Celebrating Adalina

In October we were blessed by our friend Hien with the gift of her photography skills. We always read her blog and have admired the beautiful photos she takes of her crafts, kids, projects and food she makes. So when we were thinking about maybe taking some maternity photos, she was the first person who came to mind. We were thrilled that she was willing and excited to take our photos! We had a great time early one October Saturday morning a few weeks ago parading around the quiet streets and parks in Plano, Texas.

Here are a few photos:

The following weekend, we were blessed once again with a lovely baby shower from our friends. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support of our friends here. We felt honored, loved, and cared for by everyone who came. God has placed us here and we feel His love and presence through each beautiful friend He has blessed us with. We are thankful for LaShuandra & Minerva for organizing the baby shower and making it a fun, memorable and joyous day.

Click here to view these pictures larger

This week, our home group from church threw a double baby shower for us and another couple in the group who is also expecting a baby girl, a few weeks after us. It was such a fun time celebrating with our church family. Lots of laughter and joy! We've been a part of this home group since the Spring, and we've loved growing closer with them throughout the year. We've been reminded over and over again how God created us to be in community and to share life with others, and that we see Him more and more through the lives of others. What a blessing!

Liz, one of the lovely hostesses

Lily, the other mommy-to-be

So many awesome gifts! 

Guessing baby food flavors

Wearing bibs of course, for the full experience

We're in the final stretch now, excited and waiting for Adalina's arrival! Hopefully we'll have her with us in time for Thanksgiving Day, but she'll come whenever she's ready :)
Thank you all for your support, gifts, help and encouragement through this time, we're thankful for each of you.

Getting ready!

As mentioned in our last post, Audrey and I are expecting in November. What we didn't know then is that it's a girl! Her name will be Adalina Borges. We're still trying to figure out the middle name, but we're pretty set on the first and last. :)

These past couple of months have been great - so far Audrey has had a good, healthy pregnancy and we're praying for continued health, and a smooth delivery. During this time, we've been getting ready by getting some things for the baby. We feel very blessed by God, and are thankful for His provision. He's given us friends and family that have been very helpful and generous on our journey to become parents, and in giving us things that our daughter will need. From baby clothes to an infant car seat, we have what we need, and more!

Here are some pictures!

Pack-N-Play

Crib!

Baby swinging apparatus

Lots of baby clothes! Audrey often squeals at their cuteness

:)

Aren't they cute?

Homemade Burp Cloths

Baby Blankets

Rocking chair for rocking baby (or daddy) to sleep

Stroller

Please keep Adalina in your prayers to our Father in heaven, that she may be of good health at birth (and after) and that our Lord Jesus may stir her affections for Him early in her life. God bless!

Summer's here already!

Summer's here, and we can't wait to see what God will bring!

Audrey and I have been keeping a good balance between being busy and relaxing.

We're loving our new church, and we've been learning a lot during the current sermon series on the book of Galatians. We recently took the membership class, and just have to undergo a sort of interview before we officially become covenant members. Can't wait. We've also joined a home group, and it's been great. We meet every other week for Bible study/discussion/prayer, and occasionally we meet just to hang out. Last week we went on a picnic to a local park, and next week we're getting together for a game night, which should be fun.

Audrey's doing great in her pregnancy so far. She had the occasional craving during the first trimester, and didn't really eat a lot in general. Lately, though, things are changing. Our visits to Taco Bell are more frequent, and we'll eat seemingly random foods every once in a while. Yesterday we went to Krispy Kreme for National Donut Day and had a free donut, which was perfect because Audrey had been talking about donuts recently.

Speaking of donuts, I've been on the Jenny Craig program for about a month and a half now. So far I've lost about 15 pounds, and I have another 10 or so to reach my goal. I plan to be on the program for the rest of the month of June, and then I'll try to either lose the remaining pounds (if I haven't reached my goal) or stay at whatever weight I'm at. It's been good.

Some things we're looking forward to is that Audrey's parents will be visiting us in early July for a couple of days, during which time we're planning on going to San Antonio and Austin with them. Also, our one-year anniversary is at the end of July. We're thankful to God for a great first year, and we're praying for His grace and presence in our marriage for many more years to come.

Have a good summer!

Isn't my wife beautiful?