"He has a turtle!"

"Huh".... that is all I could say when the doctor stated I see his turtle! Yes, we are having a little boy. I guess we are still in shock but extremely excited. We have begun racking our brains on all the things we are going to have to do in preparation for our new addition.

Melanie seems excited, but I still think she doesn't completely understand. She knows that mommy has a baby in her belly. She also thinks she sees it coming out of my belly button. That is extremely amusing to hear her talk about. She knows its a brother but I don't know if she understands what a brother is.

I have several new pictures that I must upload to my blog, but those will come with my next post. Please continue to pray for my family and all the craziness that we are going through. When luck rains it pours and it feels like a torrential down pour right now. I really can't think about going back to work in less than 3 weeks. It is so depressing.

Have a great day and God Bless!

Life is an Adventure!

Our summer is quickly coming to an end. Melanie went back to daycare for the first time since May! She did very well, but it was so hard to let her go. I love to spend all my time with her. I may go crazy sometimes while she is home with me, but in the end I would much rather be crazy than to be home alone anymore. Melanie is also doing so well with potty training. Today was the first accident she has had in over a week. I believe the only reason that happened was she was sleeping so sound. I am a bragger like most parents but I think that an achievement like that should get its recognition.

Tomorrow should be a really big day for us. As most of you know, I hate surprises, so we hope to find out the gender of baby # 2. I believe whole heartily that it is a girl! Tomorrow will either confirm, disprove, or not cooperate. There is no telling! It doesn't matter if it is a girl or a boy as long as it is healthy! That is the most important thing.

I can definitely tell that I am pregnant, now. Its not that I have gained much weight and showing. The hormones are crazy. People are making it worse. Please say a prayer for me and my family. God will work everything out and all my faith is in him. Our family is strong and we can make it through anything.

I hope to write again tomorrow once we go to the doctor, but no promises. Live life to the fullest and put God first! He is the only answer.

The secret is revealed!!!!

It has been a while since I have posted a blog, but that is because it would have been so hard to write and not reveal my secret. It was hard enough for me not to tell everyone or post pictures, but now I can. I am 13 weeks pregnant. The baby is due January 1st 2011, but I know it will be here before that. Melanie is completely excited that mommy has a baby in her belly! We have tried to explain it to her and now when asked where the baby is; her response is in mommy's belly!

A lot has happened since I posted last. I have had three doctor's appointments and everything is going great. Melanie and Josh went with me to the last appointment and Melanie got to see her baby!

So thankful that it is summertime. I really needed the vacation, although I truly have not slowed down since school let out. We have visited Decatur, Al, Corinth, MS, Gulf Shores, AL, and just returned from Philadelphia, PA. I am exhausted but really enjoyed spending time with Josh, Melanie, and our families.

I have also recently applied for a job transfer at my school. I am trying to move from Special Education to Physical Education (my true passion). I hope I get the transfer or going back to work will be miserable. My job description has changed and I am not happy with it. Even though I voiced my opinions to my supervisors it was like talking to a brick wall.

I know I have been rambling, but I had a lot to catch you up on. Hope it wasn't too crazy! I will try to keep you updated more often. I go back to the doctor on July 14th where we hope to find out the gender. I can't wait! I really want to know what it is, even though my thoughts right now lead to a girl!



Til I write again here are a few pictures of our wonderful announcement!!!!

It only took 3 tests for me to believe the results!!

12 weeks and 2 days old!!!!!!!

Spring Break!!!!!

I was so excited to start my long over due spring break. It has been the best week in a long time. I believe that the main reason for this was a step back in the right direction. I have struggled with demons for several months. I still have trouble getting past the loss of my first child and the difficulties in having another. I have accepted that it was God's will, but I still have my days. On Easter Sunday, I went to church and was so blessed. I really enjoyed the message I heard and I felt so refreshed. My spirit felt so much better. I know this is what has made me have a great week.

The second reason for such a good week is that I have spent some quality time with the most precious little girl, Melanie. She has been so wonderful. We have played tea party, colored, went to the park, played outside with the neighbors, and so much more.

The only bad part to my week was taking Mel to the doctor for her 2 year well baby check up. She weighs 23.4 pounds and is 33 1/2 inches long. These are both in the 10th percentile which is very small but in my eyes nothing but perfection. I was given the opportunity to brag on all her achievements and milestones. The nurse was quite impressed on her vocabulary. She sounds so much like a miniature adult. She received her 2nd hepatitis A vaccine and will not have to have another vaccination until she is four, at which time Josh will take her. When the two nurses walked in Melanie began crying hysterically and knew what was about to take place. She squirmed, but finally took the shot and was consoled by me. I hate to watch her in agony. If I knew these shots were not going to improve/maintain her health I know I would be against them. After the doctor's visit we went shopping, Melanie's favorite thing to do! She was allowed to buy a toy for being such a brave girl.

I am so happy that I have had such a great week and I am counting the days until school is out and I can spend more time with my wonderful daughter and sweet husband. Until then I will teach my heart out and continue to grow spiritually towards God's plan for me!

Until I write again, here are a few pictures of my beautiful daughter on Easter!!!!

Craziness at the Holt's

Life for me has become very crazy. I really wish that I could pin point the triggers, but my stress levels, moods, and anxiety are all out of control. With this comes problems both mentally and physically. Maybe before long my life will slow down and get on an easier path. (One can only dream can't we?)

Life in the Holt household is great other than me. Melanie is getting so big. She is singing so many little songs. She sings bits and pieces of "Under the Sea" from the Little Mermaid, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," and "This Little Light of Mine." This evening we were working on potty training, which she is doing phenomenal. She should be in panties full time in the next few weeks. While trying to potty we were reading a book with a rabbit on it. She was naming most of the pictures in the book but what shocked me is that we came to a picture of a triangle and she said it. We haven't worked on shapes at home, so, I guess day care is doing a great job! Melanie is super smart! She can count to 10 with little assistance and can identify 20 of the 26 letters of the alphabet. I think this is great since she just turned two less than one month ago. I know I sound like a mother bragging. Well I guess I am, but you would too.

As the world keeps spinning, the Holts will keep living and I will try to keep you informed and entertained,

Brandie