Anniversary and Christmas!

Last weekend, before Christmas, Grant took me on a much needed getaway.  I had no idea where we were going, and was fearing it was the "Hunting Camp."  But, I held out hope it would be something more, only because that is a trailer with rats and holes and an outhouse.  I think he just let me believe that because I brought it up and he thought it was funny.  We ended up driving 2 hours north to the Mentone area.  It was actually  Pisgah, AL where there is a wonderful little village called Gorham's Bluff. It is complete with cottages, 13 residents, a lodge with an executive chef and a beautiful views.  (unfortunately, the views were not viewable until Sunday because of the fog).  This spot came highly recommended from several people to him, and we did not want to drive far to other spots I have been wanted to visit, because car rides have not been the best for me.  We had a little white cottage where we relaxed, slept late, watched movies and just got to be together.  It was wonderful because I am unable to do those things at home.  I always find things to do, clean, organize, boss Grant around... So, it was perfect.  Grant cooked crab cakes and salad and it was fabulous.  The second day, we had a totally private dining experience as this was the weekend before the influx of holiday people.  the food was amazing, breakfast has been my favorite. Ash, I wish I could have gotten you the recipe of these little muffins the chef makes. Amazing!  We had little menus each meal, especially for us, how cute.  We walked around grounds and saw the views on Sat as best we could.  Then, Sunday, it was very cold and windy, but beautiful.  

That night when we got back we had our Christmas party with the Coppocks, and left Monday for the lake and to see my parents for a few days.  It was nice.  Mom and I went baby nursery shopping but came up empty.  You all know I can get very specific ideas of what I want and right now is no exception.  I have to find the perfect fabric and chest and bed for the room.  I know the baby bed I want, just the old fashioned looking Jenny lind beds because they are cute and not too modern.  Anyway, we were 0 for 5 by the time we got home.  But that was okay.  Mom and Dad got us several cute little things and our baby bag for Christmas.  It is great. I can't wait to have a baby to go with it! Ha, just kidding.  Although, it is getting all the more real all the time.  Finally, yesterday we spent the day with Grant's family, the Wheelers, his mom's side who lives all in Pleasant Grove.  It was very nice as well. 

 I hope you all had a wonderfully Merry Christmas.  We feel so blessed for Christ and all that he is doing in our lives.  Even through the tough times, and pregnancy struggles that have plagued us both, we find that the birth of Christ and all that Mary and Joseph were forced to endure shows the miracle of all babies!  

And the Baby is...

A GIRL! Eva Grace Coppock.  It is so totally crazy how real it is now!!! I mean I have only seen her once before now and she was the size of a lima bean!  Now she has legs and arms and eyes, and a brain. I could go on. We had about eight family members at the appointment with us and the women in the office thought it was hysterical.  

We were in shock for a while as just Grant and I went in the ultrasound room for the first bit to make sure everything was okay.  Everything looked perfectly healthy.  The technician was incredible, sweet, reassuring and making it seem like it was her first time to do it as well (she had been doing it 28 years!).  So, anyway, Grant kept letting out sighs as she said things that he understood and I didn't, but it was the most incredible experience together.  She was moving a ton, her arms and legs and turning.  I was laughing so hard.  

After she completed the technical items and we heard the healthy heartbeat, Grant went to get the family. All eight of them, plus us makes 10, crowded in and she showed the body and arms and and legs again.  As she got to her bottom, she said now here are the legs. They were indian style but didn't stay that way long because she moved so much. Then she moved her around some and now these are two white lines, which means... And everyone said, "GIRL!" It was so funny.  Debbie, Grant's mom, and my mom were crying and the rest just laughing. I had not a care in the world what the baby would be, and I feel like having two, one of each to start with, would be the only thing better.  I felt so blessed to have such a wonderful family to be there and share the excitement with us.  I have been praying for God's protection and blessing on her so much, it was wonderful to see her at this point, healthy as we can expect.  

As for her name, Grant has been in charge of the girl's name.  I had the boy name picked a long time ago. It will continue to be the name of a boy until we have one as it is Grant's first name and my dad's.  However, his grandmother who is the sweetest and most special woman to him is Eva. She has lived next to him for his whole life and I will go so far as to say Grant is her favorite out of all her grandchildren.  We love family names as they can carry the meaning and blessing of a strong and Godly person on and on.  

It is hard to believe that she is almost five months grown, only four more to go!  Have a wonderul week!