brettums.. (I'm sure he would say the opposite:)) I don't feel like I take much more.. I just don't like being by the edge.. I love being close to him, but HATE when his feet touch mine!!!!

15. Who wakes up earlier?

We get up at the exact same time. I don't have anywhere to be in mornings, so even if I'm "awake" I will just lay there holding my belly and pray for the day.. and when he actually gets out of bed, that's when I will too. Its kinda funny, because we have established this morning routine.. really its just me following him around talking, until he gets out the door... as I'm actually thinking about what I'm writing.. I really don't let him have much quiet time! haha

16. Who has the bigger family?

My family is crazy big. Brett has done well adjusting.. it has taken him some time to figure out who belongs with who (on BOTH sides) but I actually quizzed him on this the other day, and he knew all 17 great grand kids on the Neier side, and 9 great grand kids on the other, that's not including the 12 cousins on one side and 8 on the other, plus the step, and half on my dad's side.. and of course my 3 sisters, 3 brother in laws and 4 niece and nephews:) That's a lot of love to spread around! We love the balance.. I LOVE going to his side and getting some one on one attention. (which doesn't happen in a big family:)) Plus everyone knows such personal things that's go on in your life, its so nice to play games and gets to spend time with everyone there... and on my side, its crazy and chaotic, but pretty fun!

17. Do you get flowers often?

I am not a big flower person, so its not something I'm looking for..however, Brett does a very good job with the balance and surprise of the flower thing. I will get flowers randomly or for special occasions, even occasions like "Your first parent teacher conferences:)"

18. Who eats more?

ME! For sure! I love food, and think about what snack or meal I'm going to have hours before I have it! I'm very specific about how things are made too. Brett will come home from work and I'll say, "what did you do for lunch today?" He'll think about it and then say "Oh, I think I forgot to eat lunch" WHAT! How could someone forget to eat:)" Plus, he will eat whatever I make, and doesn't have too many "bad" comments to say about it:)

19. Who does the laundry?

Me!! I have figured out how his mom used to fold his T-shirts, and now I do it that way:)

20. Who is better with the computer?

BRETT! 100%.. I am very proud of how much he knows.. its a great skill to have, except when we go to my house and every time, without fail my mom will say "Brett, could you help me with my Ipod.. my IPhone, my computer isn't working again Brett... Brett do you think you could change this input thingy on my TV" My dad even joins in with "Brett, get in here, we need to update this thing on the web site (which he created:))" Truthfully, he never complains, we just laugh about how it happens every time:) I can say that I have fully owed making the picture videos (Brett taught me, of course:))

21. Who drives when you are together?

Brettums... He HATES when I drive. When we are on long rode trips, I drive for like one hour out of 10, and the whole time he is watching the road, not relaxing.

22. Who picks where you go out to dinner?

Usually me.. but I am trying to get better at letting him have a say:) Now I'll say "you choose 3, and I'll pick the one from that. If I am really craving a certain place, I call him and say "Hey I'm making spaghetti tonight (he hates spaghetti), would you rather go to Noodls & co.?" ;)

23. Who pays?
Weird question since our money comes from the same place. But actually I am the one that "pays" because I carry the cash we take out.

24. Who is the first to admit they are wrong?

Brett. He is very good at admitting fault. "When" I'm wrong, I'll say sorry too;)

25. Who has more tattoos?

haha..Brett and I couldn't "pull off" a tatoo. We aren't cool enough!

26. Who eats more sweets?

I thought I ate a lot of candy, until we got married! Brett is OBSESSED with candy! He's one of those gas station junkies... I'll get in his truck and there will always be candy, and I'll say "Where did this come from?" "The gas station" ALWAYS! haha... And when we go to my parents house, he'll always have a pocket full of candy he stole from my mom's CRP stash!

27. Who cries more?

With out a doubt.. me.. I love to cry. I'll cry during movies, a TV show (even like Americas got Talent) during one of Brett's youth sports games, when one of my struggling kids just did something so impressive, or even just walking in the morning thinking about something sad! I'm thinking our lil one might have something to do with the high emotions:)
When Brett cries, its ALWAYS when he has realized something that God has done in his life or someone elses. It it the most touching thing to witness... plus, when he cries, he makes the same exact face.. like he will start to talk and tell me about whatever touched his heart... and then pause, tighten his lips, blink a ton of times and then smile real big because he is embarrassed:) haha.. he is so darn cute!

WOW! That was a TON of info! I hope you learned something about Brettums and I! If you couldn't tell already, Brett is my absolute favorite person. I love him so much! He's my favorite person to hang out with and talk to! He is an incredible husband, and a wonderful man of God with a HUGE heart!!!!... I for sure married out of my league;)

There is more than corn in Indiana!

At Indiana Beach, of course! The Cadwell Crew went to see how much more there was about a week ago. We discovered that there is not much more:) We also discovered that it doesn't matter how outdated the rides and park is, you can have a blast when you are with people you love! Especially when the tickets are free (Thank you Pam:))
I wish I could say this trip was uneventful.. but when you are pregnant, any trip can be an event! Standing in line for the log ride, I was feeling fine, talking with the fam... until a sudden wave of dizziness and nausea came over me. I thought, "I'll just lean against this rail, and rest a bit" Next thing I knew, my face was parallel to the ground, and there was commotion all around me, Brett was picking me off the floor, and a women kept telling me over and over that she was going to get a medic! HAHA! I of course, was fine, just a tad embarrest. Not anything some carbs and AC couldn't fix:) After going to our 13 weeks appointment, and hearing the best sound in the world, our baby's strong heartbeat, Lanell said that its good to know our baby is shock proof:)
Besides that event, Brett and I had the best time with our family at Good ol Indiana Beach!

Our Kitchen Table

Tonight after dinner, Brett and I sat at our kitchen table for about 20-30 minutes after we finished eating, and talked. This is not out of the ordinary, we do this every time we eat dinner. Some nights we will talk about a credit card bill, or we'll laugh about our days (usually with many contributions of my own, thanks to my 5 year old students:)), some days we pray for family, friends, and our own lives, but most nights we talk about our future: what will we do to better our lives, to bring people closer to Christ, we talk about our baby's name, where we will be in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, etc., how we can earn extra money for our family, and so on.
Tonight was just another night sitting at our kitchen table. Same old ritual, we finished up with dinner, and talked. As I was listening to Brett talk, I trailed off a bit, and started thinking about our Kitchen Table. I thought about the lady from Southeast Christian Church who gave us our table when we first got married and lived in Louisville. I thought about how this table is not a cute or modern and it has many nicks and scratches all over it. I thought about how some day I'd like to get a different table. I thought about all the different meals I have prepared, some great homemade meals, and others from a box (like tonight:)) Then I started thinking about how many conversations, dreams and goals, and even tears have been shed (going through painful things, and moments of realization when we see God working in our lives and lives of other people) at this table. I then realized how much I love our Kitchen Table!!!! Tonight Brett and I prayed like we always do, prayed for family members and thanked God for the greatest gift He's ever given us, we ate our fetachini from a box, with my grandma's green beans, and then we talked. Talked while sitting at our Kitchen Table! ... Its obviously not the kitchen table that I love so much, its my husband and the conversations we have. But thank you to whoever invented the concept of kitchen tables so that Brett and I can have yet another great night of food, fellowship, love and some extra time together!