William Henry | Newborn

Meet William Henry. This handsome little fellow entered the world with a head full of hair and overwhelming cuteness. My dear friend, McKenzie, and her husband, Brian, sure made one beautiful little man. I visited their house a few days after he was born and was able to catch a few photos. I look forward to seeing little Billy grown up but sure am enjoying his darling newborn self.

PS- Check out her beautiful birth story here.

Baby Girl's Nursery Inspiration Board

Nursery Inspiration by jreyna featuring grey throw pillows

I put together this little board for some nursery inspiration. I'm hoping for more of a gender neutral feel except for a few pops of peach here and there or some wall art. Though I like a little pink, I'm certainly not a fan of tons. Especially not baby pink. Anything we can use for future children that I sure hope we are blessed with, the better! 

We've had a navy and white rug for quite a while along with a crib and the little rocker. The only remaining big things are a dresser and comfy chair (which we hope to find on Craigslist).  

A good friend suggested that a nursery be done by 28 weeks before you start feeling more crummy in the third trimester. That will be my rough goal, though we don't anticipate needing to do too much. Simple and clean is key! 

19 Weeks | Baby Reyna

 This past week was so very special in many ways. First of all, my dear friends, McKenzie and Catherine, both had their baby boys. It's such a joy to see them both holding their little loves and to think that in 20 or so weeks, I'll be doing the same. Congratulations my friends, I sure love your baby boys and hold them close to my heart. 

Most of all, this week was special because we found out that our darling baby is a little girl! After the ultrasound tech said, "It's a girl," I tuned all else out and was overcome by tears. Happy, joyous tears. Streams of tears that didn't seem to stop for a while. After seeing our Gabriel without a beating heart on that black and white screen, I seem to have a level of anxiety about ultrasounds. To say that I was anxious about this one is an understatement. Thankfully, the tech had already thoroughly checked the heart and brain prior to seeing the gender and all looked perfect. I was able to relax a bit more after seeing that our little one looked healthy and well. The rest of my life as a mother to a daughter flashed before my eyes. From sweet baby girl bows to teenage years, it all became so very real. 

It became overwhelmingly real and I simply can't wait to meet her. 

I began thinking of everything that comes with parenting a daughter- how I want her to feel loved and adored by her father like my father makes me feel. How I hope to be that listening ear anytime, anywhere for her the way my mom is for me. How I want her to be strong and brave like my Grandma and Aunt. Oh, how I hope she has a loving, selfless heart like my Mamaw. 

Andrew and I both thought she was a girl from the beginning. I just "knew" it and would have been quite surprised, but equally as excited, for a boy. Andrew's first words after hearing "girl," were, "scrunchies and bows!" Followed by, "Jenna, I need to put you on a budget asap, girls are expensive." We are both delighted and it melts my heart to hear Andrew call her his 'baby girl.'

Baby girl is the size of an heirloom tomato, weighs 9 ounces, and is about 6 inches long from head to bottom. She's kicking up a storm and Andrew has been able to feel her starting the night of our ultrasound. It's his favorite part of the day and that makes my heart oh so happy. 

Sweet baby girl, you are dearly loved. Each day with you is cherished.

18 Weeks | Baby Reyna

 18 weeks here and babe is the size of a bell pepper. I'd like to go on the record saying that bell peppers are difficult to draw. Definitely not my favorite chalkboard week, but that's not what is important. I'm especially loving feeling the babe move more and more inside my womb. What a gift. He/she seems to really move after a good meal. Funny how that works. This mama is looking forward to discovering if this little one is a he or she at the end of the week. Can't wait! 

My mom was kind enough to spend a day with me this week and help re-organize and deep clean. Moms are seriously the best. This little house of ours is really coming together as a home. I try to imagine it with a little one around, though I'm sure that image will become more realistic with time. Newborns are also a good excuse to slowly transition to a few more grown-up, *ahem* I mean, "baby proof" furniture items. It's a work in progress. 

Pregnancy and birth continue to leave me in awe like never before- even though I'm surrounded by it day to day at work. It's truly an amazing process and such a blessing to be able to experience each and every day.  This little life makes me stop and pray like never before. My faith and trust in God is challenged and deepening like never before.

Keep growing strong sweet little biscuit. Mama and Daddy look forward to seeing you on ultrasound this week! I'm hoping you give Dad quite the show as this will be his first time seeing you in action! 

17 Weeks | Baby Reyna

17 weeks pregnant here and enjoying the snow! Our little one is growing strong at 5 inches in length and about 5 ounces in weight. A highlight of the week included that I've started feeling the little babe move! Subtle, sweet movements that I sure am treasuring. Andrew tried playing music on my belly and that is when I felt babe move the most! Maybe we have a little dancer in there. Dad, you'd be proud, our music choice included some Andrea Bocelli.

These photos (taken over the weekend) aren't quite fair because I woke up this morning with quite the little surprise pop of a baby bump. Maybe I need to start thinking about some maternity clothes! I'm still feeling well over all, though, unfortunately have more food aversions than food cravings at this point. I'm hoping this will continue to get better with time. I go through fruit, eggs, and milk like crazy and am thankful to have the best scrambled egg chef of a hubby by my side. 

We praise God for each and every day of pregnancy, for overall good health, for safety, and for the wonderful support we have in friends and family. Most of all, I praise Him for faithfulness, for provision, and for the blessing of a loving husband. How I can't wait for Andrew to get to hold our baby, to feel his/her movements, to see his/her sweet face.

Happy Valentines week, my littlest love!

16 Weeks | Baby Reyna

16 weeks; hooray! The little biscuit is finally starting to make a wee bit of room for him/herself. This week, I gave in and bought a full body hugging "pregnancy pillow." I don't think I'll ever give that thing up- pregnant or not. I sleep so much better with the extra support and it hugs me in all the right places. I'm a fan. At this week's appointment, we are looking forward to scheduling our upcoming mid-pregnancy ultrasound and finding out whether this little one is a boy or girl. Any guesses!? We'll hopefully know sometime this month.

With each week, I grow more and more in love with our darling baby. With my recent work schedule changes (day shift & a few less hours), healthier diet, and being past most of the sickness that the first trimester brought, I'm feeling healthier than I have in a very long time. I can't help but think that all things happen for a reason in God's perfect timing. We continue to trust the Lord in his timing and this gift of life to our family. I still have to grab a hold of my wandering mind and fears each day, redirecting them with prayer. Earnest prayer. What peace God's word brings me.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

Our little one is about 4.5 inches long and 3.5 ounces-- the size of an avocado! Per my pregnancy apps, I'm to expect a major growth spurt these next few weeks. Bring it on!