Tennley: The Musical

In Ashley's previous blog she told you how a great friend of ours, Jenn Petersen, wrote a song for Tennley.
      Here it is...but first two things:
            First...Check out all of Jenn's music here
            Second...I had to put some of Tennley's picture's behind it so it would upload to blogspot. They won't allow just music...so the slideshow is just 4 of her pictures to fit the length of the song.
          Just 18 days until her due date...and might I add, my birthday.

Incredibly excited!
Enjoy!

A song for TENNLEY...

Jenn Petersen, singer, song writer and friend blessed us with a "gift" while we were in Florida this past January. Scott and I were expecting a cute onesie or fun little baby gift! As she sat us down in a the corner of the big conference hall and pulled out her guitar, she began to serenade us with a song written about our daughter...
Speechless.
Honored.
Touched.
Story has it, that while she was in Cambodia on a mission trip to stop sex trafficking, she started writing about Tennley after reading Scott's Post  (<----click to read).

We wanted to share the lyrics of this special song about our girl.

TENNLEY

for Scott and Ashley...

2010 smalltown citygirl music

Ribbons, bow and pretty things

Are making my heart sing this song to you

Dreaming of the days to come

Of laughing, playing in the sun with you

And I begin to smile...

Chorus:

Tennley, you are a whisper in the silence

The flicker of a candle's flame that warms the cold winter's night

The colors of the rainbow breaking through the summer clouds

And I can't wait to see you now

You're the piece of heaven to me

Oh, Tennley

I see the glimmer in your eyes

As you go chasing butterflies with me

The pitter-patter of your steps

The sweetness of your breath

Upon my cheek

And oh, that charming smile

Chorus 2:

Tennley, you are the song that breaks the silence

The flicker of a candle's flame that warms a cold winter's night

The colors of the rainbow breaking through the summer clouds

And I can't wait to hold you now

You're a little piece of heaven to me

You're a little gift from heaven God has sent down to me

You're a little piece of heaven to me

Oh, Tennley

The lyrics are beautiful, but the song isn't complete without the voice behind it! 
We can't wait for Tennley to hear it...we already know she'll love it.

You can check out more of Jenn's music here.
Thank you Jenn, for honoring our family with this song...for your friendship...your encouragement...and your love for our baby girl.

33 Weeks

7'ish weeks to go...
As we walked through the hallways of Durham Regional Hospital last night, a new sense of reality hit the core of me. Our little girl will be in our arms in 2 months...her soft skin on our skin...a reality that seemed so far away is just around the corner.
My heart grows more and more curious about this little girl that has captured my heart...and often times my ribs :)
Who will she look like?
Will she be outgoing or shy?
What dreams will she chase?
I laid awake last night at 3am wondering...
Who she will marry?
What would break her heart, an what would I do to protect her from that?
Will Scott and I parent in a way that she may not always like but will grow to respect?
Most importantly, will Tennley see our love for Christ lived out on a daily basis?
Something that continues to be at the TOP of my prayer list.
Will I be nurturing enough for her?
Gentle enough?
Patient enough?
Encouraging enough?
Will she feel comfortable talking to me about her deepest secrets?
Love-life?
Heartaches?
Life struggles?
...and my list goes on.

All  questions I take very seriously.
But nothing that frightens me.
My deepest desire is to be the mother (not friend) that God would have me be for her.
Perfection is something I know will fall short of.
I will continually seek the lord for my role in her life.
I have a peace that God will guide us as we go, I find so much comfort in that!
Tennley and I have a one-of-a-kind Dad and Husband...
Forever grateful for my best-friend and husband. I cannot wait to see Scott as a daddy. She is blessed to have this man as her father...what an important role he will play in her life.

 Enough of my rambling thoughts... 51 days until her due date...counting down!
Ashley

Catch up...

9 weeks later...I suppose it's time for another post!

We had a FABULOUS time at Disney world with my side of the family. Memories that I/we will cherish forever. It was a special treat to see the magic of Disney through a child's eyes again...watching Eli take it all in was such a treat. I will say that experiencing all 4 Disney parks at 24 weeks pregnant was a different type of treat, but I survived! It truly was a wonderful time...I am ready to do it again.

Watching and waving at the parade!

The whole gang!

After Disney we met up with our church staff in Jacksonville to attend the Wesleyan Gathering conference. That was a blast! We were able to see friends from school, friends from our previous church Collin Creek, and friends from home (Tucson, AZ & Sacramento, Ca) ...not to mention my parents were there, Scott's dad was there and Ryan, Des and Eli were there! Lots of loved ones in one place at one time makes for a fun-filled-whirlwind couple of days! While at the conference, Scott and I received one of the most touching gifts EVER...a song written for Tennley by our friend Jenn Petersen from Dallas...another blog post about that is soon to come!

Friday will mark our 31 weeks pregnancy and reality is STARTING to set in. I understand that I am pregnant. I feel the nudges and rolls of Tennley from inside. HOWEVER, completely grasping the reality of having human life in my arms at the end of this 40'ish week journey is so hard to comprehend. It's easier to grasp when you are looking in on someone else's life, but my own? I will say, knowing that we are just a little over 2 months away from meeting her is something that doesn't escape my mind...I cannot wait!

Our families have started booking their flights to come out and meet our Tennley. Again, so surreal! But SOOO exciting. The countdown begins!

We were able to get one last sonogram two weeks ago. Again, Tennley put on a show and was quite active on her own accord...meaning I had zero caffeine this time around. She measured in 46th percentile and is right on target for her due date. At the time, she was just shy of 3 pounds. Here is a 3D picture we got from our visit. Any thought on who she looks like?


Tennley at 28 weeks



I am feeling pretty good! I slept on the couch for about 2 weeks thinking I'd get better sleep out there, but once I returned to my bed WITHOUT all the pillows I seemed to sleep MUCH better. I think Scott slept better too once I ditch the pillows :) I still have quite a bit of energy, although I get winded pretty quickly when doing such minimal things...something I am not used too. I know the wave of "miserable" is about to hit me from what others say, but I will hold on to feeling great for as long as possible!

Things I love to eat...CHOCOLATE! If you have an opinion about it...that's nice :) I cannot get enough of it and I honestly eat much more than I need to, tisk tisk. I am pretty sure Tennley is immune to it now, it runs in the family. Some (not all) people continue to drink caffeine during their pregnancies... instead, I enjoy indulge in chocolate! CHEETOS PUFFS. L.O.V.E them too. I know, both of these things are in no way conducive to the ever increasing numbers on the scale, but fear not, I plan on running it all off once I am able. I dream of completing a half marathon sometime next year. Wish me luck!



26 weeks



My wonderful husband and Tennley's loving daddy painted her room! Her nursery is coming along. It is not finished which is why I will not show pictures QUITE yet. A few finishing touches and we'll be good to go!

We've been overwhelmed by our friends and families generosity. We've had numerous people ship us gifts from out of town, and send us gently used items. All of which is so unexpected but so very sweet. Tennley is already loved by so many...THAT has been made evident. Its fun to see her little clothes hanging in her closet and blankets folded away. Can't wait to see her use them. Thank you all so very much!

I have two baby showers in March to look forward to! My friends here in NC are so sweet to throw us not one, but two. Again, the love is overwhelming at times. God has blessed us with great friends, near and far.

latest picture- 30 weeks

Aside from getting ready for Tennley's arrival, Scott had the honor to speak on main stage at church. Even though he speaks every week to students, it is a different ball game speaking to adults not to mention 2,000 plus! The topic...tithing! Lets just say the weeks leading up to this he was in the ZONE and focused. I stayed and listened to all 3 (yes, 3) services, and he did a great job. I was proud but more importantly gained so much from his teaching. I tell you what, it is such a blessing to be under a leader that invests, stretches and enables Scott to speak outside of his comfort. Pastor Benji has been that to Scott. We talk about it often, we are so blessed to be under his and Amy Lynn's leadership! Both of them are the most encouraging people...we sure do love them.

If you are interested in listening to Scott's message follow the  link below.

Scott's Sermon: Blessed Life

Some of our best friends, Annie & Terry are coming into town Feb. 19th all the way from Montana. I cannot tell you how excited we are about their visit. Terry is the BIGGEST Duke fan. Unfortunately, Duke basketball tickets are EXTREMELY hard to come by unless you have limitless money. But, we will have a great time none the less!

I suppose that will do for now.

Since Scott is out of town, I might have more to posts to come!

Stay tuned.

Love from North Carolina,

Ashley

Christmas TwentyTen

"Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool." Isaiah 1:18

It's only fitting that the day after celebrating the birth of our lord and savior, JESUS, we are reminded of the reason for his coming. To die for our sins on the cross. Yours and mine. To clean our slate and forgive us of our sins. A beautiful reminder.
Thankful for the ultimate sacrifice.
Forever thankful my sins are white as snow.

All in one nights sleep we went from zero snow to 6 inches or so. Talk about white Christmas!
Our dogs love the snow. Well, let me rephrase that...Leo has SO MUCH hair/fur that he loves anything that doesn't make him feel he's in the oven. Which is freezing conditions. And Mia thinks that a snowball is ice...which is one of her FAVORITE treats. Easy to please! Scott and I woke up and joined them outside, which added to their excitement.
I cannot say it enough, it is stunning.
Here are a few pictures taken from our backyard.

he is sooooo good looking

leo's heaven

oh mia

snow covered trees are stunning

eating the snow. they don't understand that its the same thing right under their feet....dogs!

the back of our house...headed inside

last year with our fake christmas tree. next year comes the tradition of getting a real one...can't wait!

christmas eve pajamas!

opening my pj's

ugly sweater party with our small group

senior staff xmas party at the theater

cheering for the UofA at NC State...AZ WON!

We had a great Christmas season. Blessed beyond measure to be surround by WONDERFUL friends and our new North Carolina "family" :). Our hearts are warmed at the thought of our "real"  California families being together, laughing and enjoying each others company, hopefully talking about us (wink). Excited to see what next Christmas will bring with our sweet Tennley, something we are still having a hard time grasping the reality of, but so ready for her to be here with us :) ...More than ALL of this we are thankful for the true meaning of this season. God sending his ONLY son to the world. As a humble baby. BUT, THE KING OF KINGS! The baby who was sent to die on a cross, to bridge the great divide. WOW. Thankful. What a gift.

Merry Christmas Friends and Family. With each day that comes, I am more and more grateful for the people that surround us, support us, love us and encourage us.

God has blessed us with the people that fill our lives. 

Thank you for being those people.

-Ashley

Pregnancy as I know it - 22 weeks

Alright, I know! I've been awful about blogging, especially about pregnancy. 

But let me catch you up...

My first trimester was typical for most, but totally unexpected for me! My mom always said how she had NO CLUE that she was pregnant. She never had symptoms and definitely didn't have sickness. My mom and I are a lot alike when it comes to being sick or lack-thereof. I just assumed I'd be the same way... :) Oh good lordy, I was WRONG! I got sick as a dog. Luckily I didn't throw up as much as some of my dear friends, but I was sick all. day. long! I had aversions to almost all foods. I literally ate PB&J, Cereal, Mac and cheese and the occasional chicken noodle soup. Oh and chocolate...unfortunately. It was a rough few months, especially since I never get sick and am not used to being down like that. 

THANK THE LORD for Scott. He was a saint. Often times I wondered how long he was going to stick around, lol. HE DID EVERYTHING! He cleaned, he worked, he made me food at the drop of a dime, he held my hair and rubbed my back while at the toilet (something he SWORE he could NEVER do), he encouraged me when I'd break down (not my norm). He was/is wonderful. I experienced his ability to serve at a whole NEW LEVEL. I've always known that he has a servants heart, but this was hard and he STILL did it. ALL. I love him more today because of those few months...not sure he can say the same about me :)

October 15th I entered into my 2nd Trimester...and heavens light shown upon me!...or at least it felt that way. I started to feel a MILLION times better. Praise the LORD! The past two months have been a breeze. Makes me look back at the 1st Trimester and realize how miserable I really was..YUCKO! 

I have grown quite a bit. I AM growing. Tennley is growing. All wonderful things...a bit scary at times if one watches the scale. YIKES! At 17.5 weeks we were able to see Tennley for the second time. The first time she looked like a peanut. This time, she looked like a baby. It was awe-inspiring. Amazing. God is a master artist. She is perfect. Before this appointment, Scott was convinced she was a HE. However, when he saw her on the screen (unable to see ANY part male or female) he says he knew deep down we were having a girl. I like that story. I digress. As stated in Scott's blog, she was active! At the time we attributed it to the caffeine I had beforehand (tisk, tisk). She danced across that screen. She was a sight!

Since then she has continued to develop and has not given up her dance MOVES Although she isn't very strong, I feel her kicks quite often. It's like magic. The neatest feeling ever! I cannot wait till she is strong enough for Scott to feel her from the outside.

I don't crave crazy things at all. I still have aversions to rich foods, some of which were my favorite things to eat pre-pregnancy. I prefer to eat at home...apparently my cooking is safe and bland enough for my liking :) I LOVE oranges. I eat about one a day sometimes two. That's it. Oh....wait....and sweets. Which are and will forever be a weakness for me. Pregnant or not pregnant. Those are my pregnancy eating weirdnesses thus far.

Sleeping is becoming less fulfilling. I toss. I turn. I use pillows. I don't use pillows. I have pee :) It could be and WILL get worse. I am aware of this. My back has begun to ache. And I have about two outfits that currently fit, both of which are preggo clothes. By no means am I complaining, just say'n! All part of the process, each stage very exciting.

Grandma and Grandpa Higley bought Tennley her crib. It is beautiful. It should be delivered within the week...talk about reality check! So excited to get it in. 

We had our monthly appointment this past Wednesday. We don't get to see her via ultrasound until 28 weeks or so, so this appointment was just listening to her heartbeat. Still very cool. Once the doctor was able to catch her (again, she was moving ALL over the place) she confirmed that she is healthy and her heartbeat is right on! God is good.

Today Tennley is 22 weeks. She is compared to a spaghetti squash this week...I am pretty sure that is JUST for length comparisons.

I get emails each week updating me on Tennley's growth. Below is the email for this week...

Your Baby in Week 22 of Pregnancy
This week, your baby weighs in at a whopping pound and measures nearly eight inches, about the size of a small doll. But your little doll (who now has eyebrows, eyelashes, and maybe even some hair on that little head) is a living one who can now perceive light and dark. She can also hear your voice, your heartbeat, your gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through your body. And as her brain and nerve endings develop, she may reach for her face (or whatever she can reach) just to experiment with her newfound sense of touch. 

I am continually thankful and humbled by this little life that has been entrusted to us. I am constantly reminded of her whereabouts in my tummy, and for that, I am blessed. She becomes more and more of a reality with each passing day. Ready or not here she comes :)

Thanks for reading...and stay tuned!

 5 weeks

 12 Weeks

 20 weeks

a WONDERFUL surprise!

Often times I think the older sister gets gypped! Yea, I typed correctly. My sister has this ability to throw thoughtful bridal showers, bachelorette parties and a FABULOUS surprise baby shower. I can't say that I've lived up to the example set forth (sorry des!) Someday, I hope to return the favor. I blame my lack-thereof on my adolescents ;)

During our visit to Sacramento there was an evening set aside to have dinner with both sides of our family. Out -to-eat sort of thing. The plan was to meet at Arcade church which was the "half-way point" for all family members. We arrived around 6pm-ish and Phil suggested we go wait inside where is was warm (geez, Sac was cold that week!) As we walked into the room we were greeted by about 50+ of our closest family and friends in the NOR-CAL area. WHAT. A. BLESSING.

My Sister, My Mom and Marie planned a surprise baby shower for Tennley, Scott and I. It was Beautiful. Fun. Overwhelming. Heart Warming. Generous. And PERFECT in every way! Tennley got 6 pairs of shoes(!), some ADORABLE outfits, beautiful blankets, her first baby doll and a diaper bag! ...not to mention gift cards that will go a LONG way. Showered with love and gifts.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DES, Mom and Marie. It truly meant the world to all three of us. So special to have been able to share this time with YOU and all wonderful people in Sacramento. What an incredible blessing!

 Stunning

 The cupcakes were FABULOUS

 Beautifully done Des, You have a gift!

 Thanks for all the YUMMY treats Mom & Dad!

 So Blessed!

Scott's best friends growing up...minus Brooke.

 Put me down auntie...

 Brody doing his thing...eating!

 Eli helping dad clean...

 Eli changing the trash...without being asked OR prompted to. 

He's a HOOT!

Wonderful wonderful friends and family who are always supporting us!

Thank you to all who came and were apart of our shower! 

We LOVE YOU!

Rewind...Thanksgiving

Scott and I realized we aren't quite sure when the last time we spent Thanksgiving with family was...possibly the beginning of our college careers? 6-7 years ago. Not sure! Nonetheless, it's been a while.

The time spent in Sacramento was precious. HIGHLIGHTS: OUR NEPHEWS! Eli and Brody are both at ages where they do ALL the entertaining. And entertaining it is! Both such different personalities, but there personalities play off of each other SO well. Dynamic Duo.

Thanksgiving day consisted of waking up to the scrumptious smell of Joni's homemade cinnamon rolls. Megan, Drew and Brody coming over to watch the Macy's Day Parade (this is a MUST on thanksgiving day, such a fun tradition I grew up with that I still LOVE <3) After the parade, or close to the end, Scott and I drove to my parents house to help cook the Thanksgiving meal that both sides of our family would be apart of. I made the sweet potato souffle...and ate LOTS of crab lorenz (a Grandma Joanie tradition, i sure do miss her). A few games of cards, munching here and there and before we knew the whole gang was there ready to chow down!

Having all the people, that help make our worlds turn, in one place at one time...is always magical. I cherish these moments captured. Thankful for our families. Blessed by the time we were able to come out (Thanks Phil!) LOVE YOU ALL. Until next time

the verdict is in

(FIRST DAY I FOUND OUT)

Pregnancy is hard...and I'm not even the one who's carrying a baby.

Ashley and I just realized that we (she) hasn't even blogged about being pregnant yet. Oh well. Read a book about someone elses pregnancy.

Last night, I drove with Ashley to go to one of her pitching lessons. I don't usually go, but we had business to cover. We HAD to nail down the names of this baby. So that's what we did. We talked, we dreamed and reminisced about important people in our lives who we would name our child after.

The names were set. We arrived at her lesson which was at an indoor pitching facility...and by that, I mean old warehouse. There was a dirty mattress in the corner of this warehouse...and self-storage spaces. I tried to imagine how many people could have been held hostage and tortured as Ashley critiqued her pitcher. I imagine at least 9...hopefully, less are actually there, though.

Anyways--

This morning was our big day! Our morning started at 8am as we drove over to grab some McDonald's. I take any chance I get to go to McDonald's...I love that place. It was Ashley's suggestion. She was craving it...she never wants McDonald's. I love pregnancy cravings.

So we grabbed our food and sat down in the booth. We had heard that drinking a little bit of caffeine before the ultrasound would help with baby movement. Ashley has steered clear of caffeine during the pregnancy, so her medium Dr. Pepper hit the spot.

We drove over to the ObGyn and waited. The lady behind the desk was both the oldest and slowest woman ever. Nothing wrong about that. Good for her, a working independent woman, but we were in a rush...so I was irritated.

Finally--the nurse called us back and walked us to a room...Her name was Amy. Amy turned the machines on and we were in business. I sat down next to Ashley and watched our child flash onto the flat screen television in front of us. Incredible.

It looked like a human.

It looked like a baby.

It looked like our baby.

And holy cow...this kid was bouncing all over the place! (The caffeine might have been a little much. Possible caffeine overdose.)

But serious somersaults, flips and turns were happening in front of our eyes...everything. Literally, all over the place. With legs closed.

We saw the face.

We saw the hands.

We saw both feet...5 toes each!

We saw a healthy beating heart.

We saw everything that made up our child. Well, almost everything.

Legs. still. closed.

Amy said that she would have to take a few measurements, and then she would go back to trying to determine the gender.

So she started measuring...everything.

We watched as different parts of our child flashed on the screen. It was amazing. Surreal. Powerful.

With the baby bouncing around so much it was tough to take the measurements. But Amy decided to try to sneak another peak at the "goods".

And again...Legs closed and tucked up underneath.

Amy had a hunch. But didn't want to say just yet.

We started to get a little concerned that maybe today we wouldn't be able to find out if we would be having a boy or a girl. Both of us, praying in our heads. Hoping for the best.

She sent Ashley to use the restroom in order to take the final measurement. Ashley returned and Amy started the machines up again.

Finally. A clear shot.

A perfect look at our perfect baby.

The verdict was in. 100% confirmation.

The weight is right on track.

The length is right on track.

Everything about the development is right on track.

Our baby GIRL is right on track.

Tennley Joan Stevenson is right on track.

Healthy, beautiful and growing.

(Joan is Ashley's grandma's name who passed away in NOV 2003)

I'm going to be a dad.

I'm going to have a baby girl.

A Daughter.

We're ecstatic. In awe. Blessed.

And cannot wait to meet her.

I'm not scared of girls. But I might be scared of daughters.

I have my work cut out for me.

Fathers and daughters have a special relationship.

I pray that I can be the father to her that she needs. Show her how she should be treated. Show her how she needs to be loved. I pray I can show her who Jesus is and who He can be to her in her own life. And I pray that she will never ever doubt the love that I have for her and her mom.

I am ready though. I really am. My wife is incredible. She's sweet. She's godly. She's amazing. And I can only bet that this other girl in my life will be just as incredible and sweet.

I cannot express how much I already love this little girl. It's amazing to say the least. I don't know how we could ever be the same.

Tennley Joan--already changing lives.

(TENNLEY AT 7 WEEKS)

(TENNLEY TODAY, AT 18 WEEKS)