Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Merry Christmas Lily
You may not have been born and with us yet, but you were definitely celbrated. For Christmas, half of the gifts were labeled for you. I hope you don't mind if I opened them. :) Oh, I bet you'll love the 25 Year Anniversary Care Bear. I can't wait to see you playing with that. It is so pretty, all white & silver. :) You also received what I believe is called "Rainbow Bear", I'll have to get to know the names soon. Then, we received a ton of reading materials and manuals to read before you come. I hope this doesn't reflect a lack of trust on our Families part. Neither of us are experienced with raising a child, but with God's help, and a wonderful Family, I think we'll manage. Hopefully you'll agree in 20 years.
The big gift this year was a Video camera. We're all set to record your star studded acting skills and then show them off to your husband in 20-30 years just to embarrass you. Your Grandma Pam's gift from us was a DVD of her old videos (transfered from reel). Your Daddy's photos from about 1 year old and even your Aunt Amy's Birth was on there. What fun to watch after almost 30 years!
Today is your Cousin Mason's Birthday. He turns 3 years old. Still a reasonable age difference to someday marry him. :) I hope our little Godson is having a good day.
Well, as for you and your progress, you'll be at 34 weeks on Sunday. That's only 6 1/2 weeks away right now. I've already worked it out with my Boss, Charlie to plan on being out beginning February 4th. We'll just have to wait and see what your plans are, but I'm anxious and excited, as that date draws so near.
There is a baby shower planned at the Lake House on the 5th of January, a week from this Saturday. I can't wait to see everyone. There will be alot of people I haven't seen in a while. I'm sure we'll record some of the fun.
Scott & Kim are coming to visit in a couple days. I'm sure they'll be many Preggo stories swapped as she is about 10 weeks along right now. We have a big party to attend in NoVa this weekend at Josh & Ellen's. What an amazing adventure they're about to undertake as they move their lives to Thailand for the next 2-3 years. Maybe we'll go visit them sometime. :)
Well, for the third year in a row, I just signed up for the Monument 10k, with your Dad, Grandma & Grandpa. Your Aunt Laura is going to keep you company on the sidelines. :) I can't wait. Hopefully it will help your mom get back in shape, not that she was ever in a good shape. What a good time to hang out with 30,000 of our closest friends and see the beautiful sights of Monument Avenue. This really is a great town we live in.
Well, I should get back to work. I'm slaking off a bit. I'll try to write again after your Baby Shower.
Much love to you Lily or Lilly or however we end up spelling it. Your dad is trying to get 4 L's and no vowels. Hmmmm.??? That could be tricky. We've also joked about pronouncing it in Spanish with double L's (the L's become silent and your name would sound more like a short grunt). Don't worry, that's just your Dad's humor, we won't let that happen.
See you soon my Daughter. Stay safe & sound in there, just for a while longer. :)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Dear Lily
I've truly enjoy reading about your progress inside me. This past week, it says you've begun to practice breathing. What a miracle right there! First that God could create another living being within the womb, feeding off of my body. Second, that he planed out the entire process to include preparing you for the world out here. It still amazes me to think of the process. From the first day when you were barely visible to today, when you're fully proportionate and practicing your breathing. Of course, what they also mention, is the fact that you're breathing in the amniotic fluid that is currently your home. With that comes a little side effect of hiccups. I finally know what those feel like, as it becomes clear to me that you've been doing a lot of practicing in there.
The other amazing development is that of your senses, which are now fully developed. You can see, hear, touch, taste & smell everything going on around you. With that said, I hope you enjoy the Christmas music. :) I can never get enough of it. I wish I could see a picture of you looking around and taking it all in. Again, what a miracle. God is Truly Amazing.
Well, 3 more weeks until Christmas. Even though we'll celebrate your first Christmas next year, I can't help but feel like you've been a part of this one all along. :)
Tonight I begin our first class of prenatal yoga. I think it will be so much fun. It's supposed to help build muscle and prepare me for the adventure ahead, you!
Take care my sweet child. I love you so much.
Monday, November 19, 2007
What a Year of Thanksgiving!
This Thanksgiving is going to be one of the most meaningful. I have so much to be grateful for. I Thank God every day for such a wonderful husband and the opportunity to be pregnant with you. What a blessing!
This is going to be a short work week, yet another reason to be grateful. On Wednesday evening, your Daddy and I will join the rest of the Prock/Hollomon family at the lake house. What fun!! Of course, Thursday we'll all overeat to the extent of the remainder of the day consisting of napping. Your Mom is in charge of baking bread, which has become my specialty. I look forward to that. Don't forget the kielbasa & perogies, a staple at Thanksgiving now that we're part Polish! No argument to more delicious food. :)
Okay, back on the home front, we have finished your nursery. Well, to the extent of paint, furniture & clothes put away. You have a whole lot of clothes already, it's unreal! The bedding & accessories all arrived at your Grandparents house, so we'll be able to complete the look this weekend.
This last weekend, your Mom dove right into the Christmas Spirit. What better way to decorate for Christmas than to put the movie Elf in. What a great movie!! The tree looks awesome if I do say so myself, and the village that your dad put together is the best yet. I know this isn't really your First Christmas with us, but I sure feel like we're doing this together.
Speaking of together, I apologize for the Chili cook-off at Church yesterday. I'm a sucker for hot & spicy, and there were about 30 little samples. It was so good at the time, but I don't think you enjoyed it last night. I'm not sure if that was my first experience at a contraction, or you were just real uncomfortable in there, but I was hurting so bad, I woke up screaming & your dad had to help me sit up. I'll watch the hot/spicy intake from now on, I promise. Until then, please stay in there for a while longer! I'm looking forward to seeing you, but this is a bit too soon.
The doctor on Thursday said you had been growing a little faster than they expected. Ironically, I hadn't gained as much as was expected. I'm starting to get a little worried. Fortunately, together, we're still experiencing a "normal" pregnancy. No "high risk" attention just yet. That sure is a good feeling.
Well, I better get back to work. I love you baby Lily. Take care in there, and I'll do my best to keep us healthy, if I can get over this cold again!
Love you,
Mom
Friday, November 2, 2007
Halloween 2007


There were a few announcements made on this fun event. For one, Mike & Lauren are now pregnant. I'm so excited for them. Looks like you'll have another friend your age when we get together. :)
Another bit of very exciting news is the engagement of Charlie & Tara. Yeah, they're gettin hitched!! Your Dad and I were asked by Charlie to help with the set up for the proposal, but as weather would have it, he moved it up to the week we were in Biloxi. I'm thrilled for them. What a perfect match.
A bit of older news, about 2 months old now, is the engagement of Chris & Jennifer. Again, a match made in Heaven.
What a perfect evening of such wonderful announcements. I'm so happy for everyone.
Back at the homefront, I'm going to start painting your bedroom this weekend. I hope you'll like it. I'm sure you won't really care. ;) I can't believe how fast the nine months is going. By Thanksgiving, everything should be ready for you. Oh, and this Sunday, your Dad and I are taking a Tour of the Maternity section at St. Mary's Hospital, hopefully, the place where you'll be welcomed into our lives in February. I know it's just a hospital, but the thought of being there again in three more months and coming home with you is just breathtaking. I still can't imagine.
I love you my sweet daughter.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Biloxi Blues
Dear Daughter,
We just returned from our second trip to Biloxi. I had such a great time. Everyone called me mom, and I had alot of people feeling my belly. They all look forward to seeing pictures of you when you arrive. Tim said that you're going to be born with a hammer in hand and ready to build. I hope someday you will enjoy this work as much as I do.
The photo shows our group as well as the wonderful folks we were teamed up with. On the far left is Tim, from our church who we bonded so closely with during this week. Then we have Paul, Sharon, Chris, and Peter from Ohio. Then of course, your Uncle Brian, Uncle Nick and Olivia. Your Dad, in his building expertise, became house Manager and the other team gave him a toolbelt that he is so proud of. He is such a handyman now.
Yesterday was our first day back to work. Unfortunately, I've been a little depressed since our return. I wish so much that I could work this close to God and those in need everyday. My job here just doesn't give that kind of satisfaction at the end of a hard day. Oh, the people we met were so amazing, and Peter Pollard, the homeowner, just loved laughing at your daddy and I. When he realized I was pregnant, he stood guard and lent a helping hand every chance he could. Of course, then he would stare in awe, when I would use the power tools like they were a pencil. I guess, as a pregnant woman, they would have expected me in the kitchen. We surprised them all.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
My Dream is Reality
I can't believe those words are written above. I've only dreamt of being able to say that someday, and today it is written. I am so excited. It is not certain until the day you arrive, but we are currently loving the name Lilly Grace. I hope you like it. Lilly is the name of your Great Grandmother on your Grandpa's side, and Grace is just a name I've always loved. We've got a crib, a changing table, a stroller, and a ton of wonderful gifts of clothes and other things from all your family and friends. I can't wait to put you in this adorable dress that has two little dachsunds on it. I know you will love our two little girls, Cookie & Cocoa. They are the most loving and lazy dogs.
We'll, you're Daddy and I leave for our second Missions trip this Sunday. We'll be there for a week, and when we return we're putting on the best Halloween Party ever!! This is a busy month. November, on the other hand, will be all about you. We are going to two different classes at the Hospital, and the focus at home will be getting your room ready for you.
At the last doctors visit, they were a little concerned that I haven't felt you kicking yet. At the same time, you were quite active during the ultrasound. I don't know if you were dancing the jig or doing calistenics, but you were not shy for the camera. :) Can you just give me a little sign that you're okay in there? :)
I love you my sweet Daughter.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Good Morning Baby Hollomon
Well, just wanted to give you a few updates, Your Aunt Laura's 32nd Birthday was yesterday. I didn't get to see her, but we're going to celebrate the Prock way this Saturday. (Don't worry, you'll be introduced into the Prock shopping world before too long, yes, even if you're a boy!!). The first order of business in a Prock shopping day is a Starbucks coffee, you'll learn to love those too, of course, not too early on. The next is to find one specific thing to shop for, and go to 10 places looking for it. It's really just an excuse to spend all day out and about. Good food between stores is always a plus!
Next Thursday, September 27th, is the "Big One", the prego appointment with Heather, and a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor (High Risk). Don't you worry though, we've got God on our side. I have Faith that everything will be fine. The big one also includes the sonagram which will be able to determine your sex. Everyone can't wait!! I have so many people trying to guess what you might be, but honestly, right now, only you and God are in the know. I can wait just a few more days. :)
The following day, your Daddy and I are going to take one of our famous Road Trips. The destination is Bellaire, Ohio. What's in Ohio you ask? Good question, I didn't think there was anything there either. Apparently, the Worlds largest Lego Mosaic is currently being built in Ohio, and your Uncle Brian designed it. We're so proud of him. He's going to get his name in the Book of World Records. I'll post some pictures when we return.
That weekend is also my 29th Birthday, on the 29th!! Yeah for Birthdays.
Oh, you want to hear a funny tidbit of information about your progress in there? Apparently you're as hairy as a coconut right now!! Okay, I'm just going to leave that one alone for now. A little thought to ponder on for a while.
The weather is turning cold, and everyone around us is sick, but I'm going to do all I can to keep you and me healthy. I love you baby Hollomon.
See you in a few months.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Week 16
The next appointment is 4 weeks away, and 2 days before my Birthday. The best birthday present will be getting to find out if you are going to be a son or daughter. I can't wait. Not that I care either way. :)
We'll this weekend is Labor Day 2007, and your Daddy and I have no plans! I'm so excited about that. Three days to love life, and each other. Maybe we'll do some furniture shopping for you.
I love you Sweetie.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Week 14
I wanted to give an update on last weeks Dr. visit. First, the Doctor's name is Heather Zechman, she is really great, and hopefully, she will be the one to deliver you. :) As of that appointment you were 13 weeks, 4 days. Today, 14 weeks, 2 days. You've grown to 3 1/2 inches now, your fingers and toes measuring only 1/2 long. How cute!! Apparently your body size is starting to catch up with you head, but the legs are still a bit out of proportion. All will be right with due time.
So, I actually weighed in, and to my shock, I've only gained 4 pounds so far. I guess all the morning sickness helped keep it down. Ironically, I'm completely on to maternity wear now, but I'm not sure how only 4 pounds could make me feel so huge. Hmmm.. We'll, we have another appointment in 2 more weeks, and that will be with Heather and our Hi-risk pregnancy doctor. No worries though, I have Faith that God will take care of us. Two days after that, we have an appointment with the Cardiologist. So much care & love already!
I love you, and I'll update you again soon. Till there, stay safe in there.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
2nd Prego Visit Today
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Ahhh, the shirt says it all
Well, I think I've gained 10 pounds since we found out we were pregnant. Good thing I've got friends like your Aunt Becky to help me hide that. Your Uncle Rob made this shirt for me. Just in case you can't read it, it says Pregnant (not fat). The funny thing is, although she was able to laugh at me for two months, the laughing is over. We'll have to take turns telling our morning sickness stories and sharing our maternity wear. Your next cousin is going to be born within a month or two after you. Congratulations Becky and Rob. I'm so excited to get to go through this experience with someone else. :)
Speaking of experience, dare I say the morning sickness is calming down. Of course, I haven't been taking the antibiotics exactly as recommended, but at least they stay in the system now.
Oh, since your Daddy is so hip and In with the "political world", your Mom and Dad are going to a reception tomorrow held by Governor Kaine. Should be fun. I'm just looking forward to going to the Governors mansion. I'll try to get pictures.
Well, I'm off to have my daily dairy intake (ice cream with peanut butter), see, even a little protien too. I'm so health conscience. :) I love you Baby Hollomon.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Nothing New to Report
You're uncle Nick finished the wood floor in the downstairs bathroom late last night, which looks a million times nicer than the disgusting blue and white vinyl that was replaced. Oh, and we're going to get the upstairs bathroom finished up this weekend.
Tonight I'm leaving for your Aunt Laura's house for a meeting I have tomorrow. Talk about someone who can't wait to spoil you, your Aunt is going to go crazy!! I just know she's going to sugar you up everytime she watches you, and send you back to us with tummy aches. She's going to love every minute of it, and I'm sure you will too. I am hoping that the 2 hour car ride up there is not going to require any side of the road or paper bag kind of stops! Sunday, the 4 hour road trip required two of those! I'm sure this nausea will stop soon enough, supposedely in a couple more weeks it should be stopping.
Oh, yesterday the doctor called and informed me of a Urinary tract infection. Supposedly it is very common, and considering I had no symptoms, very harmless. I'm now taking an atibiotic along with the prenatal vitamin. Oh, and tonight, I may consider some dramimine too.
I look forward to being back here by Thursday and then taking Friday off. I don't have anything to do, except maybe work on that bathroom. It sure would be nice to take a soothing bubble bath in a newly remodeled bathroom.
Hey, I have to start today warning you about your Aunt Becky. Okay, she's not your aunt, but close enough!! Anyway, you will love her. She's already sent two awesome packages filled with clothes and fun stuff for you. I'll post again and with some pictures! She's a little crazy in the head, and you'll learn that, but then again, I think she's right when she says "aren't we all?" You'll have a 3 year and two month old cousin Mason, who currently has about 300 adorable pictures in our family gallery. How could you not show off such a cutie. Hopefully we'll get to see them frequently despite the 3000 miles between us.
Well, for not having anything to post, I sure talk. Thanks for letting me.
I love you Baby Hollomon. I hope you're doing alright in there!!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Thank you God!!!
Although we couldn't hear your heartbeat, we did know that it was beating, and the machine could actually determine that your little heart was already beating 160 times a minute. They said that was perfect!! What a relief. Thank you again God.
Well, I know it's up to you and God to determine when you are ready to enter this world, but our official due date was determined to be February 9, 2008. Happy Birth Day early!! I can't wait to bring you into this world. Well, I take that back, we have alot of work we want to do to prepare for you. When you do, we'll be ready.
We love you Baby Hollomon!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Is it real?
I've been warned a thousand times not to expect to see anything in this first ultrasound. I'm okay with that. What I do look forward to is hearing a heartbeat other than my own. That will be the moment of truth, the moment that will make this all so real. At that very moment, you will become less of a sureal emotion, and more of our developing Son or Daughter.
I will write again tomorrow, with what I pray will be very happy and heathy results.
Monday, July 2, 2007
217 Days to Go
Today is Day 49 of my pregnancy. 217 Days to go according to our predictions. I hope you're getting enough nutrients. I've started eating for you and two others. :) They warned me of the morning sickness, but what they didn't tell me is that it would last morning, day and night. Oh well, you are so worth it!!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Welcome Baby Hollomon
As you probably already now, your Daddy is a big computer geek, and he has set me up with this online blog to keep record of this exciting time. Until the day arrives that we welcome you to this world, I'm positive that there are a few other members of your Family who will enjoy reading this. Welcome to the online journal all about you and welcome to the world. We hope you enjoy reading this someday and learning about your life before birth.
Today is June 24, 2007, which I estimate to be Day 41 of the miracle of your creation.
We are in week 6, which means that all the cells in your body parts and systems are dividing furiously and your body is beginning to take shape. Right now your about the size of a small lentil bean, (4 to 5 millimeters across). Hopefully you'll grow out of this, but your head is overly large and you have dark spots where your eyes and nostrils are beginning to take shape. Shallow pits on the sides of your head mark your developing ears, and your arms and legs appear as protruding buds. Your hands and feet look like paddles, with thick webbing between the developing digits, but your fingers and toes will soon become more distinct. Below the opening that will later be your mouth, there are small folds where your neck and lower jaw will eventually develop. Inside, your tongue and vocal cords are just beginning to form.
Your heart (which is starting to divide into the right and left chambers) is beating about 100 to 130 beats per minute — almost twice as fast as mine — and blood is beginning to circulate through your body. Your intestines are developing and tiny breathing passages are beginning to appear where your lungs will be. Your also starting to build muscle fibers and, halfway through this week, you'll likely start moving your tiny limbs. Unfortunately, I will probably have to wait until I'm several weeks into my second trimester before I get to enjoy feeling your movement.
I copied a few previous journal entries that I wanted to add to this site. It's amazing how our lives have changed so drastically in the last two months since this first entry.
On April 26, 2007: Well,we have been trying to conceive for 26 days now. The last two days, my breasts have been sore, and this morning, I have a bad tummy ache and nausea. I haven't taken the test yet, for one, I don't have any tests at home, and two, reading up on it, it sounds like a test won't be able to detect for another week. I might just have to go on my own here, and take one anyways. I don't know what they mean when they say "you'll just know". Personally, I don't think I'm glowing, and I'm not sure if the tummy is baby related or maybe just the new restaurant we tried last night. This is a true test of patience, and allowing God to be in control. Boy, would I give anything to know what his plans are. Either way, they will be the perfect plan.
On April 27, 2007: The tummy aches continued through the night, and a little bit this morning. Despite that, I still picked up a starbucks treat for myself. Hopefully, I won't regret that choice. My breasts have been tender on and off. The babyzone calendar says the 30th is the first day a home pregnancy test will detect anything. Tomorrow, it says a blood test will detect pregnancy, if I conceived this cycle. Isn't it ironic that the Church is having a blood drive, and Chris is giving blood, but I am not supposed to. My cardiologists have said I will need to pass on opportunities like that. I might be the one to need a blood infusion during birth. Yesterday, I took my first folic acid vitamin. The "What to expect when your expecting" book is awesome. It has given me so much information. Who would have thought you were supposed to start taking a prenatal vitamin before you even begin to try to conceive. Oops, I'm already behind on that. I will get better.
On May 2, 2007: Well, patience wore thin, and on Saturday, April 28th, I took a digital pregnancy test. "Not Pregnant" it said after 3 minutes of impatiently sitting and waiting. A feeling of disapointment came, but then I told God I will put it back in his hands. Shortly after, I noticed on the side of the test box an accuracy chart. Granted, this is a test that supposedly can detect pregnancy 5 days earlier. When reading the fine print, if you take the test 5 days before your next period is due, then it is a 51% chance of accuracy. So, why did I waste a test? I could have tossed a coin and designate heads I'm pregnant, and tails I'm not. Considering Saturday was somewhere between 5 days and 3 weeks early (my menstral cycle was never regular), then the coin toss would have created just as good of odds. I have told myself atleast another week. I don't know if it will test positive, if I do end up getting my period soon. We'll see. So, on to other news. I'm meeting the Queen of England tomorrow. How funny is that. Someday, I'll be able to show my little son or daughter a picture of his/her parents with the Queen.
On May 7, 2007: Well, I took another pregnancy test on Cinco De Mayo. Not Pregnant! Oh well. I will continue to be patient. I also received my period later that same day. On the upside, Chris and I went into Babies R Us yesterday after church. It was so fun. We picked out a cool stroller/car seat combo that we like. I can't wait to start buying this stuff. :) Oh, I also played a little joke on him. I picked out the ugliest bedding ever and asked him sweetly if he liked it. He was thoughtfully coming up with a tactful way of saying he didn't. His response was, "what part do you like about it." I said, Not one thing, are you crazy. His sigh of relief made me laugh for the next hour. He he, it was so funny.
Today: June 24, 2007: Like I said, a lot has changed in 2 months. God has truly blessed us with your creation. I can't wait to welcome you into this world. We love you!